You can update your 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. You can do this online without visiting an office, and the change takes effect when ready. If you prefer not to use the website, you can mail in a form or visit a DPS driver's license office in person — both methods work, but they take longer.

You do not need to renew your license or pay a fee to change your address. Texas treats an address change as a straightforward update, not a new license. Your current license remains valid; only the address on file changes.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the DPS website is the fastest option and requires only your license number, personal information, and a new address.
  • By mail, you send Form DL-43 (Change of Address) to the DPS address listed on the form, and the update takes two to three weeks.
  • In person, you visit any DPS driver's license office with your current license and proof of your new address, and the change is when ready.
  • You must update your address within 30 days of moving to a new residence in Texas.

Updating 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 current driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to enter your new Texas address and confirm it.

Once you submit the change online, it is processed when ready. You do not receive a new physical license in the mail — your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the DPS database shows your new address. This is sufficient for most purposes, including voting registration and vehicle registration.

If you move out of Texas, you cannot use the online method. You will need to visit a DPS office or contact DPS directly about your options.

Mailing in a change of address form

read or request Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the DPS website or any DPS office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the address printed on the form — this is typically the DPS headquarters in Austin, though regional offices may accept mail as well.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks. You will not receive confirmation in the mail unless there is a problem with your submission. If you do not hear back within four weeks, contact DPS to confirm the change went through.

Keep a copy of the form you mail for your records. If you need proof that you submitted the change before a important date (such as vehicle registration renewal), the copy shows when you sent it.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS driver's license office with your current license and one document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. Bring the original document or a certified copy — a photograph of the document is usually not accepted.

Tell the staff member you need to change your address. They will update your information in the system when ready. Your current license remains valid; the address change is recorded in the DPS database but not printed on your physical card.

Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday is usually faster than afternoons or weekends. Some offices allow you to check wait times online before you go.

What counts as proof of your new address

Texas DPS accepts documents dated within the last 90 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement also works. Some people use a government document like a voter registration card or vehicle registration, though these may take longer to update themselves.

The document must be an original or certified copy. A photograph, screenshot, or photocopy is not accepted at the office counter. If you do not have a physical document yet because you just moved, ask your utility company, landlord, or bank for a letter on letterhead confirming your new address — many will provide this within a day or two.

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

Texas law requires you to update your address within 30 days of moving. This is a legal requirement, not just a suggestion. If you are stopped by police or pulled over for a traffic stop and your license shows an old address, an officer may issue a citation for failing to update your address.

The citation is usually a minor traffic violation, but it can result in a fine. More importantly, an outdated address can cause problems with vehicle registration renewal, voter registration, and official mail from the state. Updating your address promptly avoids these complications.

If you have already missed the 30-day window, update your address as soon as you can. There is no penalty for updating late; the penalty applies only if you are caught with an outdated address and do not update it after being notified.

Updating your address if you moved out of state

If you moved to another state, you cannot use the online DPS system to change your address. You have two options: visit a DPS office in person before you leave Texas, or contact DPS by phone or mail to request a change.

To contact DPS, call the DPS Customer Service line or visit the DPS website for mailing instructions. You will need to provide your license number, new out-of-state address, and proof of residency in the new state. Processing takes longer for out-of-state changes because DPS must verify the address through additional steps.

If you plan to keep your Texas license (rather than getting a license in your new state), updating your address with DPS is important for official records. However, most states require you to get a driver's license in your new state within a certain period — usually 30 to 90 days. Check your new state's requirements before deciding whether to update your Texas address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a new license card when I change my address?

No. Your current license card remains valid and is not replaced. The address change is recorded in the DPS database, but the physical card still shows your old address. You only receive a new card if you renew your license or request a replacement for a lost or damaged card.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. An expired license can still be updated for address changes. However, if your license is expired, you should also renew it so you have a valid form of identification. You can do both the address change and renewal at the same time at a DPS office.

What if I do not have a document showing my new address yet?

Ask your landlord, utility company, or bank for a letter on official letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date. Most will provide this within one or two business days. Some DPS offices also accept a notarized statement from a family member or friend who lives with you, though policies vary by location.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online change is when ready. Your address is updated in the DPS system as soon as you submit it. You do not need to wait for mail or visit an office. The change is effective right away for voting, vehicle registration, and other official purposes.

Can I change my address if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?

Yes. The process is the same for a CDL as for a regular driver's license. You can use the online method, mail a form, or visit a DPS office in person. All three methods work for both license types.