Update your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

Texas lets you change your driver's license address without getting a new card. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offers three routes: an online change through their website, a mail-in form, or a visit to a DPS driver's license office. The online method is fastest — it takes minutes and costs nothing. Mail and in-person visits also work but take longer.

You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee to update your address. The change appears in the DPS system when ready (online) or within days (mail), even though your physical card keeps the old address until your next renewal. When you renew, you'll receive a card with the updated address printed on it.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through the Texas DPS website is free and takes a few minutes, with the change active in their system right away.
  • You can mail Form DL-43 (Change of Address) to the DPS address on the form, and the change processes within five to seven business days.
  • In-person updates at any DPS driver's license office take about 15 to 30 minutes and are processed the same day.
  • Your physical license card keeps the old address until you renew; the DPS system shows your new address when ready after you update it.
  • You'll need your driver's license number and the address you want on file, whether you update online, by mail, or in person.

Update your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Change of Address" option under driver's license services. You'll enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to verify your identity. Then you enter your new address and confirm the change.

The system processes the change when ready. Your new address goes into the DPS database right away, so it will show up if a police officer runs your license or if you need to prove your address for a job or apartment process. You don't receive a confirmation email or letter — the change just takes effect. If you want proof that you updated it, take a screenshot of the confirmation screen before you close the browser.

Mail in Form DL-43 to update by post

read or request Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the DPS website. Fill in your driver's license number, your current address, and your new address. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address printed on the form itself — this changes by region, so check the form to make sure you're sending it to the right office.

Processing takes five to seven business days after the DPS receives your form. There's no fee. You can mail it from anywhere in Texas or outside the state. Keep a copy for your records if you want proof you sent it, though the DPS won't send you a confirmation letter.

Visit a DPS driver's license office in person

Walk into any Texas DPS driver's license office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The office staff will update your address on the spot, and the change takes effect when ready.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning on a weekday is usually faster than afternoon or weekend. You don't need an appointment for an address change — it's a quick transaction. The office will not print a new card, but your address is updated in the system the same day.

What counts as proof of your new address

If you're updating in person, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address. The DPS accepts utility bills (electric, gas, water), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax statements, bank statements, insurance documents, or government mail. A piece of mail from a government agency counts even if it's older than 60 days.

If you don't have a physical document yet — for example, you just moved and haven't received a utility bill — ask the DPS office what they can accept. Some offices will take a signed lease or a letter from your landlord on letterhead. Call ahead to confirm what your local office will take rather than showing up without the right paperwork.

Update your address before you renew your license

Your physical driver's license card shows your old address until you renew it. When you renew — whether online, by mail, or in person — the DPS prints your new address on the replacement card. You can renew online through the DPS website if you meet the requirements (no major changes to your license, no medical conditions that need review, and you're not over 85).

You don't have to wait for renewal to update your address in the system. The DPS database shows your new address as soon as you change it, so police, employers, and landlords see the correct address when they look you up. The card itself is just a physical record — it doesn't control what's in the system.

Address changes for commercial driver's licenses

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must update your address in person at a DPS office. The online and mail options don't work for CDL holders. Bring your CDL, proof of your new address (dated within 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number. The office will process the change the same day.

CDL address changes are treated as a separate transaction from regular license updates, so allow extra time at the office. Call your local DPS office ahead of time to ask about wait times and confirm they have the documents you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your address updates in the DPS system without a new card. The card you have keeps the old address printed on it until you renew your license for other reasons. When you do renew, the replacement card will show your new address.

How long does it take for my address change to show up?

Online changes take effect when ready. Mail-in changes process within five to seven business days. In-person changes at a DPS office are processed the same day. The timeline refers to when the DPS system updates — your physical card doesn't change until you renew it.

Can I change my address online if I have a CDL?

No. Commercial driver's license holders must update their address in person at a DPS office. Regular driver's licenses and ID cards can be updated online, by mail, or in person.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Texas license?

You can update your address online or by mail from anywhere. If you moved to another state, you should eventually get a license in your new state, but you can update your Texas address in the DPS system first if you need to. Call the DPS to ask about your specific situation if you're unsure.

Is there a fee to change my address?

No. Address changes are free whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. You only pay a fee if you're renewing your license or getting a replacement card.