Report your address change to Texas DPS in person at any driver license office, by mail using Form DL-43, or online through the Texas DPS website if you have a Real ID or standard license

Texas Department of Public Safety requires you to update your driver license or ID card address within 30 days of moving. The fastest method is the online portal on the Texas DPS website — you can complete it in minutes if your license is current and you have your driver license number. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail Form DL-43 (Change of Address) to the DPS address listed on the form, or walk into any Texas driver license office with your new proof of residency.

Your address on file affects where the state mails your renewal notice, where law enforcement can reach you, and what address appears on your physical card. Updating it prevents missed renewal important date and ensures official documents go to the right place.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 30 days from your move date to report the address change to Texas DPS, though updating sooner prevents mail delays.
  • The online method through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option and requires only your driver license number and new address.
  • Mailing Form DL-43 takes one to two weeks for processing and requires a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement as proof of your new address.
  • In-person visits at a driver license office update your address when ready and let you request a new card with the updated address printed on it.
  • Your old address remains valid for driving purposes during the 30-day window, but updating early prevents renewal notices from going to your former address.

Update your address online through the Texas DPS website

The Texas DPS website has a dedicated address-change portal that works for most standard and Real ID licenses. You will need your driver license number, your new address, and an email address to receive confirmation. The process takes about five minutes and costs nothing.

Log into the Texas DPS online services portal, select the address-change option, enter your new address, and submit. You will receive an email confirmation when ready. The address updates in the system within one business day, though your physical card will still show your old address until you renew or request a replacement. This method works for address changes only — it does not change your name, license class, or other information on the card itself.

Mail Form DL-43 to update your address by post

Form DL-43 is the official Texas DPS Change of Address form. You can read it from the Texas DPS website, print it, fill it out by hand, and mail it with a copy of your proof of residency. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and new address dated within the last 60 days.

Mail the completed form and proof of residency to the address listed on the form itself — this is typically the DPS headquarters in Austin, though the form will specify the correct mailing address. Processing takes one to two weeks. You will not receive a confirmation letter; the address straightforward updates in the system. Your physical card will not change unless you request a replacement card at the same time, which requires an additional fee.

Visit a driver license office in person for when ready updates

Walking into any Texas driver license office with proof of your new address is the only method that updates your address and your physical card on the same day. Bring your current driver license or ID card, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and proof of Social Security number if you do not have a Real ID. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Tell the clerk you need to update your address. They will verify your identity, scan your proof of residency, and update the system. If you want a new card printed with the updated address, you can request it at the same visit — this costs around $16 and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail. If you decline the replacement card, your old card remains valid but will show your former address.

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 option. A lease agreement or mortgage statement also works. Government mail such as a tax bill, voter registration card, or court document with your name and address is acceptable. A bank or credit card statement with your new address works as well.

The document must be in your name — a roommate's utility bill will not work. If you just moved and have not yet received a bill in your name, ask your utility company for a letter confirming your account and address, or bring a signed lease with your name and move-in date. Some offices are flexible if you explain the timing; calling ahead to ask what they will accept can save a trip.

Timeline for address changes and renewal notices

If you update your address online or by mail, the change takes effect within one to two business days. If you update in person, it takes effect when ready. Your renewal notice will be mailed to whichever address is on file in the system at the time the notice is generated — usually about 60 days before your license expires.

If you move and do not update your address, your renewal notice will go to your old address and you may miss it. Texas allows you to renew online or by mail if your license is not suspended, so a missed notice is not a disaster, but updating your address prevents the confusion. If you move frequently, updating as soon as you have proof of residency keeps your file current.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to get a new card printed when I change my address?

No. Your address updates in the system regardless of whether you request a new card. Your old card remains valid for driving. You only need a new card if you want the updated address printed on the physical card itself, which costs extra and takes two weeks to arrive.

What happens if I do not update my address within 30 days?

There is no penalty for missing the 30-day window, but your file will show an outdated address. This can cause renewal notices to go to your old address and may complicate things if you are pulled over and the officer sees a different address than what you provide. Update it as soon as you can.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person even if your license is expired. However, if you are in person at a driver license office, you may be asked to renew at the same time, which requires additional documents and fees.

Will my old address still work for voting or other purposes during the 30-day window?

Your driver license is a form of ID, not a voter registration. If you move, you must also update your voter registration separately with your county election office. Your driver license address change does not automatically update your voter file.

What if I moved out of state — do I still need to update my Texas address?

If you no longer live in Texas, you should explore for a driver license in your new state instead of updating your Texas address. Once you have a license in your new state, you can let your Texas license expire or formally surrender it to avoid confusion.