You can change your Texas driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office
The fastest way to update your address on a Texas driver's license is through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You do not need to renew your license or take a new photo. If you cannot use the online method, you can mail a form to DPS or visit a driver's license office in person. The method you choose depends on whether you have moved within Texas, moved to Texas from another state, or changed your address but kept the same license type.
Texas requires you to notify DPS of an address change within a reasonable time after you move. There is no specific important date written into law, but waiting more than 60 days can cause problems with vehicle registration, insurance, and law enforcement records. If you receive a ticket or are pulled over, the officer will see your old address on file, which can lead to confusion or missed court notices.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change method through the Texas DPS website is free and takes about 10 minutes, and you do not need to visit an office or provide new documents.
- You can change your address by mail using Form DL-43 (Change of Address) or Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), depending on your situation.
- In-person address changes at a DPS office require proof of residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days.
- If you moved from another state, you may need to provide additional documents like your previous driver's license or a Social Security card.
- Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew it, but your DPS record will update when ready.
Changing your address online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and select the "Change of Address" option under the driver's license services menu. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your DPS records.
Once you submit the form, your address change is processed when ready in the DPS database. You will receive a confirmation number on screen. Your physical license card will continue to show your old address until you renew it at your next renewal date, but law enforcement and government agencies will see your updated address in the system. This method works only if your license is currently valid and you are changing your address within Texas.
Changing your address by mail
If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a form to the DPS address on file. Use Form DL-43 (Change of Address) if you are only updating your address and your license is still valid. If your license has expired or you are moving to Texas from another state, use Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) instead.
Mail the completed form to the address listed on the DPS website, along with proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 90 days. Do not send your physical license card unless you are renewing it. Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. You can read both forms from the DPS website or request them by phone.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
Visit any Texas DPS driver's license office with proof of your new address and your current driver's license. Bring a document dated within the last 90 days, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government correspondence showing your name and new address. The office will update your record on the spot, and you will receive a receipt confirming the change.
You do not need to take a new photo or pay a fee for an address change alone. If you want your physical license card to show your new address before your renewal date, you can request a duplicate license for a small fee (usually around $11). This is optional — your DPS record will be correct either way. Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day; visiting early in the morning on a weekday is typically faster than afternoons or weekends.
What documents you need for each method
| Method | Documents Required | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (DPS website) | Driver's license number, last 4 SSN digits, date of birth | Free | when ready |
| By mail (Form DL-43) | Completed form, proof of address (utility bill, lease, etc.) | Free | 2–3 weeks |
| In person at DPS office | Current driver's license, proof of address (utility bill, lease, etc.) | Free | Same day |
| Duplicate license with new address | Current driver's license, proof of address | ~$11 | Same day |
Special situations: Moving from another state or expired license
If you recently moved to Texas from another state and have a valid out-of-state driver's license, you cannot straightforward change your address. You must explore for a Texas driver's license using Form DL-44. You will need to visit a DPS office in person and bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of Social Security number, and proof of your Texas address. There is a fee for a new Texas license, which varies but is typically around $16 for a four-year license.
If your Texas driver's license has expired, you can still change your address online if you do so within a certain window after expiration. If your license is more than two years expired, you will need to renew it instead of straightforward changing your address. Renewal requires a visit to a DPS office and may require a new photo and eye test. Contact DPS directly if you are unsure whether your license qualifies for an address-only change.
Common mistakes to avoid when changing your address
Do not assume your physical license card will update automatically. Your card will show your old address until you renew your license or request a duplicate. This can cause confusion when you show your ID, so be prepared to explain that you have filed a change of address with DPS. Law enforcement and government agencies will see the correct address in the system, but private businesses and individuals will see the address printed on your card.
Do not forget to update your address with your vehicle registration and insurance company at the same time. A mismatch between your driver's license address and your vehicle registration can result in fines or registration denial. Your insurance company may also cancel your policy if they discover your address is outdated. Update all three — DPS, vehicle registration (through the Texas DMV), and insurance — within the same timeframe to avoid complications.
Do not mail your physical license card unless you are renewing it or requesting a replacement. For a straightforward address change, send only the form and proof of address. Sending your card is unnecessary and creates a risk of loss in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for my address change to show up in the system?
If you change your address online, the update is when ready. If you mail the form, it takes 2 to 3 weeks. If you change it in person at a DPS office, it is updated the same day. Your physical license card will continue to show your old address until you renew it, regardless of which method you use.
Do I have to get a new license photo when I change my address?
No. An address change does not require a new photo. Your current license photo remains valid. If you want a new photo on your license before your renewal date, you can request a duplicate license for a fee, but this is optional.
What counts as proof of address for a DPS office visit?
Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax notice or voter registration card) dated within the last 90 days and showing your name and new address. A cell phone bill or credit card statement may not be accepted; call your local DPS office to confirm what they will take.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
If your license expired recently, you may be able to change your address online or by mail. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to renew it instead. Contact DPS or check the website to confirm your license status before attempting an address change.
What happens if I get pulled over with an old address on my license?
The officer will see your updated address in the DPS system, so there should be no problem. However, your physical card will show the old address, which may cause a moment of confusion. It is helpful to mention that you have recently moved and filed a change of address with DPS.