You can change your Texas driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

The fastest way is online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website if you have a Real ID-compliant license or a standard license issued after 2015. You'll need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The change takes effect when ready, though your physical card still shows the old address until it expires and you renew.

If you can't use the online method, you can mail a completed form to DPS or visit a driver's license office in person. In-person visits are fastest if you need the address changed on your actual card right away, though that requires paying a replacement fee. Mail takes two to three weeks.

You do not need to change your address to keep your license valid. An expired address on your card is not a violation. However, if you're pulled over, having a current address on file with DPS matters for insurance and vehicle registration purposes — your insurer and the state use the address DPS has, not the one printed on your card.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Texas DPS website is free and takes minutes if your license was issued after 2015 or is Real ID-compliant.
  • Mailing Form DL-43 to DPS costs nothing but takes two to three weeks to process.
  • Visiting a DPS office in person is fastest for a replacement card with your new address, but you'll pay a $16 replacement fee.
  • Your insurance company and vehicle registration use the address DPS has on file, not the address printed on your physical card.
  • You can change your address without renewing your license — the two are separate transactions.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to change your address. You'll be asked for your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The system will verify your identity and process the change in real time.

This method works only if your license was issued after 2015 or is marked as Real ID-compliant. If your license is older or you're unsure, try the online process — the system will tell you if your license doesn't may have access to. There is no fee for an online address change.

Once the change is processed, DPS updates its records when ready. Your new address is now on file with the state, your insurance company, and the vehicle registration system. Your physical card still shows the old address, but that does not matter for legal purposes. When your license expires and you renew, you'll receive a card with the updated address.

Mailing a form to DPS

If you cannot use the online method, read and print Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card) from the Texas DPS website. Fill in Section 1 with your current information and Section 2 with your new address. You do not need to complete the entire form — only the sections that explore to an address change.

Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form, which is the DPS headquarters in Austin. Include your driver's license number on the form so DPS can match it to your record. There is no fee for a mail-in address change.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your form. You will not receive a confirmation letter or a new card — only your address in the DPS system will update. If you need proof that the change was processed, you can request a driving record from DPS online or by mail.

Visiting a DPS office in person

Find your nearest DPS driver's license office on the Texas DPS website. Most offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and payment if you want a replacement card.

If you only want to update your address on file without getting a new card, there is no fee. DPS will process the change on the spot, and your address updates when ready in their system. If you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you'll pay a $16 fee. The new card is usually mailed to you within one to two weeks.

In-person visits are the fastest option if you need the address changed when ready and want proof of the change. However, if you only need the address updated in the DPS system (which is what insurance companies and vehicle registration use), the online method is faster and free.

What counts as proof of your new address

DPS accepts documents dated within the last 90 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all work. Some offices also accept bank statements, insurance documents, or government mail addressed to you at the new address.

If you don't have a document in your name yet, ask the office what they can accept. Some will take a signed letter from your landlord or a notarized statement. Call ahead to confirm what your specific office requires, since policies can vary slightly between locations.

You do not need proof of address if you're changing your address online — the system verifies your identity through your license number and Social Security number instead.

How address changes affect insurance and vehicle registration

Your insurance company and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles use the address DPS has on file, not the address printed on your physical card. When you change your address with DPS, that update flows to both systems automatically within a few days. Your insurance rates may change based on your new location, since some areas have higher claim rates or theft rates than others.

If you move and don't update your address with DPS, your insurance company may not know about the move. This can cause problems if you file a claim — the insurer might deny it if they discover you've been living at a different address than what they have on record. Vehicle registration renewal notices will also be mailed to your old address, which means you might miss the important date.

Update your address with DPS first, then notify your insurance company of the change. Some insurers update automatically once DPS processes the change, but it's safer to call and confirm.

Changing your address if your license is suspended or expired

You can change your address even if your license is suspended or expired. The address change is a separate transaction from the status of your license. If your license is suspended, changing your address does not lift the suspension. If your license is expired, you'll still need to renew it separately to drive legally.

If your license is suspended, you can change your address online (if your license qualifies), by mail, or in person. The DPS system will show your suspension status, but that won't prevent the address change from processing. When you eventually reinstate your license or renew it, the new address will already be on file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move?

You are not legally required to change your address on your driver's license itself. However, you should update your address with DPS because insurance companies and vehicle registration use that address, not the one on your card. If you don't update it, your insurance company may deny a claim if they discover you've moved.

How long does it take to get a replacement card with my new address?

If you pay the $16 replacement fee at a DPS office, the new card is mailed to you within one to two weeks. If you only update your address without ordering a replacement card, there is no wait — the change is when ready in the DPS system, though your physical card still shows the old address.

Can I change my address if I don't have a document showing my new address?

If you're using the online method, you don't need a document — the system verifies your identity through your license number and Social Security number. If you're visiting an office in person, call ahead and ask what they can accept. Some offices will take a signed letter from your landlord or a notarized statement if you don't have a utility bill or lease yet.

Will changing my address affect my insurance rates?

Your insurance rates may change when you move, since some areas have higher claim rates or theft rates. However, the rate change depends on your new location and your insurer's pricing model, not on the act of updating your address. Contact your insurance company to learn about your rates will change.

What if I moved out of state?

If you've moved to another state, you should get a driver's license in that state instead of updating your Texas address. Texas will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives in the state. Contact your new state's DMV to find out how to get a license there.