You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Texas DPS office

Texas lets you update your driver's license address without getting a new card. The fastest route is the online system at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, which takes about 10 minutes if your information matches their records. If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a form or visit a DPS office in person. Your old license stays valid during the change — you do not need a temporary document.

The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change recorded and whether you have access to the internet. All three routes are free.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at the Texas DPS website is the fastest option and requires only your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • If you change your address online, the update appears in the system when ready, though your physical card will still show the old address.
  • The mail-in route requires Form DL-43 (Change of Address), a copy of your driver's license, and proof of your new address, and takes two to three weeks.
  • Visiting a DPS office in person works if the online system rejects your information, and you can complete it while you wait.
  • You do not need to renew your license to change your address — the two are separate transactions.

Changing your address online through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to change your address. You will need your driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it. If your information matches what DPS has on file, the change processes when ready.

After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. Your address is now updated in the DPS system, and any future correspondence from the state will go to your new address. Your physical driver's license card will still show your old address until you renew it, but that does not affect the validity of your license or the address on file.

If the online system rejects your information — usually because something does not match their records exactly — you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.

Mailing in your address change with Form DL-43

read Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Texas DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. Fill in your current driver's license number, your new address, and sign the form. Include a copy of your driver's license (front and back) and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Mail the completed form, your license copy, and proof of address to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. You do not need to include payment — there is no fee for an address change.

Keep your confirmation number or a photo of what you mailed in case you need to follow up. If you do not hear back within four weeks, contact your local DPS office to confirm they received it.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS office with your current driver's license and one document proving your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 60 days). Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will verify your information, update your record, and give you a confirmation. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Your address updates in the system when ready. Your physical card still shows the old address, but your record is current. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you may wait longer during peak hours (lunch time and late afternoon on weekdays). Check the DPS website for your nearest office location and hours.

What counts as proof of your new address

Texas DPS accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement also works. Some offices accept a government letter addressed to you at your new address, such as a tax document or voter registration confirmation.

Do not use a post office change-of-address form as your only proof — DPS needs a document that shows your actual residence address, not just a forwarding instruction. If you are having trouble finding acceptable proof, call your local DPS office and ask what they have on file and what documents they will accept.

When your address change takes effect and what happens next

If you change your address online, the update is active when ready in the DPS system. If you mail the form or visit in person, the change takes effect once DPS processes your request — usually within two to three weeks for mail, when ready for in-person visits. Once your address is updated, any future notices from DPS (such as renewal reminders) will go to your new address.

Your driver's license card itself will not change. It will still show your old address until you renew your license. When you renew, you will receive a new card with your current address. This does not affect the validity of your license or your driving record — the address on the card is just a reference, and the official record is what matters.

What to do if the online system will not accept your information

The online system sometimes rejects information because a name, date of birth, or Social Security number does not match exactly what DPS has in their system. Common reasons include a middle initial that was recorded differently, a hyphenated last name entered without the hyphen, or a date of birth that was entered incorrectly when you first got your license.

If this happens, use the mail-in method with Form DL-43 or visit a DPS office in person. Bring your driver's license and proof of address. The clerk can look up your record, see what is causing the mismatch, and correct it while they process your address change. This usually takes one visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to get a new driver's license card when I change my address?

No. An address change is separate from a license renewal. Your card will still show your old address, but your official record with DPS will be updated. You will get a new card with the current address when you renew your license at the end of its validity period.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online process takes about 10 minutes to complete, and the change is recorded when ready. You will receive a confirmation number right away. If you need written proof of the change, take a screenshot of the confirmation page.

What if I moved out of state — do I still change my Texas address?

If you moved permanently out of state, you should get a driver's license in your new state instead of updating your Texas address. If you are moving temporarily but keeping your Texas license, you can update your address to your new location, even if it is out of state.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You can change your address online or by mail even if your license is expired. If you visit in person, bring your expired license and proof of your new address. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to renew it instead of just changing the address — contact DPS to confirm.

What if I do not have a document with my new address on it yet?

Most people have at least one document within 60 days of moving — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. If you genuinely cannot find one, call your local DPS office and explain your situation. Some offices have flexibility for people who just moved and have not received bills yet, though this varies by location.