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

Texas lets you update your driver license address without getting a new license, as long as you are not changing your name, date of birth, or other identifying information. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offers three ways to do it: online through their website, by mail with a form, or by walking into a DPS office. Online is fastest — you can finish in minutes. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person visits are when ready but require you to go to an office during business hours.

Your address change takes effect right away once DPS processes it. You do not need to notify your insurance company or vehicle registration separately, though your insurance company may want to know your new address for billing and coverage purposes. Your current license remains valid; DPS straightforward updates their records.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the DPS website is the fastest option and works if you have a valid Texas driver license and a way to verify your identity.
  • You must use your current address on file with DPS to start any address change request, whether online or by mail.
  • Mail-in requests require Form DL-43 (Change of Address), a copy of your license, and proof of your new address such as a utility bill or lease.
  • In-person changes at a DPS office take a few minutes and require only your current license and proof of your new address.
  • Address changes do not affect your vehicle registration — you will update that separately if you move to a different county.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the DPS website and select the option to change your address. You will need your current Texas driver license number, the address currently on file with DPS, and a way to verify your identity — usually a credit card or debit card. The system will ask you to confirm your current address, enter your new address, and review the information before submitting.

Once you submit online, DPS processes the change within one business day in most cases. You will receive a confirmation number on screen. Your updated license will arrive by mail within seven to ten business days, though your address change is active in the DPS system when ready. You do not need to do anything else — keep your old license until the new one arrives.

Changing your address by mail

Request Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the DPS website or call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-844-DPS-5555. Fill out the form with your current information and new address. You will need to include a copy of your current driver license (front and back) and proof of your new address.

Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at your new location. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days. Mail the completed form, your license copy, and proof of address to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any DPS Driver License office in Texas with your current license and proof of your new address. Bring the same documents you would mail: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent government mail showing your name and new address. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations use a reservation system during busy hours.

The staff member will verify your information, update your address in the system, and give you a receipt. Your address change is complete when ready. Your updated license will arrive by mail within seven to ten business days. If you need to know the hours and location of your nearest office, search the DPS office locator on their website.

What counts as proof of your new address

DPS accepts documents that show your name and new address and are dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works if it shows your name and address. Government mail such as a tax notice, voter registration card, or court document also counts.

Documents that do not count include credit card statements, bank statements, or insurance documents — even though these show your address, DPS does not accept them for address verification. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on official letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date.

Updating your vehicle registration when you move

Changing your driver license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. If you move to a different Texas county, you must renew your vehicle registration in the new county. If you stay in the same county, you can update your registration address without renewing, though it is not required.

To update your registration, visit your county tax assessor-collector's office or handle it online through the Texas DMV website if your county offers online renewal. You will need your vehicle registration card, proof of your new address, and proof of insurance. Some counties allow you to update your address by mail. Check your county's website for the specific process and any fees.

What happens if you move and do not update your address

Your driver license remains valid even if the address on it no longer matches where you live. However, you may not receive important mail from DPS, such as renewal notices or notices about violations. If you are pulled over, the officer will see your old address on your license, which can raise questions but does not make the license invalid.

For vehicle registration, driving with an outdated registration address can result in a ticket in some situations, particularly if you are stopped in a different county. The safest approach is to update both your license and registration within 30 days of moving. Texas law does not set a specific important date for updating your license address, but doing it promptly prevents confusion and ensures you receive official mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online if my license is expired?

No, your license must be valid to use the online method. If your license is expired, renew it first or use the mail-in or in-person method. For renewal, you will need to visit a DPS office or use their online renewal system if you are within two years of expiration.

Do I need to change my address if I move within the same city?

You are not required to, but it is a good idea. Updating your address ensures DPS has your correct location for any official correspondence. If you stay in the same county, your vehicle registration does not need to change, but updating your license address is still recommended.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

After DPS processes your address change, your updated license arrives within seven to ten business days. Online changes process within one business day. Mail-in requests take one to two weeks to process, plus seven to ten days for mailing. Your address change is active in the DPS system when ready, even before the new license arrives.

What if I move out of state?

You will need to get a driver license in your new state. Texas will not renew or update a license for someone who no longer lives in Texas. Contact your new state's DMV to learn their requirements for getting a license. You can keep your Texas license as a form of ID, but you cannot legally drive with it as your primary license in another state.

Can I change my address at the same time I renew my license?

Yes. When you renew your license online, by mail, or in person, you can update your address as part of the renewal process. This is often the easiest time to make the change since you are already providing updated information to DPS.