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

Texas allows you to update your address without renewing your license early. The fastest method is online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website if your license is still valid and you have not had a name change. If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a form to DPS or visit a driver license office in person. The address change itself costs nothing, though some methods require you to provide documents that prove your new address.

Your address on your driver's license matters for mail delivery, vehicle registration renewal notices, and law enforcement records. If you move and do not update it, you may miss important notices from the state about registration or license renewal, and an officer checking your ID will see outdated information.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Texas DPS website takes minutes and costs nothing if your license is valid and you have not changed your name.
  • By mail, you send Form DL-43 with a document proving your new address to the DPS address listed on the form.
  • In person, you visit any Texas driver license office with your current license and proof of your new address.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or other official mail showing your name and current address.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Visit the Texas DPS online services portal at dps.texas.gov and select the option to change your address. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your current address and enter your new one. Once you submit, the change is processed when ready and your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days.

This method only works if your license has not expired and you have not had a legal name change since it was issued. If either of those applies to you, use the mail or in-person method instead.

Mailing a form to update your address

read or request Form DL-43 from the DPS website or any driver license office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Attach a document that proves your new address—this must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail.

Mail the completed form and proof of address to the DPS address listed on the form itself. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DPS receives it. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address. Keep a copy of what you send in case you need to follow up.

Updating your address in person at a DPS office

Bring your current driver's license and one document proving your new address to any Texas driver license office. The office staff will update your record on the spot. You can choose to receive your updated license by mail (7 to 10 business days) or, at some offices, you may be able to get a temporary paper license to use when ready while your new one is printed and mailed.

No appointment is required at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DPS website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go.

What counts as proof of your new address

DPS accepts documents that show your name and your new address and were issued or dated within the last 60 days. These include utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease or rental agreements, mortgage statements, property tax statements, bank or credit card statements, insurance documents, or government correspondence. The document must be an original or certified copy—a photo or photocopy is not accepted.

If you do not have any of these documents yet because you just moved, ask your landlord, utility company, or bank for a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. Some will provide this at no cost.

Timing and what to expect after you submit

Online changes are processed when ready, and your new license ships within 7 to 10 business days. Mail submissions take 2 to 3 weeks from receipt. In-person updates are recorded right away, with your new license arriving by mail in 7 to 10 days unless you receive a temporary paper license at the office.

Your new license will have the same number and expiration date as your current one—only the address changes. If you need to know the status of your mailed license, you can contact the DPS driver license section by phone or check the DPS website for a tracking option if available.

What happens if you move and do not update your address

Your vehicle registration renewal notice will be mailed to your old address, and you may miss the important date without realizing it. Driving with an expired registration is a traffic violation. Additionally, if you are pulled over, the officer's records will show an outdated address, which can complicate the stop. Some employers and insurance companies also check your driver's license address as part of their records.

Update your address as soon as you move, ideally before you renew your vehicle registration. If you have already missed a registration renewal notice, contact your county tax assessor-collector's office to find out your current registration status and renewal important date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to renew my license early if I change my address?

No. An address change does not affect your license expiration date. Your new license will have the same expiration as your current one and will be mailed to your new address.

Can I change my address if my license has expired?

You cannot use the online method if your license is expired. Use the mail or in-person method instead. You will need to bring or send your expired license along with proof of your new address.

What if I do not have a document showing my new address?

Ask your landlord, utility company, or bank for a letter on their official letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. This counts as proof of address for DPS purposes.

How long does it take to receive my updated license in the mail?

Online and in-person submissions typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail submissions take 2 to 3 weeks from the date DPS receives your form.

Do I need to update my vehicle registration address too?

Yes. Your vehicle registration is separate from your driver's license. Contact your county tax assessor-collector's office or use the online registration system to update your vehicle address as well.