You can change your address on a Texas learner's permit by visiting a DPS office in person with proof of your new address, or by mail if you meet specific conditions

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to update your address within a certain timeframe after you move. The fastest way is to visit a DPS office with your current permit, a completed DL 43 form (process for Texas Driver License or Learner License), and proof of your new address. You can also request a change by mail, but only if you're updating within the same county or if your permit doesn't expire within 60 days.

Your learner's permit is tied to your address for legal reasons — it's how DPS contacts you about renewals, violations, or administrative changes. An outdated address can also cause problems if you're stopped by law enforcement or if you need to renew your permit later.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any DPS office with your permit, the DL 43 form, and proof of your new address to change it in person, which takes about 15 minutes.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address.
  • Mail-in changes are only available if you're staying in the same county or your permit expires within 60 days of your move.
  • There is no fee to update your address on an active learner's permit.

What Documents You Need to Bring to a DPS Office

Bring your current learner's permit, a completed DL 43 form, and one document that proves your new address. The address proof must show your name and the new address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or government mail from a state or federal agency.

If you don't have a document in your name yet, some DPS offices will accept a letter from your landlord or property manager on official letterhead stating your name and move-in date. Call ahead to your local DPS office to confirm they accept this, since policies can vary slightly by location.

You do not need to bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, or any other identification beyond your permit — the DL 43 form and address proof are sufficient.

How to Complete the DL 43 Form

The DL 43 is a one-page form you can print from the DPS website or pick up at any DPS office. Fill in your name, date of birth, current license or permit number, and your new address. You do not need to fill in every field on the form — only the sections that explore to an address change.

Sign and date the form before you arrive at the DPS office. Bring it with you along with your permit and address proof. If you prefer, you can fill it out at the office, but arriving with it completed will speed up your visit.

Changing Your Address by Mail

You can request an address change by mail only under two conditions: you are moving within the same county, or your permit expires within 60 days of your move. If either applies, send a letter to the DPS address on your permit that includes your name, current permit number, old address, new address, and a copy of your address proof.

Mail your request to the DPS office that issued your permit. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. If your permit expires soon, an in-person visit is faster and guarantees the change is recorded before renewal time.

Finding Your Nearest DPS Office and Hours

Use the DPS office locator on the Texas DPS website to find the nearest location to you. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool will show all nearby offices, their hours, and whether they require an appointment. Some offices operate by appointment only, while others accept walk-ins during certain hours.

Call ahead or check the office's page online before you go. Many DPS offices have reduced hours on certain days or may be closed for state holidays. If you're traveling or live far from an office, you can visit any DPS office in Texas — you don't have to go to the one that issued your permit.

What Happens After You Update Your Address

Once the DPS officer processes your change, your permit is updated when ready. You keep the same physical permit card — no new card is issued for an address-only change. Your new address is recorded in the DPS system and will appear on any future documents or renewals.

If you move again before your permit expires, you'll need to update your address again using the same process. There is no limit to how many times you can change your address on an active permit.

What to Do If You've Already Moved and Haven't Updated Yet

Update your address as soon as you can, even if it's been several weeks or months. There is no penalty for a delayed address change on a learner's permit. However, if DPS tries to contact you about a renewal or other matter and your address is wrong, you may miss important important date.

If your permit has already expired and you didn't update your address before it did, you'll need to renew it. During renewal, you'll provide your current address, and the new permit will reflect it. You cannot renew online if your address has changed — you must visit a DPS office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to change my address at a DPS office?

Some offices require appointments and others accept walk-ins. Check the DPS office locator or call your local office to find out. If appointments are required and none are available, you can visit a different DPS office in your area that may have openings or accept walk-ins.

Can I change my address online?

No. The Texas DPS does not offer online address changes for learner's permits. You must visit a DPS office in person or request a change by mail if you meet the conditions (same county or permit expires within 60 days).

What if my address proof is in my parent's name but I live there?

The document must show your name. If you don't have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your parent or landlord for a signed letter on official letterhead confirming your address and move-in date. Call your DPS office first to confirm they accept this before you go.

Will changing my address affect my permit's expiration date?

No. Your permit's expiration date stays the same. Only the address is updated in the system.

What if I'm moving out of state?

You do not need to update your Texas learner's permit if you're moving out of state. Once you move, your Texas permit is no longer valid for driving. You'll need to obtain a learner's permit from your new state instead.