You can update your address with the Texas Department of Public Safety online, by mail, or in person at a driver license office — the method depends on whether you need a new card and how quickly you need the change recorded.

A change of address on your Texas driver license is a separate transaction from renewing your license. You do not need to renew to change your address, and you do not receive a new card unless you request one. The fastest route is the online system if you have a valid license and a Texas address; by mail takes one to two weeks; in person at a DPS office takes minutes but requires a trip.

Texas tracks your address for vehicle registration, voter registration, and jury duty notices, so updating it matters beyond just having the right information on your ID. If you move and do not update, mail from the state will go to your old address, and law enforcement will have outdated information if you are stopped.

Key Takeaways

  • The online change-of-address system at Texas DPS is free and takes five minutes if your license is valid and you have a Texas mailing address.
  • You can request a new card with your updated address for a fee, but you are not required to — your current card remains valid.
  • If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a completed form DL-43 with proof of residency to your local DPS office.
  • In-person visits at a driver license office require proof of residency and your current license, and the change is recorded when ready.
  • Proof of residency must be a recent document (usually within 90 days) showing your name and new address, such as a utility bill or lease.

Updating Your Address Online Through the Texas DPS Website

The Texas Department of Public Safety operates an online change-of-address portal at dps.texas.gov that is available 24 hours a day. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system verifies your identity against state records and then allows you to enter your new address.

This method works only if your current license is valid (not expired), you are a Texas resident with a Texas mailing address, and you do not need a new physical card. The address change is recorded in the system when ready, and you will receive a confirmation email. Your current license card remains valid and does not need to be replaced unless you request one.

If you want a new card printed with your updated address, you can request it during the online process for a fee (currently $11 for a standard license). The new card will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not request a new card, only your record in the DPS system is updated.

Changing Your Address by Mail

To change your address by mail, read or request Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Texas DPS website or pick one up at any driver license office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. You must also include proof that you live at the new address.

Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail showing your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. Mail the completed form and proof to the DPS office that serves your county; you can find the address on the DPS website by entering your county name.

Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks from the date the DPS office receives your envelope. You will not receive a confirmation letter; your address change is complete when it appears in the system. If you need to verify the change was recorded, you can check online using your license number and Social Security number, or call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556.

Updating Your Address in Person at a Driver License Office

Walk-in service at a Texas driver license office is the fastest way to change your address if you have the required documents. Bring your current driver license and one document proving your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent government mail dated within 90 days). You do not need an appointment for a change of address, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

The DPS staff member will verify your identity, record your new address in the system, and provide you with a receipt. The change is effective when ready. If you want a new card with your updated address, you can request one at the same visit; it will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days and costs $11 for a standard license.

To find the driver license office nearest you, use the office locator on dps.texas.gov or call 1-888-589-6556. Some offices have longer wait times during lunch hours and late afternoon, so arriving early in the day or mid-week often means shorter lines.

What Counts as Proof of Residency in Texas

Texas DPS accepts a narrow list of documents as proof that you live at your new address. The document must show your name and your new street address, and it must be dated within 90 days of when you submit it. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common and easiest to obtain.

Other accepted documents include a current lease agreement or rental contract, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or mail from a government agency. A post office change-of-address confirmation is not accepted. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, you can use a notarized letter from them stating that you live at that address, along with a copy of their proof of residency.

If you are moving to a new address and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring whatever document you have that shows your new address (a signed lease, a move-in confirmation from your landlord, or a utility company account opening letter). Call your local DPS office before you visit to confirm whether the specific document you have will be accepted.

Requesting a New License Card With Your Updated Address

You are not required to get a new card when you change your address — your current license remains valid and legal to use. However, if you want a card that shows your new address, you can request one during any of the three methods above (online, by mail, or in person). The fee is $11 for a standard driver license.

If you request a new card online, it will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. If you request one by mail or in person, the timeline is the same. You will receive the card in a plain envelope; do not be alarmed if it arrives without a tracking number. Your old card is still valid until it expires, so you can use either card as your ID during the waiting period.

If you do not request a new card, your address change is recorded in the DPS system and will show up when law enforcement or other agencies look up your license. The physical card in your wallet will still show your old address, but that does not make it invalid or cause problems during a traffic stop.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

The most common error is submitting proof of residency that is too old. Texas DPS strictly enforces the 90-day rule; a utility bill from four months ago will be rejected. If you are moving and do not yet have a bill in your name, contact your utility company or landlord to get a document dated within 90 days that shows your new address.

Another mistake is assuming you need a new license card. Many people pay the $11 fee unnecessarily because they think an address change requires a new card. You do not need one unless you want the card itself to reflect your new address. The address change in the system is what matters for legal and administrative purposes.

A third error is mailing your form to the wrong DPS office. Texas has multiple regional offices, and mail sent to the wrong one will be forwarded, adding one to two weeks to processing time. Use the office locator on dps.texas.gov to find the correct mailing address for your county before you send anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move to a new house in Texas?

You are not legally required to change your address when ready, but you should do so within a reasonable time. If you are stopped by police or pulled over, having an outdated address can cause confusion. More importantly, state mail (vehicle registration renewal, jury duty notices, voter information) will go to your old address if you do not update it.

Can I change my address online if my license is expired?

No. The online system only works if your license is currently valid. If your license is expired, you must renew it before you can change your address online. You can still change your address by mail or in person at a driver license office even if your license is expired, as long as you bring your expired license and proof of residency.

What if I move out of Texas?

If you move to another state, you should obtain a driver license from that state. You do not need to formally cancel your Texas license, but you should not use it as your primary ID once you are a resident of another state. Contact the DMV in your new state for their requirements and timeline.

How long does it take to receive a new card if I request one?

A new card with your updated address takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail after you request it, whether you request it online, by mail, or in person. During that time, your old card is still valid. If you need an ID with your new address sooner, you can request a temporary paper license at a driver license office.

Will changing my address affect my vehicle registration?

No. Your driver license address and vehicle registration address are separate records. If you want your vehicle registration to show your new address, you must update that separately through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or at a local county tax assessor's office. You can often do both at the same driver license office visit, but they are two different transactions.