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

Texas lets you update your driver license address without getting a new card. The fastest way is online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website if your license is current and you have not changed your name. If you need a new card printed or your license is expired, you will go to a DPS office in person. By mail is the slowest option but works if you cannot visit an office.

Your address must match what the DPS has on file for your vehicle registration and voter registration to avoid problems at traffic stops or when renewing. You do not need to change your address when ready after moving — Texas does not set a important date — but doing it within 30 days of moving is standard practice and keeps your records consistent.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the DPS website takes minutes and costs nothing if your license is current and you have not changed your name.
  • You must visit a DPS office in person if your license is expired, suspended, or if you changed your name at the same time.
  • The by-mail method requires you to send your current license and a completed form to the DPS, which takes two to three weeks.
  • Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) and your current license to any DPS office.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to change your address. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask for your new address and confirm your current information. The whole process takes about five minutes.

This method only works if your license is not expired and you are not changing your name at the same time. Once you submit, the DPS updates your record when ready, but your physical card still shows the old address. Your new address becomes official in the system right away, so police and other agencies see the correct information even though your card has not changed.

You do not need to pay a fee for an online address change. If you want a new card printed with your new address, you can request one during the online process for a small fee (usually around $11), but it is not required.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any DPS driver license office with your current license and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. You will fill out a form (DL-43) and pay a small fee if you want a new card printed with your new address.

You must go in person if your license is expired, suspended, or if you are changing your name at the same time as your address. The office will update your record on the spot. If you request a new card, it will be mailed to your new address within one to two weeks.

Wait times at DPS offices vary widely by location and time of day. Offices in rural areas usually have shorter waits than those in cities. You can check the DPS website to see current wait times at offices near you before you go.

Changing your address by mail

Send your current driver license, a completed DL-43 form (available on the DPS website), and a copy of proof of your new address to the DPS by mail. Include a letter stating that you want to change your address. Mail everything to the DPS address listed on their website for your region.

The DPS will receive your materials, update your record, and mail your license back to your new address. This process takes two to three weeks. You will not have a valid physical license during this time if you send in your current one, so use this method only if you do not need to drive while the change is being processed.

Some people prefer this method because they do not have to visit an office, but the long wait and the risk of mail delays make it the least popular option. If your license expires while your change is being processed, you will need to renew it in person at a DPS office.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DPS accepts documents dated within the last 30 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the easiest and most common choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill also works. Bank statements and credit card statements are accepted if they show your address.

Documents that do not work include printed bank statements from online banking, cell phone bills, or mail from government agencies. If you just moved and do not have a document yet, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date.

Updating your address on your vehicle registration at the same time

Your vehicle registration address should match your driver license address. You can change your vehicle registration address online through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, by mail, or at a county tax assessor-collector office. Many people do both at the same time to keep their records consistent.

If your registration and license address do not match, it is not illegal, but it can cause confusion during traffic stops or when renewing your registration. The officer will see two different addresses in the system, which may prompt questions. Keeping them the same is simpler.

What happens if you do not update your address

Your license remains valid even if your address is outdated. However, the DPS will mail renewal notices and other documents to your old address, so you might miss important information. If you are pulled over, the officer will see your old address on the license and in the system, which can create confusion.

If you move and do not update your address, your vehicle registration renewal notice will go to your old address. You might miss the important date and face a late fee or suspension of your registration. Updating your address prevents these problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online process takes about five minutes to complete. Your address is updated in the DPS system when ready. If you request a new card with your new address printed on it, that card will arrive by mail in one to two weeks.

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

No. You can update your address in the system without getting a new card. Your old card remains valid. If you want a new card printed with your new address, you can request one for a fee, but it is not required.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?

Ask your landlord, property manager, or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. The DPS will accept this as proof. Bank statements and mortgage documents also work if they show your name and address.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, not online. You must visit a DPS office in person to change your address on an expired license. Bring your expired license, proof of your new address, and be prepared to renew your license at the same time, which requires additional documents and fees.

Will changing my address affect my insurance or driving record?

No. Changing your address does not affect your driving record or insurance. However, you should notify your insurance company of your address change separately, as they maintain their own records and may need the update for billing or claims purposes.