Update Your Address Online, by Mail, or In Person at the DMV
You can change your address on a Texas driver's license through three routes: the online system (fastest), by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The online method takes minutes and costs nothing. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person visits are same-day but require a trip to your local DPS office during business hours.
Texas does not require you to renew your license to change your address — you update the address record separately. Your current license remains valid; only the address on file changes. You do not need to provide proof of residency for an address change, though you will need to verify your identity.
The address you provide becomes the official mailing address for all future license correspondence, vehicle registration notices, and renewal reminders. If you move and do not update within a reasonable time, you may miss renewal notices or have documents sent to an old address.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change through the Texas DPS website is free and takes about five minutes, with no documents required beyond your driver's license number and date of birth.
- Mail-in address changes require a completed form and a copy of your driver's license, and take 7 to 10 business days to process.
- In-person updates at a DPS office are when ready and do not require an appointment, but you must bring your current license and proof of identity.
- Texas does not require proof of residency for address changes, only identity verification.
- Your updated address appears on your license record within one business day of online submission, though your physical card still shows the old address until renewal.
Online Address Change Through the Texas DPS Website
The Texas DPS online system is the fastest method. Go to dps.texas.gov, find the "Driver License" section, and select "Change Address Online." You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity against DPS records and then prompt you to enter your new address.
Once you submit, your address updates in the DPS system within one business day. You will receive a confirmation email or text message (depending on what you provide during submission). Your physical license card still shows the old address until you renew, but all official records and future correspondence use the new address when ready.
This method is free and works 24 hours a day. You do not need to upload documents or visit an office. If the online system cannot verify your identity, it will tell you to use the mail or in-person method instead.
Mail-In Address Change Using Form DL-43
To change your address by mail, read or request Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Texas DPS website. Fill in your current license number, new address, and sign the form. Make a copy of the front and back of your current driver's license and include it with the form.
Mail the completed form and license copy to the address listed on the form (typically the DPS headquarters in Austin, though regional offices may accept mail). Include a return envelope if you want confirmation. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DPS receives your envelope.
Keep a record of when you mail the form. If you do not receive confirmation within two weeks, contact your local DPS office to confirm receipt. Mail can be delayed, and DPS processes thousands of address changes weekly.
In-Person Address Change at a DPS Office
Walk into any Texas DPS driver license office with your current license and a form of identity (passport, state ID, military ID, or another government-issued document). Tell the clerk you need an address change. They will verify your identity, confirm your new address, and update your record on the spot. The entire process takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on office traffic.
No appointment is required for address changes. DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. Check the DPS website for your nearest office and its specific hours before you go. Some offices close for lunch or have reduced hours on certain days.
This method is free and when ready. Your address updates in the system the same day. You do not receive a new physical card, but your record is current for all purposes.
What Happens to Your Physical License Card
Your current driver's license card continues to show your old address even after you update your address in the DPS system. The card itself does not change. When you renew your license — whether at the standard five-year mark or if you renew early — you will receive a new card with the updated address printed on it.
Law enforcement and other officials can see your current address in the DPS database when they scan your license, so the old address on the card does not cause problems. However, if you prefer to have a card that matches your current address, you can request an early renewal. Early renewal costs the same as a standard renewal and takes the same processing time.
Timing and Processing for Each Method
| Method | Processing Time | Cost | Documents Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | 1 business day | Free | License number, DOB, last 4 SSN |
| 7–10 business days | Free | Form DL-43, copy of license | |
| In person | Same day | Free | Current license, ID |
Choose online if you need the fastest update and have your license number handy. Choose mail if you prefer not to visit an office and do not mind waiting. Choose in person if you are already near a DPS office or want when ready confirmation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume your address has updated just because you changed it with your vehicle registration or utility company. The DPS maintains a separate address record for your driver's license. You must update the DPS directly.
Do not mail Form DL-43 without a copy of your license. DPS will not process the form without it. Do not forget to sign the form — unsigned forms are returned unprocessed.
Do not expect your physical card to show the new address when ready. Only your DPS record updates right away. If you need a card with the new address, request an early renewal.
Do not use the online system if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL). CDL address changes must be done in person or by mail. Check the DPS website to confirm which method applies to your license type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need proof of residency to change my address?
No. Texas does not require proof of residency for address changes on a driver's license. You only need to verify your identity using your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number (online) or by presenting your current license and another ID (in person or by mail).
What if I moved out of state?
If you no longer live in Texas, you should update your address to your new state address. However, you will eventually need to obtain a driver's license from your new state. Texas allows you to maintain a Texas license while living elsewhere temporarily, but most states require you to get a license in your state of residence within 30 to 60 days of moving.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
You can change your address online or by mail even if your license is expired, as long as it expired within the last five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew it before you can update the address. Contact your local DPS office to confirm your license status.
How long does it take to receive a confirmation after I change my address online?
The DPS system updates your address within one business day. You will receive an email or text confirmation (if you provided contact information) within 24 hours. If you do not receive confirmation, log back into the online system to verify the change went through.
What if I made a mistake when I submitted my new address?
If you submitted the wrong address online, go back to the DPS website and submit another address change with the correct information. The most recent submission overwrites the previous one. If you mailed Form DL-43 with an error, contact your local DPS office and ask them to correct it, or submit a new form with the correct address.