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

Texas lets you update your driver 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 cannot use the online system, you can mail in a form or visit a DPS office in person. The address change itself does not extend your license expiration date—your license remains valid until its original renewal date.

You will need your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start any address change. If you are moving out of state or your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you cannot use the online system and must visit a DPS office instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at the DPS website is free and takes about 10 minutes, and you receive confirmation when ready.
  • You can mail a completed DL-43 form (Address Change) to the DPS with a copy of your proof of residency, and processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
  • In-person address changes at any DPS office take a few minutes and require your current driver license and one document proving your new address.
  • An address change does not renew your license or change its expiration date—it only updates where the state sends mail about your driving record.
  • If your license is expired, suspended, or you are moving out of state, you must visit a DPS office; the online system will not work.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Visit the Texas DPS online services portal at dps.texas.gov and select the address change option. You will need your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof of residency—apartment numbers, street direction abbreviations, and spelling all matter for mail delivery.

The system will confirm your change when ready and send you an email receipt. You do not need to print anything or visit an office. Your new address takes effect right away in the DPS system, though it may take a few days to appear in other state databases. This method works only if your license is current (not expired) and you are staying in Texas.

Mailing in an address change form

read or request the DL-43 form (Address Change) from the DPS website or any DPS office. Fill in your current driver license number, your new address, and sign the form. Attach one document that proves you live at the new address—a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. Do not send your actual driver license.

Mail the completed form and proof of residency to the address listed on the DL-43 form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DPS receives it. You will not receive a new license card in the mail; your existing license remains valid with the old address printed on it until you renew. The DPS system will show your new address, but the physical card will not change.

Updating your address in person at a DPS office

Bring your current driver license and one document proving your new address to any DPS office. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Tell the clerk you want to change your address only, not renew your license.

The process takes a few minutes. You will not receive a new card—your existing license card keeps the old address printed on it. The DPS database updates when ready with your new address. If you want a new card with the correct address printed on it, you would need to renew your license, which costs money and extends your expiration date.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DPS accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) is the most common choice. A lease or mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, government mail from a state or federal agency, or a homeowner's insurance policy all work. A cell phone bill typically does not work unless it shows your physical address, not just a billing address.

The document must match the name on your driver license. If you recently married or changed your name, bring both your old and new name documents, or update your name with DPS first before changing your address. Bring the original document or a clear photocopy—DPS will not accept a photo of the document on your phone.

When you cannot use the online system

If your driver license is expired, you must visit a DPS office to change your address. The online system will reject you. The same applies if your license is suspended or revoked—you cannot use the online portal and must go in person. If you are moving out of Texas, you should renew your license in your new state rather than just changing the address in Texas, since your Texas license will eventually expire and become invalid.

If you have lost your driver license or it was stolen, report it to DPS before changing the address. You will need to replace the license first, which requires a visit to a DPS office and costs a replacement fee. Once you have the replacement, you can change the address using any of the three methods above.

How long the address change takes to show up everywhere

The DPS system updates your address when ready when you change it online or in person, or within 7 to 10 business days if you mail the form. However, other agencies and organizations may take longer to receive the update. Your vehicle registration, insurance company, and voter registration may not reflect the new address for several weeks. If you need proof of your address change for a specific purpose—a bank, employer, or government office—ask the DPS for a printed confirmation or bring your proof of residency document instead.

If you change your address and then renew your license later, the new address will print on your renewal card automatically. You do not need to change it again when you renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. An address change updates the DPS database but does not issue a new card. Your existing card keeps the old address printed on it. If you want a new card with the correct address, you must renew your license, which costs money and extends your expiration date by several years.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, the online system will not allow it. You must visit a DPS office in person with your expired license and proof of your new address. Bring your Social Security card or other ID as well, since an expired license alone may not be sufficient for the clerk to verify your identity.

What if I move and do not update my address right away?

Your license remains valid at your old address until it expires. However, any mail from DPS—renewal notices, traffic record updates, or suspension notices—will go to the old address and you may miss it. Update your address as soon as you move to make sure you receive important notices.

Does changing my address affect my vehicle registration?

No. Your driver license address and vehicle registration address are separate. You must update your vehicle registration address separately with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles if you want your registration documents to reflect your new address.

Can I change my address online if I am moving to another state?

The online system will process the change, but you should renew your license in your new state instead. Your Texas license will eventually expire and become invalid. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving, so plan to visit your new state's DMV soon after you arrive.