The fastest way to change your address in Texas

You can change your address on your Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is quickest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You'll need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The address change shows up in the system right away, though your physical license still has the old address printed on it until you renew.

If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a completed form to DPS or walk into any DPS office with your current license and proof of your new address. In-person changes at an office usually take a few minutes. Mail takes longer — typically one to two weeks for DPS to process your request.

Your new address becomes official for voting, vehicle registration, and law enforcement records as soon as DPS processes it, regardless of which method you choose. You don't need to wait for a new license card to arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through the Texas DPS website is free and takes about 10 minutes, with no appointment needed.
  • You can also change your address in person at any DPS office or by mailing Form DL-43 to the DPS address processing center.
  • Your address updates in state records when ready after DPS processes your request, even though your physical license card still shows the old address.
  • You do not need to renew your license early to update your address — the change is separate from license renewal.
  • Proof of your new address might be required depending on which method you use; a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement usually works.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Change of Address" option under driver's license services. You'll enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your DPS records. Once you complete these steps, your address change is submitted.

You'll receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Save this number in case you need to follow up. The address change typically processes within one business day, though it can take up to three business days during busy periods. You can check the status of your request using your reference number on the DPS website.

The online method works only if your license is current and not suspended or revoked. If your license has any holds or restrictions, you'll need to handle the address change in person or by mail instead.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Bring your current driver's license and one document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail with your name and new address. The document should be dated within the last 60 days, though DPS may accept older documents in some cases — call ahead if you're unsure.

Walk into any DPS driver's license office during business hours. You don't need an appointment for an address change. Tell the clerk you're updating your address. They'll verify your identity, confirm your new address, and process the change on the spot. The whole visit usually takes 10 to 15 minutes unless the office is very busy.

Your address updates in the system when ready. You'll receive a receipt showing your new address has been recorded. Your physical license card still shows the old address, but law enforcement and state agencies see your updated address in their records.

Changing your address by mail

read or request Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Texas DPS website. Fill out the form with your current license number, name, old address, and new address. Include a copy of one document that proves your new address — the same documents accepted in person work by mail (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, and so on).

Mail the completed form and your proof of address to the Texas DPS address listed on the form. Include a copy of your driver's license if possible. DPS typically processes mail requests within one to two weeks, though processing can take longer during peak times. You won't receive a confirmation in the mail; instead, you can check your address online through the DPS website using your license number and Social Security number.

Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If you don't see your address updated after three weeks, contact the DPS customer service line to confirm receipt of your request.

What happens to your physical license card

Your driver's license card itself does not change when you update your address. The card you carry will still show your old address printed on it. This is normal and does not cause problems — law enforcement and government agencies check the address in the DPS database, not the address printed on your card.

You can continue using your license as usual. If you want a new card with your current address printed on it, you'll need to renew your license. In Texas, licenses are valid for five or six years depending on your age. You can renew early if you want the updated address on your card, but there's no requirement to do so.

Updating your address for vehicle registration and voting

Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration or voter registration. You'll need to handle those separately if you've moved.

For vehicle registration, contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or visit your local county tax assessor's office. You can renew your vehicle registration online, by mail, or in person. The DMV will ask for your new address during that process.

For voter registration, you can register to vote at your new address through the Texas Secretary of State website or by filling out a voter registration form at your local county clerk's office. You can also register when you renew your driver's license if you do so in person at a DPS office — the clerk will ask if you want to update your voter registration at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to show proof of my new address?

Yes, if you change your address in person or by mail. You'll need a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works. The online method does not require proof; DPS verifies your identity through security questions instead.

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

Online changes usually process within one business day. In-person changes are when ready. Mail requests typically take one to two weeks. You can check the status of your request on the DPS website using your reference number (for online submissions) or your license number.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, you cannot change your address online or by mail if your license is expired. You'll need to renew your license first, either in person or by mail, and you can update your address as part of that renewal. If you go in person to renew, you can do both at the same visit.

Will my old address cause problems with police or other agencies?

No. Law enforcement and government agencies look up your address in the DPS database, not on the physical card. Once your address change is processed, they see your new address in their systems, even though your card still shows the old one.

What if I move again before my address change is processed?

Submit a new address change request with your current address. If you submitted online and haven't received confirmation yet, you can submit another request right away. If you mailed a form, contact DPS to let them know you've moved again so they can update your request.