Change your Texas address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office
Texas lets you change your driver's license address without renewing your license itself. You can do this through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or by visiting a DPS driver license office in person. The online method is fastest — it takes minutes and costs nothing. Mail and in-person visits also work but take longer and may involve a fee if you want a replacement card with your new address printed on it.
Your address on file affects where the state sends renewal notices, where traffic citations are mailed, and what address appears on your physical card. Updating it promptly prevents mail from going to an old address and keeps your record current with the state.
Key Takeaways
- The Texas DPS online portal lets you change your address for free in minutes without visiting an office or mailing documents.
- If you change your address online, your physical card still shows the old address until your next renewal — the state's records update when ready.
- You can request a replacement card with your new address printed on it by mail or in person, which costs between $11 and $16 depending on your license type.
- Mail-in address changes take two to three weeks; in-person changes are processed the same day but require a visit to a DPS office during business hours.
- You must have lived at your new Texas address for at least 30 days before you can change it on your license.
Change your address online through the Texas DPS website
The fastest and cheapest way to change your address is through the Texas DPS online system. Go to dps.texas.gov, find the driver license section, and look for the address change option. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.
Once you log in, enter your new Texas address and submit. The system confirms your change when ready, and your address updates in the state's records right away. You do not need to upload documents or pay a fee. However, your physical driver's license card will still show your old address until you renew your license at its regular expiration date.
This method works only if you are changing to a different address within Texas. If you are moving out of state or need a replacement card with your new address printed on it, you will need to use mail or in-person options instead.
Request a replacement card by mail with your new address
If you want a new physical card that shows your updated address, you can request one by mail. read the DL-43 form (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website or pick one up at a DPS office. Fill in your new address, sign the form, and mail it along with proof of your new address to the address listed on the form.
Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. Mail your completed form and proof to the DPS address shown on the form.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. The replacement card costs $11 for a standard license or $16 for a commercial license. DPS will mail your new card to your new address once it is ready. During this time, your old card remains valid.
Change your address in person at a DPS driver license office
You can walk into any DPS driver license office in Texas and change your address on the spot. Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days. The office staff will update your address in the system when ready.
Like the online method, changing your address in person updates the state's records but does not change the address printed on your physical card. If you want a replacement card with your new address, you can request one at the same visit. The fee is $11 for a standard license or $16 for a commercial license, and you will receive your new card in the mail within two to three weeks.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours or Saturday hours. Check the DPS office locator on their website to find the office nearest you and confirm its hours before you go.
What documents you need for each method
| Method | Documents Needed | Cost | Time to Complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (address change only) | Driver's license number, last 4 SSN digits, date of birth | Free | Minutes |
| Online (replacement card) | Not available online | — | — |
| DL-43 form, current license, proof of address (utility bill, lease, mortgage, or government mail dated within 30 days) | $11–$16 | 2–3 weeks | |
| In person | Current license, proof of address (utility bill, lease, mortgage, or government mail dated within 30 days) | Free (or $11–$16 for replacement card) | Same day |
Common mistakes to avoid when changing your address
Do not assume your physical card will update automatically. The online method and in-person visits change your address in the state system but leave your card unchanged. If you need the new address on the card itself, you must request a replacement card and pay the fee.
Do not use a document older than 30 days as proof of address. Utility bills, leases, and mortgage statements must be dated within the last month. Government mail like tax documents or voter registration cards also work if they are recent enough.
Do not change your address if you have not lived at the new location for at least 30 days. Texas requires a 30-day residency period before you can update your license address. If you just moved, wait until you have been there a month before you change it.
Do not mail original documents. Make copies of your proof of address and DL-43 form before you mail them. Keep the originals in case DPS loses your envelope or needs you to resubmit.
What happens after you change your address
Once your address is updated in the DPS system, all future mail from the state — including renewal notices, traffic citations, and administrative letters — goes to your new address. If you changed your address online or in person without requesting a replacement card, your old card remains valid and legal to use, but it shows the outdated address.
When your license expires, you will renew it at your new address, and the replacement card will show the current address. If you need the new address on your card before your renewal date, you must request a replacement card through the mail or in-person method.
If you are moving out of state, changing your Texas address will not transfer your license to another state. You will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state according to that state's rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address if I just moved and have not been there 30 days yet?
No. Texas requires you to have lived at your new address for at least 30 days before you can change it on your license. If you try to change it sooner, the DPS system will reject your request. Wait until you have been at the address for a full month, then update it.
Do I have to get a replacement card if I change my address online?
No. Changing your address online updates the state's records for free, and your old card remains valid. Your address in the system changes when ready, so mail and citations go to the new address. The card itself still shows the old address, but that does not make it invalid.
What counts as proof of address for a mail-in or in-person change?
A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail (like a tax document or voter registration card) dated within the last 30 days works. The document must show your name and new address. Copies are fine for mail-in requests, but bring the original or a copy to an office visit.
How long does it take to get a replacement card with my new address?
If you request a replacement card by mail, it takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. If you request one in person at a DPS office, the office processes it the same day, and DPS mails the card to your new address within two to three weeks.
What if I move out of Texas?
Changing your address in Texas does not transfer your license to another state. You will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state. Contact that state's DMV or equivalent agency for their requirements and process.