How to change your address on a Texas driver license
You can change your address on a Texas driver license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in three ways: online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. You do not need to renew your license or take a new photo — you are only updating the address on your existing license.
Texas requires you to notify DPS of an address change within 30 days of moving. If you do not update it and are stopped by law enforcement, you may face a fine. The address change itself takes effect when ready online or by mail, though a replacement card with your new address takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through the DPS website cost nothing and take effect when ready, though your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
- You must have your current Texas driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to change your address online.
- By-mail changes require a completed DL-43 form, a copy of your current license, and proof of your new address, sent to the DPS address on the form.
- In-person changes at a DPS office require your current license and one document proving your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
- Texas law requires you to report an address change within 30 days of moving, even if you do not plan to renew your license for several years.
Changing your address online through the DPS website
The online method is the fastest and cheapest option. Go to the Texas DPS website and select the address change option under driver license services. You will need your current Texas driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask you to enter your new address.
Once you submit the change online, it takes effect when ready in the DPS system. Your driving record and license status update right away. However, the physical replacement card with your new address printed on it will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Until that card arrives, your old card is still valid — the address change in the system is what matters for law enforcement and official records.
If the online system cannot verify your identity, you will be directed to complete the change by mail or in person instead. This sometimes happens if there is a mismatch between the information in the DPS database and what you enter.
Changing your address by mail
To change your address by mail, read or request the DL-43 form from the Texas DPS website. This is the official address change form. Fill it out completely with your current information and new address. You will need to include a copy of your current driver license (front and back) and one document that proves your new address.
Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address. The document must show your name and the new address clearly. Mail the completed form, your license copy, and proof of address to the address listed on the DL-43 form — this is typically a regional DPS office.
Processing by mail takes longer than online. You should expect the address change to be recorded in the DPS system within 2 to 3 weeks, and your replacement card to arrive within 7 to 10 business days after that. There is no fee for a by-mail address change.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
You can walk into any Texas DPS office and request an address change. Bring your current driver license and one document proving your new address. The same documents accepted for mail changes work in person: utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail showing your name and new address.
The DPS staff member will update your address in the system when ready. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your replacement card is printed and mailed. The replacement card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee for this service.
In-person changes are useful if you need proof of your address change quickly or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. DPS offices are open during standard business hours, and wait times vary by location and time of day. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the Texas DPS website.
What counts as proof of your new address
Texas DPS accepts a narrow list of documents as proof of address. The document must show your full name and your new street address. A PO box does not count as a residential address for this purpose.
Acceptable documents include: a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a signed lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a government-issued document (such as a tax return or voter registration card), or mail from a government agency. The document should be dated within the last 60 days, though DPS staff have some discretion if the document is slightly older but clearly shows your current residence.
Documents that do not work include a PO box rental receipt, a letter from an employer, a handwritten note from a landlord, or a screenshot of an online account. If you are moving and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and new address.
Timeline and what to expect after you change your address
The timeline depends on which method you choose. Online changes take effect when ready in the DPS system but your physical card takes 7 to 10 business days. By-mail changes take 2 to 3 weeks to process, then another 7 to 10 days for the card to arrive. In-person changes update when ready and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot.
After your address change is recorded, your driver license number stays the same. Your license does not expire any sooner or later because of the address change. If your license is set to expire in 2025, it still expires in 2025 — the address change does not reset the expiration date.
The new card will arrive by mail at your new address. If you do not receive it within 14 days of submitting your change, contact the DPS to verify the address they have on file. Mail delays do happen, but 14 days is the outside window for normal delivery.
Common mistakes and what to avoid
The most common mistake is entering your address incorrectly online. Double-check that you have typed your street address, city, state, and ZIP code exactly as they appear on your proof of address document. A typo can delay your card or cause it to be mailed to the wrong place.
Another mistake is submitting a document that does not clearly show both your name and your new address. A utility bill that shows only an account number without your name, or a lease that lists a different person as the primary tenant, will be rejected. Make sure the document is in your name.
Do not assume your address change is complete just because you submitted the form. If you chose the by-mail option, follow up after 3 weeks if you have not seen the change reflected in your DPS record. You can check your record online or call the DPS to confirm.
If you are moving out of state, an address change in Texas is not enough. You will need to obtain a driver license in your new state within the timeframe that state requires. Texas will not renew your license if you no longer live in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address if I move within Texas?
Yes. Texas law requires you to notify DPS of an address change within 30 days of moving, even if you are moving within the same city or county. Failure to do so can result in a fine if you are stopped by law enforcement. The address on your license must match where you actually live.
What if I move and do not have a utility bill yet in my new address?
Ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their official letterhead confirming your move-in date and new address. DPS will accept this as proof of address. Alternatively, a lease agreement or rental contract with your name and new address works just as well.
Can I change my address online if I do not have my Social Security number handy?
You need the last four digits of your Social Security number to change your address online. If you do not have it available, use the by-mail or in-person method instead. You do not need your Social Security number for those options.
Will my license expiration date change if I update my address?
No. Changing your address does not affect when your license expires. If your license is set to expire in 2025, it still expires in 2025 after an address change. The expiration date only changes when you renew your license.
What if I move out of state after changing my address in Texas?
An address change in Texas does not transfer to another state. You will need to obtain a driver license in your new state according to that state's timeline and requirements. Most states require you to get a new license within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency.