You can update your address with the Texas Department of Public Safety without renewing your license

When you move to a new address in Texas, you do not have to wait for your license to expire to change it. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you update your address through their online system, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. The fastest route is online through the DPS website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing.

Your license itself will not change — you keep the same card with the same expiration date. Only the address on file updates. This matters because law enforcement, courts, and government agencies use the address in the DPS system, not the physical card. If you move and do not update it, tickets, court notices, and official mail may go to your old address.

Key Takeaways

  • You can update your address online through the DPS website without visiting an office or paying a fee.
  • Online updates work only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name since you got it.
  • If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a completed DL 43 form to the DPS address processing center or visit a driver's license office in person.
  • The address change takes effect when ready in the DPS system, even though your physical card keeps the old address printed on it.
  • You must update your address within a reasonable time after moving; Texas law does not set a specific important date, but doing it promptly protects you legally.

Update your address online through the DPS website

The online method is the simplest if you meet the requirements. Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Change of Address" option in the driver's license section. 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 verify your identity and let you enter your new address.

This method works only if your current license is not expired and you have not changed your name since you received it. If either of those is true, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead. The online update is free and shows up in the DPS system right away, though your physical card will still show the old address until you renew it.

Mail a change of address form to the DPS

If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a DL 43 form (process for Texas Driver's License or Identification Card) to the DPS address processing center. You do not need to fill out the entire form — you can write a letter instead that includes your name, driver's license number, old address, new address, and signature. Mail it to the address listed on the DPS website under "Mailing Address for Address Changes."

Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The DPS will process the change and send you a confirmation. This method takes longer than online — usually two to three weeks — but it works for anyone whose license is expired or whose name has changed.

Visit a driver's license office in person

You can also walk into any Texas driver's license office and update your address on the spot. Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 60 days). Tell the clerk you need to change your address, not renew your license.

The office will update your address in the DPS system when ready. You will not get a new card, and there is no fee. Wait times vary by location and time of day, so calling ahead or checking the DPS website for your local office's hours can save you a trip.

What to bring and what documents count as proof of address

If you are mailing or visiting an office, the DPS accepts these documents as proof of your new address: a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a government check or benefit statement, or a property tax bill. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 60 days.

Documents that do not count include a driver's license (even from another state), a Social Security card, a passport, or a letter from someone else. If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask the DPS office what alternatives they accept — some will take a signed lease or a letter from your landlord.

Timeline and what happens after you update

Online updates take effect when ready in the DPS system. Mail-in updates usually process within two to three weeks. In-person updates happen on the spot. Once your address is changed, any new license or ID card you receive will show the updated address, but your current card will still print the old one.

You do not need to do anything else after the change goes through. The DPS automatically notifies other agencies like voter registration and vehicle registration in some cases, but you should verify those separately to be sure. If you move again, you can update your address as many times as you need — there is no limit.

Why updating your address matters

Keeping your address current with the DPS protects you legally and makes sure official documents reach you. If you are pulled over, the officer's system will show your current address. If you are summoned for jury duty or court, the notice will go to the right place. If you register to vote, your voter registration should match your DPS address.

Some employers, landlords, and background check companies pull your DPS record as part of their process. An outdated address can cause confusion or delays. It also matters for vehicle registration — Texas ties your driver's license address to your vehicle registration, so updating one may prompt you to update the other.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. A change of address does not issue a new card. Your current license stays the same, with the old address printed on it. The address in the DPS system updates, but the physical card does not change until you renew your license for any other reason.

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 through the online system or by mail. However, Texas law requires you to get a new state's license within a certain time after moving there permanently. Check the rules for your new state to see when you must switch.

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

Online changes are when ready. Mail-in changes usually take two to three weeks. In-person changes happen when ready. Once it updates in the DPS system, law enforcement and government agencies can see the new address, even if your physical card still shows the old one.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You cannot use the online system if your license is expired. You will need to mail the DL 43 form or visit an office in person. If you are renewing anyway, you can update your address at the same time.

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

Contact your local DPS office and explain your situation. Some offices accept a signed lease, a letter from your landlord, or a utility bill process. Having at least one document dated within 60 days of your move is the safest approach.