You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office — the fastest route depends on whether you need a new card

Texas lets you change your address without getting a new driver's license card, as long as you do not need to renew for other reasons. If you only need an address change, you can do it online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website for free, and the change takes effect when ready. If you are renewing your license anyway, or if you prefer to update in person, you can do that at any DPS office. By mail is also an option, but it is slower and requires more paperwork.

The method you choose matters because online changes do not produce a new physical card — your old card stays valid, but your record in the system updates. This works fine for most purposes. If you need a new card with your new address printed on it, you will have to renew your license or pay a replacement fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through the DPS website are free and take effect when ready, but do not produce a new card with your new address printed on it.
  • You can update your address in person at any DPS office during business hours without an appointment, though wait times vary by location.
  • Mail-in address changes require a completed form, proof of residency, and your current license, and take several weeks to process.
  • If you need a new card with your updated address printed on it, you must renew your license or pay a replacement fee, which costs more than an address-only change.

Updating your address online through the DPS website

The online method is the fastest and cheapest option if you do not need a new card. Go to the Texas DPS website, select the address change option, and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will need to enter your new address and confirm your identity. The system will ask you to verify your new address by entering the last four digits of your Social Security number or answering security questions based on your credit file.

Once you complete the online form, your address updates in the DPS system right away. You will receive a confirmation email or letter. Your old license card remains valid — you do not need to carry anything new. However, if you are pulled over or need to show your license, the address on the physical card will not match your actual address. Most police officers and government agencies can see your updated address in their system, but some businesses or landlords may question the mismatch.

Online changes work best if you are moving within Texas and do not need a new card for any other reason. If you are moving out of state, your Texas license will eventually expire and you will need to get a new one anyway, so an online change may not be worth doing.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

You can walk into any Texas DPS office and update your address without an appointment. Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days. The office will update your record on the spot.

If you want a new card with your new address printed on it, you will pay a replacement fee (the amount varies but is typically under $20). If you only want the address changed in the system and do not need a new card, the change is free. Either way, the process takes about 15 minutes if the office is not busy. Wait times are longest on Saturdays and around lunch hours, so early morning or mid-week visits are usually faster.

In-person updates are useful if you prefer to handle it face-to-face, if you want a new card right away, or if you are uncomfortable with online transactions. You can find your nearest DPS office and its hours on the Texas DPS website.

Mailing in an address change form

You can also update your address by mail, though this is the slowest method. read the address change form from the Texas DPS website (Form DL-43), fill it out completely, and mail it along with your current driver's license and proof of your new address to the address listed on the form. Do not send your original license unless you are also renewing — send a photocopy instead.

Processing takes four to six weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. You will not receive a new card unless you pay a replacement fee or your license is expiring soon. If you are moving and need your address updated quickly, mail is not the best choice. If you are moving out of state and your license will expire within a few months anyway, waiting for a mail-in change may not be worth the effort.

When you need a new card with your new address

If you want a physical card that shows your new address, you have two paths. The first is to renew your license at the same time you change your address. If your license is expiring within the next few months, this is the most efficient route — you will get a new card with your updated address as part of the renewal. The second is to pay a replacement fee to get a new card when ready, even though your license is not expiring yet.

Replacement fees vary by county but are typically $15 to $25. You can request a replacement card when you update your address in person at a DPS office, or you can renew your license early online or by mail. If you are moving and need a new card quickly, the in-person route at a DPS office is fastest — you can walk out with a new card the same day.

Proof of residency documents DPS will accept

Texas DPS accepts a wide range of documents as proof that you live at your new address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days and show your name and new address. Acceptable documents include:

  • Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
  • Lease agreement or rental agreement
  • Mortgage statement or property tax bill
  • Bank or credit card statement
  • Government mail (tax notice, voter registration, court document)
  • Insurance policy or insurance bill
  • Paycheck stub with your new address

If you just moved and do not have a document dated within the last 30 days yet, you can use an older document along with a signed letter from your landlord or property manager confirming your move-in date. Keep in mind that DPS staff will look at the original document, not a photocopy, so bring the actual bill or letter with you if you are updating in person.

What happens if you do not update your address

Your driver's license remains valid even if you move and do not update your address. However, there are practical consequences. If you are pulled over, the address on your card will not match where you actually live, which can raise questions. If you get a ticket or citation, it may be mailed to your old address and you might miss the important date to respond. If you register to vote or update your voter registration, your driver's license address should match. Some banks and insurance companies may flag a mismatch between your license and the address you gave them.

Texas law does not require you to update your address within a specific timeframe, but doing it soon after you move prevents confusion and ensures mail reaches you. If you are moving out of state, you will eventually need to get a license in your new state, and having your Texas address current makes that process smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get a new card if I change my address?

No. You can update your address in the DPS system without getting a new card. Your old card stays valid. If you want a new card with your new address printed on it, you can pay a replacement fee or renew your license early.

How long does an online address change take?

An online address change takes effect when ready. You will receive a confirmation email or letter within a few days, but your record updates right away and you do not need to wait for anything to arrive in the mail.

What if I moved but do not have a utility bill yet?

You can use a lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or a signed letter from your landlord confirming your move-in date. The document or letter must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 30 days.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No. You must renew your license first before you can change your address. If your license is expired, go to a DPS office and renew it; you can update your address as part of the renewal process.

Will changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?

Changing your address in the DPS system does not affect your driving record. You should notify your insurance company separately of your move, as they use your address to calculate rates and send you bills and policy documents.