You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

Texas gives you three ways to update your address on your driver's license: through the online portal, by mailing a form to the Department of Public Safety, or by visiting a driver's license office in person. The fastest route is online if your license is current and you have not changed your name. If your license is expired, suspended, or you need to change your name at the same time, you will need to go in person or use the mail option.

You do not need to take a new photo or pass a test to change your address. The DPS treats this as a routine update, not a license renewal. Your current license remains valid while your address change is being processed.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change takes about 10 minutes and works only if your license is current and you are not changing your name.
  • You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address to change your address online.
  • If you change your address in person at a DPS office, bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your new address.
  • By mail, you send Form DL-43 (Address Change) along with proof of your new address to the DPS; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • Texas law requires you to notify the DPS of a new address within 30 days of moving.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and select the address change option under "Online Services." You will be asked to log in or create an account. Have your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address ready.

The system will confirm your identity and show your current license information. Review it for accuracy, enter your new address, and submit. You should receive a confirmation email when ready. The address change typically takes effect within one to two business days, though the DPS website may show it as pending for a few hours.

This method works only if your license is not expired and you are not changing your name, gender marker, or any other information at the same time. If any of those explore to you, use the in-person or mail method instead.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas driver's license office with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your new address. Proof of residency means a document showing your name and current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days all work. Proof of your new address means the same type of document for the address you are moving to.

Tell the clerk you are changing your address only. They will update your record on the spot, and your new address will appear on your license when ready. You do not need to pay a fee for an address change. If your license is expired or will expire within 30 days, the clerk may recommend renewing it at the same time, though you can decline and renew later.

Wait times at DPS offices vary widely by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means a shorter wait than afternoons or weekends. Some offices allow you to check wait times online before you go.

Changing your address by mail

read or request Form DL-43 (Address Change) from the Texas Department of Public Safety website. Fill in your name, driver's license number, current address, and new address. Include a copy of proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.

Mail the completed form and proof to the address listed on the form. Do not send your actual license. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope. You can continue using your license with your old address printed on it during this time; the DPS updates its records, and your new address becomes official even though your physical card still shows the old one.

Keep a copy of what you send for your records. If you need proof of your new address before the updated license arrives, contact the DPS directly — they can confirm the change in their system.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DPS accepts documents dated within the last 90 days that show your name and new address. Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax statements, and bank or credit card statements all work. A cell phone bill or insurance policy with your new address also counts.

A letter from your landlord or a notarized statement of residency can work if you do not have an official document yet — for example, if you just moved and the utility company has not sent a bill in your name. Ask the DPS office or include a brief note explaining the situation if you are mailing your form.

Documents that do not work include a printed email, a screenshot, or a document with only a PO box. If you are moving to a new state or country, you will need to follow different rules — contact the DPS to ask what applies to your situation.

The 30-day rule and what happens if you miss it

Texas law requires you to notify the DPS of your new address within 30 days of moving. This is not a hard important date that triggers an automatic penalty, but it is a legal requirement. If you are stopped by police and your license shows an old address, an officer may ask why you have not updated it.

Updating your address late does not invalidate your license or result in a fine. However, if the DPS tries to contact you at the address on your license and you no longer live there, you might miss important notices about license renewal, traffic violations, or other matters. Updating promptly keeps your records current and prevents confusion.

If you moved more than 30 days ago and have not yet updated your address, you can do so at any time using any of the three methods above. There is no penalty for updating late.

When you need to visit an office instead of using online or mail

You must go in person to a DPS office if your license is expired, if you are changing your name, if you are updating your gender marker, or if you are changing your address and any other information at the same time. You also need to visit in person if you lost your license or if your license was suspended or revoked.

If you are unsure whether your situation requires an in-person visit, call the DPS or check their website before you go. This saves a trip if your address change can be handled online or by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to carry proof of my new address with me after I change it?

No. Once the DPS updates your address in their system, you do not need to carry proof. Your license itself remains valid even though it still shows your old address printed on it. If you need official proof of your current address for another purpose — renting an apartment, opening a bank account — bring a utility bill or lease instead of your license.

What if I move again before my address change is processed?

You can submit another address change right away. If you changed your address online or by mail and then moved again before it was processed, submit the new address change using the same method. The DPS will update to your most recent address. If you are moving multiple times in a short period, visiting an office in person may be faster than waiting for mail processing.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended?

No, not online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your suspended license, proof of residency, and proof of your new address. The clerk can update your address even though your license is suspended. You will still need to resolve the suspension separately before you can legally drive.

How long does it take to see my new address in the DPS system?

Online changes take one to two business days. Mail takes two to three weeks from the date received. In-person changes are when ready — your new address is in the system as soon as you leave the office. Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew your license, but the DPS records are updated right away.

Do I have to pay to change my address?

No. Changing your address is free whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. The DPS does not charge a fee for address changes. If an office clerk suggests you renew your license at the same time, that renewal does have a fee, but the address change itself does not.