Change Your Address Online, by Mail, or In Person at the DMV
Texas allows you to change your address on your driver license through three routes: online via the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives it. In-person changes are processed the same day but require a trip to a DPS office during business hours.
You do not need to renew your license to change the address — it stays valid with the old address until expiration. However, Texas law requires you to notify DPS of a move within 30 days. Driving with an outdated address on file can result in a citation, though it is not grounds for license suspension.
The method you choose depends on how soon you need the change recorded and whether you have the documents DPS requires. Online is the default unless you lack a valid email address or prefer to handle it in person.
Key Takeaways
- Texas requires you to report an address change within 30 days of moving, even though your license remains valid with the old address.
- Online address changes through the DPS website cost nothing and take effect within one business day, with no documents required.
- Mail-in changes require a completed form, a copy of a document proving your new address, and take 7 to 10 business days to process.
- In-person changes at a DPS office are processed when ready but require proof of residency and a valid form of ID.
- You cannot change your address by phone or through a third-party vendor — only through DPS directly.
Online Address Change: No Cost, No Documents, One Business Day
The online method is the fastest and simplest route. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Change Address Online," and enter your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will then enter your new address and confirm it. The change takes effect within one business day.
You do not need to upload documents, pay a fee, or visit an office. Your new address appears in the DPS system when ready after submission, though the physical card in your wallet still shows the old address until you renew your license. For purposes of law enforcement and official records, the system address is what matters.
The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you do not have an email address or cannot access the website, use the mail or in-person methods instead.
Mail-In Address Change: Seven to Ten Business Days
To change your address by mail, read and print the process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43) from the DPS website. Complete Section 1 (personal information) and Section 3 (address change). You do not need to fill in the photograph section or other renewal fields.
Attach a copy of one document proving your new address. DPS accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax records, or government mail showing your name and current address. The document must be dated within 90 days of when you mail the form. Mail the completed form and document copy to the address listed on the form — typically the DPS office in your region.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your envelope. There is no fee. Your address will be updated in the system, but your physical license card will still show the old address until renewal. Keep a copy of what you mailed in case DPS requests clarification.
In-Person Address Change at a DPS Office
Visit any DPS Driver License office with your current driver license and one document proving your new address. Bring the same types of documents accepted for mail-in changes: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax record, or government mail dated within 90 days. You do not need to bring your Social Security card or birth certificate.
The office will update your address in the system on the spot. There is no fee. Your physical license card will still show the old address, but the system record is what law enforcement and government agencies see. If you want a new card with the updated address printed on it, you must renew your license, which costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open Saturday mornings. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DPS office locator on their website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go.
What Documents Prove Your New Address
DPS accepts the following documents as proof of residency for an address change:
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone) in your name, dated within 90 days
- Lease agreement or rental contract showing your name and new address
- Mortgage statement or property deed in your name
- Property tax bill or assessment notice
- Government mail addressed to you at the new address (tax return, voter registration, court document)
- Bank or credit card statement showing your name and new address
The document must show your full name and the complete new address. A post office change-of-address form alone is not accepted. If you recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your residency, or use a bank statement if available.
For mail-in changes, send a photocopy, not the original. For in-person changes, bring the original document — the office staff will verify it and return it to you.
Timeline and What Happens Next
| Method | Time to Process | Cost | Documents Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | 1 business day | Free | None |
| 7–10 business days | Free | Form DL-43 + proof of address (copy) | |
| In person | Same day | Free | Driver license + proof of address (original) |
After your address change is processed, your driver license remains valid and legal to use. The physical card will still display your old address until you renew your license. When you do renew — whether in person or by mail — your new address will be printed on the replacement card.
If you move again before your license expires, you can change your address as many times as needed using any of these three methods. There is no limit to how many times you can update your address on file.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume that updating your address with the U.S. Postal Service automatically updates your driver license. The post office and DPS are separate systems. You must notify DPS directly.
Do not mail original documents — send copies only. DPS will not return originals, and you may need the original for other purposes.
Do not use a PO box as your address on your driver license. Texas requires a physical street address. If you live in a rural area without a street address, contact your local DPS office for guidance on what address to use.
Do not wait until after 30 days have passed. While your license does not become invalid, driving with an outdated address on file can result in a traffic citation. Update your address as soon as you move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address online if I do not have email?
No, the online system requires you to access the DPS website. If you do not have internet access or an email address, use the mail-in method or visit a DPS office in person. Both are free and do not require email.
What if I moved out of state — do I still need to update my Texas address?
If you moved out of Texas, you should obtain a driver license in your new state instead of updating your Texas address. Once you have a valid license from your new state, you can let your Texas license expire. If you are keeping your Texas license for any reason, you can update the address to your new state address, though this is unusual.
Do I have to renew my license to change my address?
No. An address change is separate from renewal. Your license remains valid with the old address printed on it until expiration. The system address is what matters for official purposes, and that updates when ready with any of the three methods.
What if DPS rejects my mail-in change?
DPS will reject a mail-in change if the proof-of-address document is missing, does not show your name, is older than 90 days, or if the form is incomplete. DPS will send your envelope back with a letter explaining what was wrong. Correct the issue and remail it, or visit an office in person instead.
Can I change my address at a DPS office without an appointment?
Yes, DPS offices accept walk-ins for address changes. No appointment is required. However, wait times vary. Check the DPS website for your local office's current wait time before you go, especially during peak hours (late morning and early afternoon on weekdays).