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

Texas allows you to update your address on your driver's license without renewing the entire license. The fastest method is online through 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 a form to DPS or visit a driver's license office in person. Your current license remains valid during and after the address change — you do not need a new card unless you request one.

The method you choose depends on whether you have a Real ID-compliant license, whether your address is within Texas, and how quickly you need the change recorded. Most people can complete this task without leaving home.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through the Texas DPS website is free and takes about 10 minutes if your license is Real ID-compliant.
  • If you cannot use the online system, you can mail Form DL-43 to the DPS address shown on the form, and the change takes 1 to 2 weeks.
  • You can also change your address in person at any Texas driver's license office by bringing your current license and proof of your new address.
  • Your current license stays valid after you change your address — you do not receive a new card unless you pay an extra fee to replace it.
  • If you moved out of state, you must renew your license in your new state rather than straightforward changing the address on your Texas license.

Online address change through the Texas DPS website

The online method is available only if your Texas driver's license is Real ID-compliant (marked with a gold star in the top right corner). Go to the Texas DPS online services portal at dps.texas.gov, select "Change Address," and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will need to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history. The system will then ask for your new address and confirm your contact information.

Once you submit the form online, the change is recorded when ready in the DPS system. You do not receive a new physical card — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it. If you want a replacement card with your new address, you can request one during the online process for a fee (currently $11 for a duplicate license). The replacement card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If the online system cannot verify your identity through the security questions, you will be directed to complete the change by mail or in person instead. This happens occasionally and does not mean you have done anything wrong — it straightforward means the credit bureau data available to the system is incomplete.

Mailing a form to change your address

If your license is not Real ID-compliant or you prefer not to use the online system, read Form DL-43 from the Texas DPS website. Fill in your current driver's license number, your new address, and sign the form. You do not need to include documents — DPS will verify your identity using information already in their system.

Mail the completed form to the address printed on the form itself (this address changes periodically, so always check the current form). Include your current driver's license number in the letter so DPS can match it to your record. The address change takes 1 to 2 weeks to process after DPS receives your form. As with the online method, your current license remains valid and you do not receive a new card unless you request a duplicate for an additional fee.

Keep a copy of the form you mail for your records. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks, contact the DPS customer service line at 1-888-589-6556 to confirm receipt.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

You can walk into any Texas driver's license office and request an address change. Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, government mail, or insurance policy — the document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 90 days.

The office staff will update your address in the system on the spot. Your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it. If you want a replacement card with your new address, ask the office staff to issue one — this costs $11 and is printed while you wait or mailed to you depending on the office's equipment.

Wait times at DPS offices vary widely by location and time of day. Offices in rural areas typically have shorter waits than those in major cities. You can check current wait times for your nearest office on the Texas DPS website before you go.

What counts as proof of your new address

DPS accepts documents dated within the last 90 days that show both your name and your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. Other acceptable documents include a lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowners or renters insurance policy, bank or credit card statement, or government mail such as a tax notice or voter registration card.

The document must be an original or certified copy — a photograph or photocopy of a utility bill is not acceptable. If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, you can use a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, along with a copy of your lease. Some offices also accept an affidavit of residency, which you can obtain from the county clerk's office.

Do not bring multiple documents hoping one will work — bring one clear document that meets the requirements. If your document is unclear or does not show your full name, the office staff will ask you to provide a different one.

Changing your address if you moved out of state

If you have moved to another state, you cannot straightforward change the address on your Texas license. Instead, you must obtain a driver's license from your new state. Texas will not issue a license to someone who does not live in Texas, and other states will not issue a license to someone who holds a valid license from another state.

Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) in your new state to learn about their requirements. You will typically need to surrender your Texas license, provide proof of residency in the new state, and pass a vision test. Some states require a written test or driving test if you have not held a license for a certain period. The process and fees vary significantly by state.

If you are temporarily out of state (for military service, work, or school) but still consider Texas your home state, you can keep your Texas license and update the address to a Texas address where you receive mail — such as a parent's home or a P.O. box. You do not need to obtain a license in the state where you are temporarily living unless you plan to stay there permanently.

Timeline and what to expect after you change your address

If you change your address online, the update is recorded when ready. If you mail the form, allow 1 to 2 weeks for processing. If you change your address in person, the update happens the same day. In all cases, your current license remains valid and you do not need to do anything else.

Your new address will appear in the DPS system right away, which matters if law enforcement or another agency looks up your record. However, the physical card in your wallet will still show your old address unless you request and pay for a replacement. Many people do not request a replacement because the old address on the card does not affect the validity of the license.

If you need your new address to appear on your physical license card when ready — for example, if you are moving to a new state and need to show a current address — request a duplicate license at the time you change your address. The duplicate costs $11 and arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Common mistakes when changing your address

The most common mistake is assuming you need a new license card after an address change. You do not. Your current license is valid even if the printed address is outdated. A second mistake is providing a document that is too old or does not show your name clearly. If you are changing your address in person, bring a document dated within the last 90 days and make sure your full name is printed on it.

A third mistake is trying to change your address online if your license is not Real ID-compliant. If the online system rejects you, do not try again — go to a DPS office or mail the form instead. A fourth mistake is mailing the form without keeping a copy for yourself. If there is a delay or error, you will have no record of what you submitted.

Finally, do not assume your address change is complete just because you submitted a form or visited an office. If you mailed a form, follow up after 3 weeks if you do not hear back. If you changed your address online, log back into your account a few days later to confirm the change was recorded.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it. The address change is recorded in the DPS system when ready, but the physical card does not change. If you want a new card with your updated address, you can request a duplicate license for $11, which arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

What if my online address change was rejected?

The online system may reject you if your license is not Real ID-compliant, if the system cannot verify your identity through security questions, or if there is a technical issue. If this happens, mail Form DL-43 to DPS or visit a driver's license office in person. Both methods work just as well and take only slightly longer.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You can change your address on an expired license, but the process is the same as for a current license. If your license has been expired for more than a few years, DPS may require you to renew it instead of straightforward changing the address. Contact DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to confirm whether you can change the address on your specific expired license.

How long does it take to change my address by mail?

Allow 1 to 2 weeks for DPS to process your mailed form after they receive it. Mailing time itself can add 3 to 5 days on each end, so the total time from when you drop the form in the mail to when the change is recorded can be 2 to 3 weeks. If you do not hear back within 3 weeks, contact DPS to confirm they received your form.

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

If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency, along with a copy of your lease. Some county clerk offices also issue affidavits of residency for a small fee. Either document works in place of a utility bill.