You can update your Texas driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you change your address without renewing your license early. The fastest route is the online system if your license is valid and you have a computer with internet access. If you prefer not to go online or your license is expired, you can mail in a form or visit a DPS office in person. The address change itself is free — you only pay if you're renewing your license at the same time.

Your address on file matters because it's what appears on your physical ID and what the state uses to contact you about tickets, registration renewals, and other official business. If you've moved and haven't updated it, mail from the state may go to your old address, and law enforcement will see outdated information if you're stopped.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through the Texas DPS website takes about 10 minutes and works only if your license is currently valid and not expired.
  • Mailing in Form DL-43 (Change of Address) costs nothing and takes 2 to 3 weeks, but you must include a copy of your current license and proof of your new address.
  • Visiting a DPS office in person is the fastest physical option and requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
  • You do not need to renew your license to change your address — the address change is a separate transaction that does not extend your license expiration date.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days showing your name and new address.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS online services portal at dps.texas.gov and look for the "Change of Address" option under driver's license services. You'll need your current Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity using this information.

Once you're logged in, enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your license. The change takes effect when ready in the state's system, but your physical license still shows the old address until you renew it. If you need the new address on your actual card right away, you'll have to renew your license at the same time, which costs the standard renewal fee.

The online system works only if your license is valid and not expired. If your license has expired, you must use the mail-in form or visit an office in person.

Mailing in a change of address form

read or request Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the DPS website or call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form with your current information and new address. You must include a photocopy of your current Texas driver's license (both sides) and one document showing your new address.

Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, or government mail addressed to you. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 90 days. Mail the completed form and copies to the address listed on the form — this varies by region, so check the form itself for the correct DPS office.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after DPS receives your form. Like the online method, your physical license won't show the new address until you renew it, but the address change takes effect in the state system once processed. Keep a copy of what you mail in case you need to follow up.

Updating your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS Driver License office with your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and proof of your Social Security number. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted for proof of residency or Social Security number.

Acceptable proof of residency is the same as for mail-in: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days and showing your name and address. For Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you don't have any of these, call ahead to ask what alternatives the office accepts.

The address change is processed on the spot, and you can request that your new address be printed on your physical license when ready. If you choose to have it printed, you'll pay the standard license renewal fee. If you decline, your license keeps the old address until your next renewal, but the state system updates right away.

What happens if you move before your license expires

You are not required to renew your license early just because you've moved. Your license remains valid until its expiration date even if the address on it is outdated. However, keeping your address current in the state system is important for receiving official mail and for what law enforcement sees during a traffic stop.

If you want the new address printed on your physical card before your license expires, you must renew your license at the same time you change the address. This costs the renewal fee (currently $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, though fees can change). You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.

Finding a DPS office near you and what to expect

Use the DPS office locator at dps.texas.gov to find the nearest Driver License office by city or zip code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours. Call ahead or check the office's hours online before you go, because wait times vary widely depending on location and time of day.

Bring all required documents in originals or certified copies — the office staff will not accept photocopies for proof of residency or Social Security number. Arrive early if possible; many offices get busy in the afternoon and on Fridays. If you're updating your address only (not renewing), the transaction usually takes 10 to 15 minutes once you're called.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move to a different Texas city?

You are not legally required to, but it's strongly recommended. Your license remains valid, but the state will mail official notices to your old address, and law enforcement will see outdated information if you're stopped. Updating takes just a few minutes online or in person.

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

If you've moved out of Texas permanently, you should get a driver's license in your new state instead of updating your Texas address. If you're keeping your Texas license active for some reason, you can still update the address to your out-of-state location through any of the three methods.

How long does it take to see the address change in the system?

Online changes take effect when ready. Mail-in forms take 2 to 3 weeks. In-person changes at a DPS office are processed on the spot. Your physical license won't show the new address until you renew it, regardless of which method you use.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, the online system requires a valid license. You must use the mail-in form or visit a DPS office in person. If you're going to an office anyway, you might consider renewing your license at the same time so you don't have to go back later.

What counts as proof of residency for an address change?

A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or credit card statement works if it shows your name, new address, and is dated within the last 90 days. Government mail addressed to you at your new address also counts. Bring the original or a certified copy.