How to Change Your Address on Your Texas Driver's License

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

Texas offers three ways to update your address on your driver's license: through the online system, by mail with a form, or by visiting a DPS office in person. The fastest route is online if your license is current and not suspended. By mail takes about two to three weeks. In person is when ready but requires a trip to your local office.

You do not need to renew your license to change your address — this is a separate transaction. Your license card itself does not change; only the address in the Texas Department of Public Safety database updates. You will receive a new card in the mail if you change your address online or by mail, but the expiration date stays the same.

Key Takeaways

Online address changes through the Texas DPS website are free and take effect when ready in the system, though your new card arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.
To change your address online, you need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth.
If your license is suspended, expired for more than two years, or you cannot access the online system, you must use the mail or in-person method instead.
Changing your address does not reset your license expiration date — your license expires on the same date it always did.
You must update your address within a certain timeframe after moving; Texas law requires your address to match your current residence.

Changing Your Address Online Through the Texas DPS Website

The online method is the fastest and most convenient option if your license is valid and not suspended. Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to change your address. 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 verify your identity and then ask for your new address.

Once you submit your new address online, the change takes effect in the Texas DPS database when ready. You can use your new address right away for most purposes. However, you will receive a new physical license card in the mail within seven to ten business days. There is no fee for this service. Keep your old card until the new one arrives; both are valid during this time.

If the online system rejects your information or you cannot complete the process, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead. Common reasons for rejection include a suspended license, an expired license that has been expired for more than two years, or a mismatch between the information you enter and what is on file.

Changing Your Address by Mail

To change your address by mail, read and print the Change of Address form from the Texas DPS website, or request one by calling the DPS at 1-888-589-6900. The form is called the DL-43 or the address change form — either name will work when you call. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form.

Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form itself, which is typically the Texas DPS headquarters in Austin. Include a copy of a document that proves your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

Processing by mail takes about two to three weeks. You will receive your new license card by mail at your new address. There is no fee. During this time, your old license remains valid. If you need to verify that your address change was received, you can call the DPS at the number above and provide your license number.

Changing Your Address In Person at a DPS Office

If you prefer to handle this in person or cannot use the online or mail methods, visit any Texas DPS Driver's License office. Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address — the same documents accepted by mail work here (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 60 days). There is no fee.

The office will update your address in the system when ready, and you will receive your new license card on the spot or within a few days, depending on the office's equipment. Some offices can print your new card while you wait; others will mail it to you. Ask the staff member which applies at your location. Your old license remains valid until your new card arrives.

Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Mornings on weekdays are typically shorter than afternoons or weekends. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the Texas DPS website.

What Documents Prove Your New Address

Texas accepts the following documents as proof of your new address for an address change:

Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) dated within the last 60 days
Lease agreement or rental agreement with your name and new address
Mortgage statement or property tax statement
Government mail (tax return, voter registration, court document, or benefits letter) with your name and new address
Bank or credit card statement dated within the last 60 days
Insurance policy or insurance statement

The document must show your full name and your new address. If you are moving and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and new address. Some DPS offices will accept this temporarily while you wait for a utility bill or lease to arrive.

When You Cannot Use the Online Method

The online system will not work if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years. It also will not work if you have an active traffic ticket or court case tied to your license. In these cases, you must change your address by mail or in person.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you will need to resolve that issue before you can renew or update your address. Contact the Texas DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps are required. Once the suspension is lifted, you can use any of the three methods to change your address.

If your license is expired but not suspended, and the expiration is less than two years old, you can still use the online method to change your address. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to renew it instead of straightforward changing your address. A renewal is a separate process that requires an in-person visit and may require new documents.

Timeline and What to Expect After You Change Your Address

The timeline depends on which method you choose. Online changes take effect when ready in the system, with your new card arriving in seven to ten business days. Mail changes take two to three weeks total. In-person changes are when ready in the system, with your new card either printed on the spot or mailed within a few days.

After you change your address, your new license card will be mailed to your new address. Make sure the address you provide is one where you can receive mail. If you are moving multiple times or will not be at the new address for long, consider using a mail forwarding service or having the card sent to a trusted contact's address temporarily.

Your license expiration date does not change when you update your address. If your license expires in six months, it will still expire in six months after your address change. The new card will show your new address but the same expiration date as your old card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address on my license if I move?

Texas law requires your driver's license address to match your current residence. You should update it within a reasonable time after moving. There is no specific important date stated in law, but it is best to do it within 30 days. If you are stopped by police and your address is significantly outdated, you may face questions, though this alone is not typically a violation.

What if I move and do not have a utility bill or lease yet?

Ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and new address. Some DPS offices will accept this as temporary proof while you wait for a utility bill to arrive in your name. Call your local DPS office first to confirm they will accept a landlord letter before you visit.

Will my license expiration date change if I update my address?

No. Your expiration date stays the same. Only your address changes. If your license expires in two years, it will still expire in two years after you update your address, even though you receive a new card with the new address printed on it.

Can I change my address online if my license is expired?

Only if your license expired less than two years ago. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must renew your license instead, which is a different process. If it expired less than two years ago, the online system will let you change your address, and you can renew later when you are ready.

How long does it take to receive my new card after I change my address online?

Your new card arrives by mail within seven to ten business days. The address change takes effect in the Texas DPS system when ready, so you can use your new address right away for most purposes. Your old card remains valid until the new one arrives.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.