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

The fastest way to change your address on a Texas driver's license is through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website using your license number and date of birth. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a completed form to DPS or visit a driver license office in person. Texas does not require you to get a new license when you move — you only need to update the address on your existing one.

How you update depends on whether your license is still valid and how soon you need the change recorded. The online method takes minutes and costs nothing. The mail option takes one to two weeks. In-person visits at a DPS office are usually fastest if you have the right documents, though wait times vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas allows you to change your address online at the DPS website without visiting an office or paying a fee.
  • You will need your current driver's license number, date of birth, and a new address to update online.
  • If you mail your request, send a completed DL-43 form and proof of your new address to the DPS address on the form.
  • You do not need a new license photo or to retake a test when you change your address.
  • Your updated address will appear on your license the next time you renew or can be verified when ready online through your DPS record.

Update your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to change your address. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the new address where you want mail sent. The system will verify your identity using information from your license record. Once you submit the change, it is recorded in the DPS system when ready.

Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew it, but your DPS record will reflect the new address right away. This means law enforcement and other agencies can see your current address when they look up your license. You do not need to carry proof of the address change or get a new card printed unless you want one.

Mail a form and proof of address to DPS

If you prefer to update by mail, read or request the DL-43 form from the DPS website or any driver license office. Fill in your new address and sign the form. You will also need to include one document that shows your name and new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days usually works.

Mail the completed form and proof of address to the DPS mailing address listed on the form itself. Processing takes one to two weeks. You do not need to include your license card or pay a fee. Once DPS receives and processes your request, your address will be updated in their system, and you will receive confirmation by mail.

Update your address in person at a driver license office

Visit any Texas driver license office with your current license and one document showing your new address. Bring your license card itself — the office will not take it from you, but they need to see it to verify the number and your identity. The address document can be the same types accepted by mail: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement with your name and new address.

Wait times at DPS offices vary widely depending on the location and time of day. Some offices are busier in the morning or on certain days of the week. You can check the DPS website for your local office's hours and sometimes see current wait times. The update is usually completed while you wait, and your record is changed when ready.

What counts as proof of your new address

DPS accepts documents that show both your name and your new address and are dated within the last 90 days. Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax statements, and bank or credit card statements all work. Government mail like a voter registration card or tax document also counts. The document does not have to be official or certified — a printed utility bill or lease is fine.

If you do not have a document in your name at the new address yet, you can use a notarized letter from your landlord or a property manager stating that you live there, along with a copy of your lease. Some offices may also accept a utility bill in a roommate's name if you provide a signed statement explaining the situation, though policies vary by office. Call your local driver license office ahead of time if you are unsure whether your document will be accepted.

Timeline and what to expect after you update

If you update online, the change is recorded in the DPS system within minutes. If you mail the form, expect one to two weeks for processing. In-person updates are usually when ready. Your physical license card will continue to show your old address until you renew your license, which happens every eight years for most adults in Texas (or every five years if you are over 79).

You do not need to carry proof of the address change or get a new card printed just because you moved. However, if you want a new card with your updated address printed on it before your renewal date, you can request a duplicate license at any driver license office for a small fee. This is optional — your DPS record is what matters for legal purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update my address before a certain date after I move?

Texas does not have a legal important date to update your address on your driver's license. However, it is a good idea to update it within a reasonable time so that official mail reaches you and your record is current. If you are stopped by law enforcement, having an outdated address on your license can cause confusion, though it is not a violation by itself.

Can I update my address if my license is expired?

You can update the address on an expired license through the online system or by mail using the DL-43 form. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to renew it instead of just updating the address. Contact your local DPS office or check the website to confirm what you need to do.

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

You can update your address to an out-of-state address through the online system or by mail. However, if you now live in another state, you should check that state's requirements about getting a new driver's license. Most states require you to get a license from your new state of residence within a certain period, even if you keep your Texas license for identification purposes.

Will updating my address affect my insurance or vehicle registration?

Updating your driver's license address does not automatically change your car insurance or vehicle registration. You will need to contact your insurance company and the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles separately to update those records. Keeping all three in sync helps avoid mail delivery problems and ensures your information is current with each agency.

Can someone else update my address for me?

No, you must update your own address using your license number and date of birth online, or you must sign the DL-43 form yourself if you mail it. If you are unable to do either, you can have someone take you to a driver license office where you can update it in person with your ID and proof of address.