You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office
Texas lets you update your driver's license address without renewing the whole license. The fastest route is the online change of address tool on the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a form to DPS or walk into any driver's license office in person. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change and whether you want a new physical card.
Your address on file matters because it's what appears on your license, what DPS uses to mail you renewal notices, and what law enforcement sees during a traffic stop. If you've moved and haven't updated it, your license is still valid to drive — but the address mismatch can cause problems with traffic tickets, vehicle registration, or if you're asked to prove your current residence.
Key Takeaways
- The online change of address tool on the DPS website is free and takes about 10 minutes, and you'll see the change reflected when ready in your DPS record.
- If you change your address online, your physical card keeps the old address until your license expires and you renew it in person.
- You can also mail Form DL-43 to DPS or visit a driver's license office in person if you prefer not to use the online tool.
- Changing your address does not extend your license expiration date or cost a fee, regardless of which method you use.
- Your new address will appear on your license only when you renew in person; until then, your card shows the old address but your DPS record shows the new one.
Changing your address online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Change of Address" option in the driver's license section. You'll need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Enter your new address, confirm it, and submit. The system will update your address in the DPS database right away, and you'll receive a confirmation number.
The online change is free and does not issue you a new physical card. Your driver's license itself — the card in your wallet — will still show your old address until you renew your license in person at a DPS office. However, your address in the DPS system is updated when ready, so if law enforcement runs your license, they will see your current address. This is the most common reason people change their address online: to keep their DPS record current without the cost or time of getting a new card.
Mailing a change of address form to DPS
If you prefer to mail your change, read or request Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website or pick one up at any driver's license office. Fill in your new address, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days usually works.
Processing by mail takes longer than the online method, typically two to three weeks. Like the online change, mailing the form updates your DPS record but does not issue a new physical card. You will not receive a new license card unless you also request one and pay the replacement fee (which varies but is typically around $16). If you do not include a proof-of-address document, DPS may reject the form and send it back.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
Walk into any Texas driver's license office with your current driver's license and a document showing your new address. Bring the proof-of-address document with you — utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will update your record in the system while you wait.
In-person changes are when ready and free. Like the online and mail methods, your physical card will still show the old address unless you pay for a replacement card at that time. If you want a new card with your new address printed on it, you can request one and pay the replacement fee. Many people combine the address change with a replacement card order so they walk out with an updated card in hand, though this costs extra and is not required.
What documents count as proof of your new address
DPS accepts documents dated within the last 90 days that show your name and new address. Common documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government document like a vehicle registration or property tax bill. The document must be an original or certified copy — a photo or printout may not be accepted, so call your local DPS office ahead of time if you're unsure.
If you've just moved and don't have a document in your name yet, some offices will accept a signed letter from your landlord or a notarized statement of residence. Call the DPS office you plan to visit and ask what they will accept, because rules can vary slightly by location.
When your new address appears on your physical license card
No matter which method you use to change your address — online, mail, or in person — your physical driver's license card will keep showing your old address until you renew your license. Texas driver's licenses are valid for six or eight years depending on your age, so you may carry the old address for a while.
When you renew your license in person at a DPS office, you'll be asked to confirm your current address, and your new card will print with that address. If you want your new address on your card before your renewal date, you must order a replacement card and pay the fee. This is optional — changing your address in the DPS system is enough for most purposes, and your record will be current even if your card is not.
Changing your address if your license is suspended or expired
If your license is suspended, you cannot change your address online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. Bring your current license (even though it's suspended), proof of your new address, and any documents related to why your license was suspended — for example, proof that you've paid a traffic fine or completed a required course. The clerk can update your address while handling your suspension status.
If your license has expired, you can still change your address online or by mail using the same methods described above. An expired license is not the same as a suspended one. However, if your license expired more than two years ago, you may need to renew it in person rather than by mail, and you should contact DPS to confirm what's required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address if I move?
No, there is no legal important date to change your address on your driver's license. However, DPS uses your address on file to mail renewal notices, so if you don't update it, you might miss a notice and accidentally let your license expire. It's also safer to keep your address current in case you're in a traffic stop or need to prove your residence.
Will changing my address cost me anything?
No. Changing your address online, by mail, or in person is free. You only pay a fee if you order a replacement card with your new address printed on it, which is optional. The replacement card fee varies but is typically around $16.
How long does it take to change my address online?
The online change takes about 10 minutes to complete, and your DPS record updates when ready. You'll receive a confirmation number right away. Your physical card will not change until you renew your license in person.
Can I change my address if I'm out of state?
Yes. You can use the online change of address tool from anywhere, or you can mail Form DL-43 with proof of your new address. You do not have to be in Texas to change your address. If you need a replacement card mailed to you, contact DPS to see if that option is available.
What if my new address is outside Texas?
If you've moved out of Texas, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead of keeping a Texas license. However, if you're keeping a Texas license for now, you can update your out-of-state address in the DPS system using the online tool or by mail. When you renew your Texas license, you'll need to renew it in person at a Texas DPS office or through the mail, depending on your new state's rules.