You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Texas DPS office
Texas lets you update your driver's 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 valid and you have not changed your name. If your license is expired, suspended, or you need a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you will need to visit a DPS office or mail in a form.
You do not need to notify DPS before you move, but updating your address keeps your license current with your actual residence. This matters for traffic stops, vehicle registration, and insurance purposes — your insurer may deny a claim if your address on file does not match your license.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the Texas DPS website takes minutes and costs nothing if your license is valid and your name has not changed.
- If your license is expired or suspended, you must visit a DPS office in person or mail Form DL-43 with your old license and proof of your new address.
- Proof of your new address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
- A replacement card with your new address printed on it costs $16 and takes about two weeks by mail or is ready the same day at an office.
- Your vehicle registration address does not automatically update when you change your license address — you must update that separately with the Texas DMV.
Changing your address online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS online services portal at dps.texas.gov and select the option to change your address. You will need your valid driver's 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 identity using information from your license record.
This method works only if your license is currently valid (not expired or suspended) and you have not changed your name. The address change takes effect when ready in the DPS system, though your physical card will still show your old address until it expires or you request a replacement. No fee applies for an address-only change online.
If the online system rejects your request, it usually means your license is expired, suspended, or cancelled. In that case, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.
Mailing in a change of address form
read or request Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card) from the DPS website or any DPS office. Fill in your new address, sign the form, and mail it along with your current driver's license and proof of your new address to the address listed on the form.
Proof of your new address must be an original document (not a copy) dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail with your name and new address. A bank statement or credit card statement does not count.
Processing by mail takes about two to three weeks. You will receive a replacement card with your new address printed on it. The fee is $16. If you only want the address updated in the system without a replacement card, you cannot do this by mail — you must use the online method or visit an office in person.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
Visit any Texas DPS Driver License office with your current license and proof of your new address (same documents accepted for mail). Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You will fill out Form DL-43 at the office.
If you want only an address change in the system and do not need a replacement card, the office can do this for free and it takes effect when ready. If you request a replacement card with your new address printed on it, the fee is $16 and the card is usually ready the same day or within a few days, depending on the office's workload.
Office wait times vary by location and time of day. Many offices are busiest on weekday mornings and Saturdays. You can check wait times and make an appointment on the DPS website before you go.
What counts as proof of your new address
| Document Type | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) | Original, dated within 60 days, your name and new address |
| Lease or rental agreement | Original, signed, your name and new address |
| Mortgage statement or property tax bill | Original, dated within 60 days, your name and new address |
| Government mail (tax notice, voter registration, court document) | Original, dated within 60 days, your name and new address |
| Bank or credit union statement | Not accepted by DPS |
| Credit card statement | Not accepted by DPS |
| Printed or photocopied documents | Not accepted — must be original |
If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and new address. Some DPS offices will accept this as temporary proof while you wait for a utility bill to arrive.
Updating your vehicle registration separately
Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You must notify the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) separately. You can do this online at txdmv.gov, by mail, or in person at a county tax assessor-collector's office.
For an online change, go to the Texas DMV website, select "Change Address," and provide your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The change takes effect when ready in the DMV system.
If you do not update your vehicle registration address, your registration renewal notices and vehicle-related mail will go to your old address. This can cause you to miss renewal important date. Your insurance company may also flag a mismatch between your license address and registration address, which could affect your coverage.
What happens if you move but do not update your address
Your driver's license remains valid even if your address is outdated. However, a mismatch between your license and your actual residence can create problems. During a traffic stop, an officer may question why your address does not match where you live, though an outdated address alone is not a violation.
More importantly, your auto insurance company may deny a claim if your address on file does not match your license. Insurers use your address to calculate your premium and assess risk, so they expect it to be current. If you move and do not tell your insurer, you are technically in breach of your policy's duty to disclose.
Updating your address is free online and takes minutes, so there is no practical reason to delay. If you are moving out of state, you will need to get a new license from that state within a set timeframe — Texas does not issue out-of-state licenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No, not online. You must visit a DPS office in person or mail Form DL-43 with your expired license and proof of your new address. The office or mail processing will treat this as a renewal with an address change, and you may need to pay a renewal fee in addition to any replacement card fee.
Do I need to change my address before I move or after?
You can change it either way. There is no penalty for updating your address after you move. However, updating it before you move ensures your replacement card (if you request one) arrives at your new address.
How long does a replacement card take if I change my address in person?
Usually the same day or within a few days, depending on the office. Some offices print cards on-site; others mail them. Ask the office staff when you visit. If you only want an address change in the system without a replacement card, it takes effect when ready.
What if my new address is a PO box or temporary?
DPS requires a physical street address, not a PO box. If you are in temporary housing, use that address. You can update your address again once you have a permanent one. There is no fee for address-only changes online.
Will my insurance rates change if I update my address?
Possibly. Insurance rates depend partly on your zip code and neighborhood risk factors. If you move to a different area, your insurer may adjust your premium when they learn of the address change. You should notify your insurance company of your move separately from updating your license.