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

Texas lets you update your driver's license address without getting a new card or paying a fee. The fastest way is online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website if your license is current and you have not changed your name. If you need a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you can request one for a small fee. You do not have to change your address when ready — Texas gives you 30 days after you move to update it — but doing it sooner keeps your records accurate with law enforcement and the state.

The method you choose depends on whether your license is valid, whether you have changed your name, and how quickly you need the update done. All three routes are free to use for the address change itself, though a replacement card costs money if you want one.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas requires you to notify DPS of a new address within 30 days of moving, though you can update it anytime after that.
  • The online method through the DPS website is free and takes minutes if your license is valid and you have not changed your name.
  • You can request a replacement card with your new address printed on it for a fee, or keep your current card and just update the address in the system.
  • If you cannot use the online method, you can mail a completed form to DPS or visit a DPS office in person with proof of your new address.
  • Proof of your new address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail — documents must show your name and current address.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

The online method is the simplest route if you meet the requirements. Go to the Texas DPS website, find the address change section, and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will enter your new address, review it for accuracy, and submit. The change takes effect when ready in the DPS system, though your physical card will still show your old address until you request a replacement.

You can only use this method if your current license is valid (not expired), you have not changed your name since you got it, and you are a Texas resident. If your license is expired or you have had a name change, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead. This route works best if you want the fastest update with no paperwork.

Requesting a replacement card with your new address

If you want a new physical card printed with your updated address, you can request one when you change your address online or when you visit a DPS office. There is a fee for a replacement card — the cost varies depending on the type of license you hold and how long it is valid for. You do not have to get a replacement card; the address change in the system is legally sufficient. Many people keep their current card and straightforward update the address in the DPS database.

If you do request a replacement, it will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Your old card remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to use it for identification during that time. The replacement card is useful if you want your physical ID to match your current address, but it is not required by law.

Changing your address by mail

read or request the Change of Address form (Form DL-43) from the Texas DPS website. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Include a copy of one document that shows your name and new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail all work. Mail the form and your proof of address to the DPS address listed on the form.

Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. Your address will be updated in the system, but you will not receive a new physical card unless you specifically request one and pay the replacement fee. Keep a copy of what you mail in case you need to follow up with DPS about your submission.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS driver's license office with your current license and one document showing your new address. Bring the original document or a certified copy — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent government mail with your name and address on it. Tell the clerk you want to update your address. They will verify your information, update it in the system, and you can request a replacement card if you want one.

In-person updates are processed when ready. If you request a replacement card, you will pay the fee and receive your new card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not request a replacement, your address change takes effect right away in the DPS database. This method is best if you want when ready confirmation and have time to visit an office.

What counts as proof of your new address

Texas DPS accepts documents that show both your name and your current address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or recent mail from a government agency also work. The document must be recent — generally within the last 60 days — and must be an original or certified copy, not a photocopy you made yourself.

If you are moving and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, you can use a notarized statement from your landlord or a utility company letter confirming your move. Ask the DPS office what they will accept before you submit anything by mail, since some documents may not be accepted depending on your situation.

The 30-day window and what happens if you miss it

Texas law says you must notify DPS of your new address within 30 days of moving. This is not a hard important date that locks you out — you can update your address anytime after that. However, driving with an outdated address on file can cause problems if you are pulled over or involved in an accident, because your license will not match the address law enforcement has in their system.

There is no penalty or fine for updating your address late, but keeping your information current protects you. If you move and do not update your address, mail from DPS (like renewal notices) will go to your old address and you might miss important important date. Updating within the 30-day window keeps everything in sync.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get a new card when I change my address?

No. Updating your address in the DPS system is all that is required by law. Your old card remains valid. You can request a replacement card with your new address printed on it, but it costs a fee and is optional.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease at my new address yet?

You can use other documents like a mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail. If you have none of these, ask the DPS office about a notarized statement from your landlord or a letter from a utility company confirming your move date.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online process takes a few minutes to complete. Your address change takes effect when ready in the DPS system. If you request a replacement card, it arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, you cannot use the online method if your license is expired. You will need to renew your license at the same time you change your address. Visit a DPS office or mail in a renewal process along with your address change form.

What if I move again before my replacement card arrives?

You can update your address again as soon as you move. If your replacement card arrives at your old address, it will be returned to DPS. Contact DPS to update your address to the new one, and they can reissue the card or send it to your current address.