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 is through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You can also mail in a form or walk into a DPS office with your documents. The method you choose depends on whether you want to do it from home or prefer to handle it face-to-face, and whether you need the change done urgently.

Texas requires you to update your address within 30 days of moving. If you don't, you risk a traffic ticket if you're stopped by police, and your license becomes invalid as proof of residency for other purposes — like opening a bank account or renting an apartment. The good news is that updating takes less time than getting your original license did.

Key Takeaways

  • You must report your new address to the Texas DPS within 30 days of moving, or your license becomes invalid for identification purposes.
  • The online method through the DPS website is free and the fastest option if you have a valid Texas license and a recent utility bill or lease showing your new address.
  • If you cannot update online, you can mail Form DL-43 to the DPS address processing center along with proof of your new address.
  • In-person updates at a DPS office take about 15 to 30 minutes and require your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
  • You do not need to pay a fee or take a new photo unless you are also renewing your license at the same time.

Updating your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Change Address" under the driver's license section. You will need your current Texas driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number to log in. The system will ask you to enter your new address and then upload a photo of a document that shows your new address — typically a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days.

Once you submit, the DPS processes the change within 1 to 2 business days. Your physical license will still show your old address, but your record in the DPS system will update when ready. You do not receive a new card in the mail unless you request one (which costs about $11). Many people straightforward use the updated record in the system and keep their old card until it expires.

The online method only works if your Texas license is currently valid and not suspended. If your license has expired or been suspended, you must use the mail or in-person method instead.

Mailing your address change to the DPS

read Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Texas DPS website or request it by calling 1-888-589-6789. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Attach a copy of one document that proves your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work, as long as it is dated within the last 30 days.

Mail the form and your proof of address to the DPS address processing center. The mailing address is listed on the form itself and changes based on which region of Texas you live in. Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. You do not need to include your physical license or pay a fee.

Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If you want to track your request, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 and have your license number ready.

Updating your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any DPS Driver License office in Texas with your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail — anything dated within the last 30 days with your name and new address on it. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return.

Tell the clerk you are changing your address only. You will not need to take a new photo or pay a fee unless you are also renewing your license. The update takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Your license record updates when ready, though your physical card still shows the old address.

To find the DPS office nearest you and check current wait times, visit the Texas DPS website and use the office locator tool. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can vary by time of day and day of week. Going early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter waits.

What happens if you miss the 30-day important date

If you do not update your address within 30 days of moving, your license is still valid for driving, but it is no longer valid as proof of residency. This means you cannot use it to open a bank account, get a library card, or prove where you live for other official purposes. If a police officer stops you and your license shows an address you no longer live at, you may receive a ticket for failing to report a change of address.

The good news is that you can update your address at any time — there is no penalty for doing it late, only for not doing it at all. If you have already missed the important date, update your address as soon as you can using any of the three methods above.

Requesting a replacement card with your new address

If you want a new physical license card that shows your updated address, you can request one when you change your address online, by mail, or in person. The replacement card costs about $11 and arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to take a new photo — the DPS uses the photo from your current license.

Requesting a replacement card is optional. Many people update their address in the system and keep their old card until it expires, since the DPS record is what matters for legal purposes. However, if you prefer to have a card that matches your current address, the replacement is straightforward and inexpensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my address if I move within the same city?

Yes. Texas law requires you to report any change of address within 30 days, regardless of whether you stay in the same city or move to a different state. The rule applies to any move where your street address changes.

What if I don't have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?

You can use other documents dated within the last 30 days: a bank statement, mortgage statement, government mail, insurance policy, or vehicle registration. If you have none of these, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to ask what alternative documents they will accept.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, not online. If your license is expired, you must either renew it first or use the mail or in-person method to change your address. If you are renewing anyway, you can update your address at the same time.

How long does it take to see the change in the system?

Online updates process within 1 to 2 business days. Mail takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person updates are when ready. Your physical card will still show your old address unless you request a replacement, which takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive.

Will I need to take a new photo when I change my address?

No. You only take a new photo if you are renewing your license at the same time. A straightforward address change uses your existing photo and does not require you to visit an office or pay a renewal fee.