How to Update Your Address on a Texas Driver's License

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

Texas allows you to change your address on your driver's license without renewing the entire license. The method you use depends on how much time you have and whether your address change involves moving out of state. Online renewal through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the fastest route if you are staying in Texas and your license is not expired or expiring within 60 days. If your license is expiring soon or you moved from another state, you will need to visit a DPS office or mail in a form.

You do not need a new photo or to retake the written test to update your address. The DPS treats an address change as a transaction separate from license renewal, which means your current license remains valid and your expiration date does not change.

Key Takeaways

Online address updates through the Texas DPS website take effect within one to two business days and cost nothing.
You must use your current Texas driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to update online.
If your license expired more than two years ago or you moved from out of state, you cannot update by mail or online and must visit a DPS office in person.
Mailed address changes require the DL-43 form, a copy of your license, and proof of your new address, and take two to three weeks to process.
Your address change is effective when ready at a DPS office; online changes take one to two business days.

Updating your address online through the Texas DPS website

The online method is available only if your Texas driver's license is currently valid and will not expire within the next 60 days. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License Services," and choose "Change Address." You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and display your current license information.

After you confirm your new address, the DPS will send you a confirmation email within one to two business days. Your updated address becomes active in the DPS system when ready, though the physical card in your wallet will not change. You do not receive a new card, and you do not pay a fee. This method works only if you are moving within Texas; if you are relocating from another state, you must visit a DPS office.

Keep the confirmation email for your records. If you do not receive it within two business days, contact the DPS to confirm the change went through. Some email providers filter DPS messages into spam folders, so check there first.

Mailing in an address change form

If you prefer not to update online or your license is expiring within 60 days, you can mail a completed DL-43 form (process for Texas Driver License) to the DPS. read the form from the Texas DPS website or request it by phone at 1-888-589-6789. You will also need to include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back) and one document proving your new address.

Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The name on the proof document must match the name on your driver's license. Mail the completed form, your license copy, and proof of address to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope.

Do not send your original license in the mail. Send only a photocopy. Your original license remains valid during the processing period. Once the DPS processes your change, you will receive a new license card in the mail with your updated address. The expiration date on the new card will be the same as your current license.

Updating your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any DPS Driver License Service Center with your current driver's license and one document proving your new address. The proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and new address. Bring your original license, not a copy. The DPS will not accept a photocopy as proof of identity in person.

The transaction takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. Your address change becomes effective when ready in the DPS system. You will receive a new license card with your updated address before you leave the office. There is no fee for an address change. You can find your nearest DPS office and check current wait times on the Texas DPS website.

In-person updates are the best option if your license is expiring within 60 days, if you moved from out of state, or if you need the change to take effect the same day. Some DPS offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce wait time.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DPS accepts a limited list of documents as proof of address. The document must show your name, your new address, and a date issued within the last 60 days. Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax statements, and bank or credit card statements all work. Government mail such as a voter registration card, tax return, or court document also counts if it is dated within 60 days.

Documents that do not count include cell phone bills, insurance policies, paystubs, or mail from employers. If the name on your proof document does not exactly match the name on your driver's license (for example, a maiden name versus a married name), bring a second document showing both names, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree. If you do not have any of these documents, contact the DPS to ask about alternatives before you mail your form or visit an office.

Address changes when your license is expired or expiring soon

If your Texas driver's license expired more than two years ago, you cannot update your address online or by mail. You must visit a DPS office in person and renew your license at the same time. Bring your expired license, proof of your new address, and proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate). The renewal process takes longer than a straightforward address change and may require a new photo and a vision test.

If your license expires within 60 days, you can still update your address online or by mail, but many people choose to renew and update at the same time to avoid two separate transactions. If you renew your license, the new card will have your updated address printed on it automatically.

Moving from another state to Texas

If you just moved to Texas from another state, you cannot update your out-of-state license address through the Texas DPS. You must obtain a Texas driver's license instead. Visit a DPS office with your out-of-state license, proof of your new Texas address, proof of identity, and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). You will take a new photo and pass a vision test. Texas law requires you to obtain a Texas license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state.

Bring your out-of-state license even though you will not be able to use it after you receive your Texas license. The DPS will keep it on file. If you moved to Texas from a country outside the United States, bring your passport and any visa or immigration documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for an address change to show up in the DPS system?

Online changes take one to two business days. Mailed forms take two to three weeks from the date received. In-person changes are when ready. If you need proof of your new address right away, ask for a receipt at the DPS office or print your confirmation email from an online update.

Do I need to update my address if I moved within the same city?

Yes. Any change to your street address, apartment number, or zip code requires an update. The DPS uses your address on file for voter registration, vehicle registration, and law enforcement records, so keeping it current matters even for moves within the same area.

What if my proof of address document has a different name than my license?

Bring a second document that shows both names, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS needs to verify that the person on the proof document is the same person as the license holder.

Can I update my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first. Contact the DPS or the Texas Driver and Vehicle Services division to find out what steps are needed to clear your record before you attempt an address change.

Will updating my address change my license number or expiration date?

No. Your license number and expiration date stay the same. Only the address printed on your card changes. If you update online, your physical card does not change at all—only the DPS records are updated.

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.