The fastest way to change your address in Texas

You can change your address on your Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is the quickest — you can update your address in minutes without leaving home, and the change takes effect when ready for most purposes. If you prefer to do it in person or by mail, both options work, but they take longer and require you to gather documents first.

The method you choose depends on whether you want to keep your current license or get a replacement card with your new address printed on it. Most people update their address without ordering a new card, which costs nothing and happens when ready online. If you want a physical card showing your new address, you'll pay a replacement fee and wait for it to arrive by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your address online at the Texas DPS website for free and when ready, without ordering a new card.
  • If you want a replacement card printed with your new address, you'll pay a fee (amount varies) and receive it by mail within two to three weeks.
  • In-person changes at a DPS office require proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease, along with your current license.
  • Your address change is valid for voting, vehicle registration, and most official purposes even if your physical license card still shows the old address.
  • Mail-in address changes take four to six weeks and require a completed form, proof of residency, and a copy of your license.

Changing your address online (free and when ready)

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to change your address online. You'll need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity using this information, then ask you to enter your new address.

Once you submit, your address change is recorded in the Texas system when ready. You don't receive a new physical card — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the DPS records show your new address. This updated address is what government agencies, employers, and law enforcement see when they look up your license, so it counts for voting registration, vehicle registration, and official purposes.

This method is free and takes about five minutes. It's the best choice if you don't need a card with your new address printed on it.

Getting a replacement card with your new address

If you want a physical license card showing your new address, you can order a replacement through the DPS website or in person at a DPS office. You'll pay a replacement fee — the amount depends on your license type and how many years remain on your current license, so check the DPS website for the exact cost before you start.

When you order online, you'll follow the same identity verification steps as an address-only change, but you'll select the option to receive a replacement card. The DPS will mail your new card to your new address within two to three weeks. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives.

If you order in person at a DPS office, bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and be ready to pay the replacement fee. You'll receive your new card by mail at your new address.

Changing your address by mail

read the Address Change form (Form DL-43) from the Texas DPS website. Fill it out completely with your current license number, new address, and signature. You'll need to include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back) and proof of residency — a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address, such as a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or insurance document.

Mail the completed form, your license copy, and proof of residency to the address listed on the DPS website. Do not send your actual license card — send only a copy. The DPS will process your request and update your address in the system. This method takes four to six weeks, and you won't receive a new card unless you pay the replacement fee when you submit your form.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS driver's license office with your current license and proof of residency. Proof of residency must be an original document (not a copy) dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address — examples include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance document.

Tell the clerk you want to change your address. If you only want to update your address without a new card, the change is free and takes a few minutes. If you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you'll pay the replacement fee at that time. With a replacement card, you'll receive it by mail within two to three weeks.

Bring your current license and proof of residency in original form. Some offices accept appointments through the DPS website, which can save you wait time.

What counts as proof of residency

Proof of residency must show your name and your new address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance document, a property tax statement, or a government document such as a voter registration card or vehicle registration.

The document must be an original or certified copy — photocopies of photocopies won't work. If you're moving and don't yet have a document in your name at your new address, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date, dated within 60 days.

Timeline and what to expect

An online address-only change takes effect when ready and is free. A replacement card ordered online or in person arrives by mail in two to three weeks and costs a fee. A mail-in address change takes four to six weeks to process, and you won't receive a new card unless you pay for one.

Your address change is valid for all official purposes — voting, vehicle registration, insurance, and law enforcement — even if your physical license card still shows the old address. If you're moving soon and need your address updated quickly for voting or registration purposes, the online method is your best option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a new license card if I'm just changing my address?

No. A free online address change updates your record in the Texas system when ready, and that's what government agencies see. Your physical card can still show the old address — it remains valid. You only need a replacement card if you want the new address printed on it.

What if I don't have proof of residency yet because I just moved?

Ask your landlord, property manager, or utility company for a letter on their official letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. It must be dated within 60 days and show your name. This counts as proof of residency for an in-person or mail-in change.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. You can change your address online or by mail even if your license is expired. If you want to do it in person, you'll need to bring your expired license and proof of residency. However, if your license expired more than two years ago, you may need to renew it instead of just changing the address.

How long does a replacement card take if I order it online?

Two to three weeks by mail. The DPS mails it to your new address. Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can use it for identification and driving until the new card arrives.

Will my address change affect my vehicle registration or insurance?

Your address change in the DPS system is separate from your vehicle registration and insurance records. You'll need to update those separately with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and your insurance company. However, updating your license address first makes it easier to update those records afterward.