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 your license is not suspended and you have not changed your name. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. If you cannot use the online method — because of a suspension, name change, or other reason — you can mail a form to DPS or visit a driver license office in person. In-person visits usually take 30 to 45 minutes and require an appointment.

Texas requires you to update your address within 30 days of moving. Driving with an outdated address is not a criminal offense, but it can complicate traffic stops, insurance claims, and vehicle registration renewals. Your insurance company may also flag the mismatch and deny a claim if they believe you misrepresented where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the DPS website is free and takes 10 minutes if your license is valid and you have not changed your name.
  • You must update your address within 30 days of moving, though the state does not actively enforce this rule.
  • If you cannot go online, you can mail Form DL-43 to DPS or book an appointment at a local driver license office.
  • In-person visits require a valid ID, proof of residency, and an appointment; walk-ins are not accepted at most offices.
  • Your insurance company may deny claims if your driver's license address does not match where you actually live.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the "Change Address" option under driver license services. 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 it. You do not need to upload documents or pay a fee.

This method only works if your license is currently valid (not expired or suspended) and you have not changed your name since you got it. If your license is expired by more than two years, you will need to renew it instead of just changing the address. If you changed your name, you must visit a driver license office in person with a certified copy of your name-change document — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

After you submit your address change online, DPS will mail you a new license with the updated address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your old license during this time.

Mailing Form DL-43 to the Texas DPS

If you prefer not to go online or cannot use the online system, read Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website or pick one up at a driver license office. Fill in your new address, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of one document that proves your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.

Mail processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. DPS will send you a new license by mail once they process your form. During this time, your old license remains valid. If you need to drive before the new license arrives, keep a copy of your mailed form or a receipt showing you sent it, though police are not required to accept this as proof of a pending address change.

Do not send cash or checks through the mail. There is no fee for an address change, so if DPS asks for payment, it is a scam.

Visiting a Texas driver license office in person

Book an appointment through the DPS website or by calling your local driver license office. Walk-ins are not accepted at most locations, and wait times for appointments can be several weeks during busy seasons. Bring your current driver's license, one document proving your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form).

The office will take a new photo, update your address in the system, and issue you a new license on the spot. You will drive home with your new license the same day. There is no fee for an address change. The whole visit usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, though this varies by office and time of day.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must visit an office in person — you cannot change a CDL address online or by mail.

What happens if your address does not match your insurance

Your auto insurance company uses your driver's license address to calculate your rate and to verify where you live. If you move and do not update your license, your insurance company may discover the mismatch during a claim. Some insurers will deny the claim outright if they believe you lied about your address to get a lower rate. Others will straightforward update your address and adjust your rate going forward.

The safest approach is to update both your driver's license and your insurance company at the same time. Call your insurance agent or log into your policy online and change your address there as well. This takes 5 minutes and prevents any confusion later.

Updating your vehicle registration after changing your address

Your vehicle registration is separate from your driver's license. You do not have to update your registration at the same time you change your license address, but you should do it soon. You can renew your registration online through the Texas DMV website if your vehicle passed inspection and you have no outstanding tolls or tickets. If you prefer, you can visit a county tax assessor's office or an authorized vehicle registration office.

When your registration expires, the renewal notice will be mailed to the address on file. If you have not updated it, the notice may go to your old address and you might miss the important date. Renewing late can result in a fine and a lapsed registration, which can lead to a traffic stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address within 30 days or will I get a ticket?

Texas law requires you to update your address within 30 days, but police do not actively enforce this rule during routine traffic stops. However, if you are pulled over and your address is very outdated, an officer may cite you for failing to update it. More importantly, an outdated address can cause problems with insurance claims and vehicle registration renewals.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended?

No. If your license is suspended, you must visit a driver license office in person and resolve the suspension first. The office staff can tell you what is causing the suspension and what steps you need to take. Once the suspension is lifted, you can change your address online or in person.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Texas license?

You should get a driver's license in your new state instead of keeping a Texas license with an out-of-state address. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of moving. Driving on an out-of-state license after you have moved can cause insurance and legal problems.

How long does it take to get my new license after I change my address online?

DPS mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after you submit your address change online. Your old license remains valid during this time, so you can keep driving. If you do not receive your new license after two weeks, contact DPS to check the status.

Can I change my address at a DPS office without an appointment?

Most driver license offices require an appointment and do not accept walk-ins. You can book an appointment through the DPS website or by calling your local office. Some offices have limited walk-in hours on certain days, so call ahead to ask.