How to change your address in Texas

You can change your address on your Texas driver's 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 — you can update it in minutes from home without a fee. By mail takes one to two weeks. In person is when ready but requires a trip to an office during business hours.

You do not need to renew your license to change your address. The address change is a separate transaction that does not affect your license's expiration date or cost anything.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas lets you change your address online for free through the DPS website, and the change takes effect when ready.
  • If you change your address online, you will receive a new physical license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can also change your address by mail or in person at any DPS office without paying a fee.
  • Your license remains valid at your old address until the new one arrives, so you do not need to rush.

Changing your address online

Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Change Address" under the driver's license section. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Enter your new address and confirm it. The system will show you when ready that the change went through.

After you submit the change online, Texas DPS will mail you a new license with your updated address. This usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license is still valid until the new one shows up, so you can use it for identification in the meantime.

Online changes are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You do not need to make an appointment or visit an office.

Changing your address by mail

Print and fill out Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Texas DPS website. Include your driver's license number, your new address, and your signature. Mail it to the address listed on the form — typically the DPS office in Austin.

Processing by mail takes one to two weeks. You will receive a new license with your updated address in the mail. During this time, your old license with the old address remains valid.

This method works if you prefer not to use the online system or if you do not have internet access.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS driver's license office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations allow you to reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time.

When you arrive, tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will update your record on the spot. You will receive a new license when ready or within a few days, depending on whether the office prints licenses on-site.

In-person changes are useful if you need the new address on your license right away or if you have questions the staff can answer directly.

What counts as proof of your new address

Texas DPS accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. These include utility bills (electric, gas, water), lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank or credit card statements, insurance documents, or government mail. A cell phone bill or online statement usually does not count unless it is printed and shows your address.

If you do not have a document in your name yet, some offices will accept a signed letter from your landlord or a family member who lives with you, along with their ID. Call your local DPS office ahead of time to ask what they will accept in your situation.

When you need to change your address

You should change your address as soon as you move. Texas does not have a legal important date, but changing it promptly keeps your license current for voting, jury duty notices, and other official mail. If you get pulled over before you update your address, you are not breaking the law, but the officer will see the old address on your record.

If you move out of state, you do not need to change your Texas address — you will need to get a driver's license in your new state instead. Texas will deactivate your Texas license once you obtain a license elsewhere.

Fees and what to bring

There is no fee to change your address on a Texas driver's license. You do not pay anything online, by mail, or in person.

If you change your address online or by mail, you need only your license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. If you go in person, bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days. You do not need to bring anything else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address online if I have a REAL ID license?

Yes. REAL ID licenses can have their address changed online the same way as standard licenses. The online change does not affect your REAL ID status — your new license will still be REAL ID compliant if your current one is.

What if I moved but do not have a utility bill or lease in my name yet?

Call your local DPS office and ask what they will accept. Many offices take a signed letter from your landlord or a family member you live with, paired with their ID. Some accept recent mail from a government agency or bank. Each office has some flexibility for people in transition.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Texas DPS typically mails new licenses within 7 to 10 business days of your change. Mail delivery adds a few more days depending on where you live. Your old license stays valid until the new one arrives, so there is no gap in your identification.

Do I have to change my address if I move?

No legal important date exists in Texas, but you should change it as soon as you can. An outdated address can cause problems with jury duty notices, voter registration, and official mail. It is also safer to keep your license current in case you need it for identification.

Can I change my address at a different DPS office than the one that issued my license?

Yes. You can change your address at any Texas DPS driver's license office, regardless of where your license was originally issued. Online and mail changes work the same way no matter where you live in the state.