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

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you change your address without renewing your license early. The method you choose depends on how soon you need the change recorded and whether you want to do it from home or in person. Online is the fastest route if your license is not expired and you have a valid email address. Mail takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person updates at a DPS office happen the same day but mean waiting in line.

Your address change takes effect when ready in the DPS system, even if your physical card still shows the old address. Law enforcement and other agencies can see the updated address in their records right away. You do not need to carry proof of the address change with you until your next license renewal, though it is wise to keep confirmation of your submission.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through the Texas DPS website are free and take a few minutes if your license is current and you have a valid email.
  • By mail, you send a completed DL-43 form with proof of your new address to the DPS; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person updates at any DPS office are when ready and require only your current license and proof of your new address.
  • Your address updates in the DPS system when ready, but your physical card will still show the old address until you renew.
  • You must update your address within 30 days of moving under Texas law, though the DPS does not enforce this with penalties for drivers.

Update your address online through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS online services portal at dps.texas.gov 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 ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your DPS records.

Enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof of residency document — do not abbreviate street names or use different formatting than what is on your utility bill or lease. The system will send a confirmation email to the address you provide. Keep that email as proof of your submission. There is no fee for an online address change, and the update appears in the DPS system within hours.

Online changes work only if your license is not expired and you have a valid email address on file. If your license expired more than two years ago or you do not have email access, you must use the mail or in-person method instead.

Mail a completed DL-43 form with proof of your new address

read the DL-43 form (Address Change) from the Texas DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign and date the form. You must include one document that shows your name and new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail all work. Do not send your original license.

Mail the form and your proof of address to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver's License Division, P.O. Box 15731, Austin, TX 78761-5731. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want written confirmation back. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your form. There is no fee.

Keep a copy of what you send for your records. If you do not hear back within four weeks, call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556 to confirm receipt. The address change will be in the system even if you do not receive written confirmation.

Update 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 name and new address. Bring the same types of proof as you would for mail: a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail. The staff will update your address on the spot, and the change is recorded in the system when ready. There is no fee.

You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Mornings on weekdays are usually shorter than afternoons or weekends. If you live in a large city, check the DPS website for the office nearest you and consider visiting early in the week. Your physical license card will still show the old address, but the DPS system and law enforcement records will show the new one.

What counts as proof of your new address

Texas DPS accepts a narrow list of documents. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days is the most common. A signed lease or rental agreement works if it shows your name and new address. A bank or credit card statement from the last 60 days, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or mail from a government agency (including tax documents) all count.

Documents must show your full name and complete new address. A piece of mail addressed to "Resident" or a bill with only a partial address will not work. If you do not have any of these documents yet — for example, if you just moved and have not received a utility bill at the new place — you can use a combination: a signed lease plus a piece of mail from your old address showing you have moved, or a lease plus a bank statement that shows your new address even if it is recent.

Do not bring a driver's license from another state, a passport, or a voter registration card as proof of address. The DPS has a specific list, and documents outside that list will be rejected.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit

Online changes show up in the DPS system within hours. Mail submissions take two to three weeks from receipt. In-person updates are when ready. Once your address is in the system, law enforcement, courts, and other agencies can see it when ready — you do not have to wait for a new physical card.

Your old license card remains valid and does not need to be replaced just because your address changed. You can use it for identification until it expires. When you renew your license (every 8 years for most adults in Texas), you will receive a new card with your current address printed on it. If you want a new card with the updated address before renewal, you can request a duplicate license for a fee of around $11, though this is not necessary for the address to be official.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not abbreviate your street address or use different formatting than what appears on your proof document. If your lease says "123 Oak Street" but you type "123 Oak St." online, the system may reject it or create a mismatch. Copy the address word-for-word from your proof document.

Do not send your original license in the mail. The DPS does not return it, and you will be without ID while waiting for a replacement. Send only a copy of the form and your proof of address.

Do not assume your address has been updated without confirmation. If you submitted online, check your email for the confirmation message. If you mailed the form, wait at least three weeks before assuming it was received. If you went in person, ask the staff member to confirm the address appears correctly on the screen before you leave the office.

Do not wait until after you have moved to update your address. Texas law requires the change within 30 days of moving, though the DPS does not issue citations for late updates. However, if you are stopped by law enforcement and your address is significantly out of date, it can raise questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to update my address if I move within Texas?

Yes, Texas law requires you to notify the DPS of a new address within 30 days of moving. The DPS does not actively enforce this with fines, but updating is important so your license matches your residence for legal purposes and so you receive any official mail at the correct address.

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

You can use a combination of documents. A signed lease plus a recent bank statement showing your new address, or a lease plus a piece of mail from your old address showing you have moved, usually works. Call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556 to confirm what combination they will accept before you visit an office or mail in your form.

Will my old license card still work after I change my address?

Yes. Your license remains valid until its expiration date. The address printed on the card does not have to match your current residence. Law enforcement and government agencies will see your updated address in the DPS system, even though your card shows the old one.

How long does it take to see my new address in the system?

Online changes appear within hours. Mail submissions take two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your form. In-person updates are when ready. Once the address is in the system, it is official — you do not have to wait for a new physical card.

Can I update my address if my license is expired?

No, not online. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew it instead of just changing your address. If it expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew by mail or in person. Contact the DPS or visit their website to see which renewal method works for your situation.