You can update 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 change your address without renewing your license early. The fastest route is the online system at dps.texas.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to use the online portal, you can mail a form to DPS or walk into a driver's license office in person. The method you choose depends on whether you have a Real ID-compliant license and how quickly you need the change recorded.

Your address must match what DPS has on file for traffic tickets, vehicle registration, and insurance purposes. If you move and do not update it, tickets and registration renewal notices will go to your old address, and you may miss important important date. Texas does not require you to update your license within a specific number of days after moving, but doing it promptly prevents mail from being lost.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at dps.texas.gov is free and takes about 10 minutes if you have your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • You can also mail Form DL-43 (Change of Address) to the DPS address processing center, though this method takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person updates at a driver's license office are processed the same day, but you must bring your current license and proof of your new address.
  • Your address change does not affect your license expiration date or require you to pay a renewal fee.

Updating your address online through DPS

Go to dps.texas.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Change Address" from the menu. You will need your current Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your DPS records.

Once you submit the form, DPS processes it when ready and sends a confirmation email to the address you provide. Your new address takes effect right away in the DPS system, though the physical license in your wallet will still show your old address until you renew it. This is normal — the address on file is what matters for official purposes like traffic stops and vehicle registration.

If the online system rejects your information or you cannot remember your security question answers, you will need to use one of the other methods below.

Mailing Form DL-43 to DPS

read or request Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from dps.texas.gov or pick one up at any driver's license office. Fill in your name, driver's license number, old address, and new address. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address listed on the form — typically the DPS address processing center in Austin.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks. You do not need to include any documents or payment. DPS will send you a confirmation letter at your new address once the change is complete. This method works if you do not have internet access or prefer a paper trail, but it is the slowest option.

Updating your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas driver's license office with your current license and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 90 days. Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photo of the document usually will not work.

Tell the clerk you want to change your address only, not renew your license. The update is processed on the spot, and you walk out with your address changed in the DPS system. Your physical license still shows the old address until renewal, but that does not affect the validity of the change. There is no fee for an address-only update.

Wait times at driver's license offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. You can check wait times for your local office on the DPS website before you go.

What counts as proof of your new address

DPS accepts documents dated within the last 90 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works if it is recent enough. Government mail like a tax notice or voter registration card also counts. Some offices accept bank statements or insurance documents, but policies vary slightly by location.

The document must be an original or certified copy. A photograph, scan, or photocopy will not be accepted. If you do not have any of these documents yet — for example, if you just moved and utilities have not been activated — ask the clerk what alternatives they can accept. Some offices will work with you if you bring a signed lease and explain the situation.

Real ID licenses and address changes

If your license is Real ID-compliant (marked with a gold star in the top right corner), you can still change your address using any of the three methods above. The Real ID status does not change, and you do not need to provide additional documents beyond what is listed above. Your Real ID remains valid until your license expiration date.

If you are changing your address and your license is expiring within the next year, you may want to renew it at the same time to avoid another trip to the office. Renewal requires additional documents like proof of citizenship and residency, so ask the clerk whether it makes sense to do both at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my address change to show up in the system?

Online changes are when ready. Mail takes two to three weeks. In-person updates are processed the same day. Your address is updated in the DPS system right away, even though your physical license will still show the old address until you renew.

Do I have to pay a fee to change my address?

No. Address changes are free whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. You only pay a fee if you are renewing your license at the same time.

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

You can update your address to an out-of-state address using the online system or by mail. In person, you would need to visit a Texas DPS office. If you plan to live out of state permanently, you may want to check whether you need to get a driver's license in your new state instead.

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

You can change your address online or by mail regardless of your license status. For an in-person update, some offices may require you to resolve a suspension first. Call your local driver's license office to confirm their policy before you go.

Will changing my address affect my vehicle registration?

No. Your driver's license address and vehicle registration address are separate. You will need to update your vehicle registration separately through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles if you want the registration to reflect your new address.