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

Texas lets you update your driver's license address without renewing the entire license. The fastest route is the online system at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a form to DPS or walk into a driver's license office in person — both take longer but work just as well.

The method you choose depends on how soon you need the change recorded and whether you want a new physical card. An online address change updates your record when ready but does not send you a new card with the new address printed on it. A mail or in-person change also updates your record, and you can request a replacement card at the same time if you want one.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at the DPS website is free and takes effect the same day, but your physical card will still show the old address until you request a replacement.
  • You need your Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to change your address online.
  • If you mail the change, use Form DL-43 (Change of Address) and send it to the DPS address listed on the form; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • Visiting a driver's license office in person is the fastest way to get both your record updated and a new card printed with your new address on the same day.
  • You must update your address within 30 days of moving to a new Texas residence, though the penalty for missing this important date is typically a warning rather than a fine.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Online Services" section. You will find a link for "Change of Address" in the driver's license services area. Click it and you will be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. DPS uses these to verify your identity without requiring you to upload documents.

After you enter your information, you will be prompted to type in your new address. Double-check it before you submit — the system will not ask you to confirm a second time. Once you submit, your address change takes effect when ready in the DPS database. You will receive a confirmation number on screen; take a screenshot or write it down in case you need to reference it later.

The online change is free and when ready, but understand what it does and does not do. Your driver's license record is updated right away, so if a police officer runs your license, they will see your new address. Your physical card, however, still shows the old address. If you want a new card printed with the new address, you will need to request a replacement card and pay a fee (currently $16 for a standard replacement, though fees change periodically).

Mailing a change of address form to DPS

read Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Texas DPS website or pick one up at any driver's license office. Fill in your current driver's license number, your new address, and sign the form. You do not need to include documents — DPS will match the information against your existing license record.

Mail the completed form to the address printed on the form itself. DPS has multiple regional offices, and the form will tell you which address to use based on your location. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want DPS to mail you a confirmation. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your form, so mail it early if you have a important date.

Like the online method, mailing the form updates your address in the DPS system but does not automatically send you a new card. If you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it, write a note on the form requesting one and include a check or money order for the replacement fee. DPS will process both requests together.

Updating your address in person at a driver's license office

Walk into any Texas 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 government mail dated within the last 30 days. Tell the clerk you want to change your address.

The clerk will update your record on the spot, which takes a few minutes. If you also want a replacement card printed with your new address, ask for one at the same time. You will pay the replacement fee (currently $16) and the new card will be printed before you leave — you can walk out with it the same day. This is the only method that gives you an updated physical card when ready.

Bring your Social Security card or another document with your Social Security number on it, because DPS will ask for it. If you do not have it with you, you can still update your address, but you may not be able to request a replacement card in the same visit. Check the DPS website for your local office's hours and whether it accepts walk-ins or requires an appointment; many offices now use an online appointment system.

What counts as proof of your new address

DPS accepts documents dated within the last 30 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or mail from a government agency all work. A bank statement or credit card statement with your address on it also counts.

If you do not have any of these documents yet — for example, if you just moved and have not received a utility bill at the new address — you can use a notarized affidavit of residency. This is a signed statement, witnessed and stamped by a notary public, saying that you live at the new address. You can get one from a notary at a bank, UPS store, or online notary service. This option takes extra time and costs a small fee, so use it only if you have no other proof available.

The 30-day rule and what happens if you miss it

Texas law requires you to update your driver's license address within 30 days of moving. The 30 days starts from the date you move, not the date you change your address. If you move on June 1, you have until July 1 to report the change.

If you do not update your address within 30 days, you are technically in violation of Texas Transportation Code Section 521.054. In practice, this is rarely enforced as a criminal matter. Most officers will issue a warning if they discover the discrepancy during a traffic stop. However, it is still a good idea to update your address promptly, because an outdated address can cause problems with vehicle registration renewal notices, court documents, and other official mail.

Updating your address when you also need to renew your license

If your driver's license is expiring soon and you are also moving, you have two choices. You can change your address now using any of the three methods above, then renew your license separately when it is due. Or you can wait and handle both the address change and renewal together when you renew.

If you renew online through the DPS website, you will be asked for your current address during the renewal process, so you can update it at that time. If you renew in person at a driver's license office, bring your proof of new address and the clerk will update both your address and your license in one visit. Renewing in person is often the most efficient choice if both are due around the same time, because you get a new card with the correct address printed on it without paying a separate replacement fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my vehicle registration when I change my driver's license address?

Yes, you should update your vehicle registration address separately. Your driver's license and vehicle registration are two different records. You can change your registration address online through the Texas DMV portal, by mail, or at a county tax assessor's office. Do both changes so your records match.

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

If you moved permanently to another state, you should get a driver's license in that state instead of updating your Texas address. However, if you are temporarily out of state and keeping your Texas license, you can update your address to your new location using any of the three methods. DPS will accept an out-of-state address.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

Yes, you can change your address even if your license is suspended or revoked. The address change is a separate transaction from the status of your license. Update your address so DPS can reach you about your suspension or revocation status.

How long does a replacement card take if I request one by mail?

If you mail Form DL-43 and request a replacement card, DPS will process both requests together. The card typically arrives within two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your form. Mail your form early if you need the new card by a specific date.

What if the DPS website says my information does not match?

If the online system rejects your information, it usually means a typo in your driver's license number or Social Security number. Try again carefully. If it still does not work, use the mail or in-person method instead — both are just as fast and do not rely on the online verification system.