You can change 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 update your address without renewing your license early. The fastest route is the online change through the DPS website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you cannot go online, you can mail a form or visit a driver's license office in person. Your license itself does not change — only the address on file — so you keep the same card.

You must change your address within 30 days of moving to a new Texas residence. Driving with an outdated address on your license is not illegal, but it can create problems during traffic stops, insurance claims, or if you need to renew. Getting it done early saves you from having to fix it during a renewal later.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through the DPS website is free and takes about 10 minutes if you have your driver's license number and a valid email address.
  • You can also mail Form DL-43 to the DPS address processing center, though processing takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person changes at any DPS driver's license office are when ready and require only your current license and proof of your new address.
  • An outdated address does not invalidate your license but can delay insurance payouts and complicate traffic stops.
  • You do not need to pay a fee or take a new photo — only your address record changes.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the address change option under "Driver's License Services." 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 enter your new address and confirm your email. Once you submit, you receive a confirmation email when ready.

The online change is permanent within one business day. Your new address appears in the DPS system right away, even though your physical license card still shows the old address. This is enough for most purposes — insurance companies, law enforcement, and government agencies all check the DPS database, not the card itself. You do not receive a new card unless you renew your license.

The online method works only if your license is valid and not suspended. If your license is expired or suspended, you must visit a driver's license office in person or mail the form.

Mailing Form DL-43 to update your address by post

read Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the DPS website or pick one up at any driver's license office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the DPS address processing center — the address is printed on the form itself. Include a copy of your driver's license (front and back) and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. There is no fee. You will not receive a confirmation call or email — the change is complete when your new address appears in the system. If you need to verify it went through, you can call the DPS customer service line after three weeks.

Keep a copy of the form and proof of mailing (like a receipt from the post office) in case there is a delay. If your mail gets lost, you can always submit the form again or visit an office in person.

Changing your address in person at a DPS driver's license office

Visit any Texas DPS driver's license office with your current driver's license and one document proving your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations now use online scheduling — check your local office's website first.

The change is when ready. The clerk updates your address in the system while you wait, and you walk out with your license unchanged but your address corrected in the DPS database. There is no fee and no photo required. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

In-person is the best option if your license is expired, suspended, or if you want the change recorded when ready. It is also the fastest way if you do not have email access or prefer not to use the online system.

What counts as proof of your new address

DPS accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet) are the most common. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works even if it is older, as long as it is an original or certified copy. Bank statements, credit card statements, and government mail (tax documents, voter registration, court papers) all count.

Documents that do not count include credit card offers, insurance policies with your old address, or anything addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant." If you just moved and have not received mail at your new address yet, a signed lease with your name and the new address is usually accepted. Ask the clerk before you submit anything if you are unsure.

Why your address matters on your driver's license

Your address on file with DPS is what insurance companies, law enforcement, and government agencies see when they look you up. If you are in a traffic stop and your license shows an old address, the officer will see a mismatch in the system, which can slow things down and raise questions. More importantly, if you have an accident and file an insurance claim, the insurer checks your address against DPS records — a mismatch can delay payment or complicate the claim.

Voter registration, jury duty notices, and vehicle registration renewal notices are all mailed to the address on file with DPS. If you do not update it, you may miss important mail. Some employers and landlords also verify your address against your driver's license, so keeping it current protects you from identity issues.

Timeline and what to expect after you change your address

Online changes take effect within one business day. Mail takes two to three weeks. In-person changes are when ready. Once your address is updated in the DPS system, it is visible to insurance companies, law enforcement, and other agencies that check the database — usually within 24 hours.

Your physical driver's license card will still show your old address until you renew it. This is normal and does not cause problems, because everyone who matters checks the DPS database, not the card. When you renew your license (every five or eight years, depending on your age), you will receive a new card with your current address printed on it.

If you change your address again before your license expires, you can update it the same way — there is no limit to how many times you can change your address on file.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Only your address in the DPS system changes. Your physical license card stays the same and still shows your old address. You will receive a new card with your updated address printed on it only when you renew your license at the end of its validity period.

What if I moved out of state but still have a valid Texas license?

You should update your address to your new out-of-state address through the online system or by mail. However, if you have moved permanently, you may need to get a driver's license from your new state instead. Check your new state's requirements — most require you to get a license within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, not online. You must visit a driver's license office in person or mail the form with a copy of your expired license. In-person is faster — bring your expired license and proof of your new address, and the clerk will update your address and handle the renewal at the same time if you want.

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

Online changes appear within one business day. Mail takes two to three weeks. In-person changes are when ready. Insurance companies and law enforcement typically see the update within 24 hours of it being recorded in the DPS system.

What if I do not have a document with my new address on it yet?

A signed lease agreement with your name and the new address is usually accepted, even if it has not been mailed to you yet. Some offices also accept a notarized statement from your landlord or a utility company letter confirming your new address. Call your local DPS office to ask what they will accept before you visit.