You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Texas DPS office
Texas offers three ways to update the address on your driver license without renewing the license itself. The fastest is online through the Texas DPS website if your license is valid and you have not changed your name. By mail takes about two weeks. In person at a DPS office is when ready but requires a trip and a wait. You do not need a new photo or pay a fee for an address-only change.
The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you have moved out of state and back, and how quickly you need the change recorded. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use the online or mail options — you must renew instead, which is a different process.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes work only if your current Texas license is valid and you have not changed your name since it was issued.
- Mail-in address changes require a completed form, proof of residency, and your current license, and take about two weeks to process.
- In-person changes at a DPS office are when ready and work for any valid license, but you must bring proof of residency and your current license.
- Address changes are free and do not require a new photo or fingerprints.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew it instead of changing the address only.
Online address change through the Texas DPS website
The online method is the fastest if you meet the requirements. Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Change Address Online." You will need your current driver 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 in real time.
This option works only if your license has not expired and you have not changed your name. If you changed your name since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal petition — you must use the mail or in-person method instead. The online system will reject you if it detects a name mismatch. Once you submit your new address online, it is recorded when ready, though your physical license card will still show the old address until you renew it.
Mail-in address change with Form DL-43
To change your address by mail, read or request Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License) from the Texas DPS website or any DPS office. You do not fill out the entire form — only the address section and your signature are required. Include your current driver license and one document that proves your new address.
Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days and showing your name and new address. Mail the form, your license, and proof of residency to the Texas DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks. Your license will be returned with the new address printed on it. There is no fee for this change.
Keep a copy of everything you mail in case the DPS loses your documents. Some people photograph the form and proof before mailing as backup. If you do not receive your license back within three weeks, contact the DPS to confirm receipt.
In-person address change at a DPS office
Walk into any Texas DPS office with your current driver license and one proof of residency document. Tell the clerk you want to change your address only. They will update it on the spot, and your new license will be printed before you leave. There is no fee and no appointment needed, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Bring the same proof of residency documents accepted for mail-in changes: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days. If you do not have a document in your name at the new address yet, ask the DPS clerk which alternatives they accept — some offices will take a notarized statement or a letter from a landlord on letterhead. Call ahead to confirm what your local office will take if you are unsure.
What happens if your license is expired
If your Texas driver license expired more than two years ago, you cannot change the address only. You must renew your license, which is a separate process that includes a new photo, new fees, and a visit to a DPS office or an online renewal if you meet other requirements. An address change is included in the renewal at no extra cost.
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still change the address using any of the three methods above. The expiration date does not affect your ability to update your address — only the online method requires that your license not be expired. Check your license card to see the expiration date before you decide which method to use.
Proof of residency documents that the DPS accepts
The Texas DPS accepts several types of documents as proof that you live at your new address. Each document must show your name and new address clearly. Most documents must be dated within the last 90 days, though some types like leases and mortgages can be older if they are still active.
| Document Type | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) | Must be dated within 90 days and show your name and new address |
| Lease agreement or rental contract | Must show your name, new address, and be currently active or recently signed |
| Mortgage statement or property tax bill | Must show your name and new address; recent statements preferred |
| Bank or credit card statement | Must be dated within 90 days and show your name and new address |
| Government mail (tax return, court document, voter registration) | Must show your name and new address; some offices accept these |
Do not bring a document older than 90 days unless it is a lease, mortgage, or property tax bill, which can be older. If you just moved and have no document in your name yet, call your local DPS office to ask what they will accept — some will take a notarized affidavit of residency or a letter from your landlord.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not assume your address change is complete just because you submitted it online or by mail. The DPS processes these changes, but your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew it. Your driving record and vehicle registration will update, but the card itself does not change. If you need a license that shows your current address when ready, go in person to a DPS office.
Do not send your original license by mail unless you are certain you can replace it if it is lost. Some people photograph both sides of their license and mail a copy instead, then bring the original in person later. If you do mail your original, use certified mail with a tracking number so you know it arrived.
Do not try to change your address online if your name has changed since your license was issued. The system will reject you. Use the mail or in-person method instead. Also, do not wait until your license is about to expire to change your address — if it expires before the DPS processes your change, you will need to renew instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change my address on my vehicle registration too?
The Texas DPS will update your vehicle registration automatically when you change your driver license address. You do not need to file a separate form. However, if you want to change your registration address before your license address, you can do that separately through the Texas DMV website or by mail.
What if I moved out of state and then moved back to Texas?
If you have a valid Texas license, you can change the address using any of the three methods. If your Texas license expired while you were out of state, you must renew it instead of changing the address only. Bring proof that you now live in Texas again, such as a utility bill or lease in your name.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
The DPS typically processes mail-in address changes within two weeks and returns your license by mail. Processing time can be longer during busy periods. If you do not receive your license within three weeks, contact the DPS to check the status of your process.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot change your address on a suspended or revoked license. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the DPS. Once your license is reinstated, you can then change your address.
Is there a fee to change my address on my Texas driver license?
No. Address changes are free whether you do them online, by mail, or in person. You only pay a fee if you are renewing your license at the same time, which is a separate transaction.