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 fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. Texas will mail you a replacement license with your new address within 7 to 10 business days.

If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a completed DL-43 form (Address Change form) to the DPS along with a copy of your current license. In-person visits at any DPS office also work but require you to bring documents proving your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. Walk-in appointments are available, though wait times vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Texas DPS website is free and the fastest option, with your new license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
  • You need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email to change your address online.
  • If you mail in the change, include a completed DL-43 form and a copy of your current license; proof of your new address is not required by mail.
  • In-person address changes at a DPS office require proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
  • Your replacement license will show your new address, and you do not need to renew your license early to make this change.

Changing your address online through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to change your address on your driver's license. You will be asked to enter your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and then prompt you to enter your new address. Double-check the address before submitting — errors here will appear on your replacement license.

After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation email. Your replacement license will be mailed to the new address you provided. There is no fee for an address change, and you do not need to visit an office or provide documents. This method works as long as your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired by more than two years.

Mailing in an address change with the DL-43 form

read or request the DL-43 form from the Texas DPS website. Fill in your current license information and your new address. Include a photocopy of the front and back of your current license and mail both to the address listed on the form — typically the DPS headquarters in Austin, though regional offices may accept mail as well. Check the DPS website for the correct mailing address before sending.

Processing by mail takes longer than online — usually 2 to 3 weeks after the DPS receives your form, plus mail transit time in both directions. You do not need to include proof of your new address when you mail in the form. Once processed, your replacement license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS driver's license office with your current license and proof of your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail — all must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and new address. Bring the original document or a certified copy; a photocopy alone is not enough.

You can walk in without an appointment at most offices, though some locations now use online scheduling. Check the DPS website to find the office nearest you and see whether appointments are required. The office will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your permanent replacement license is mailed to your new address. There is no fee for this change.

What happens to your old license and when you'll receive the new one

Your old license becomes invalid once your address change is processed. The DPS will mail your replacement license to the new address you provided — not to your old address. If you change your address online or by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for processing plus mail delivery time, which typically means 10 to 14 days total. If you change your address in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license within the same timeframe.

If you move again before your replacement license arrives, do not open it. Contact the DPS to request that it be held or forwarded to your next address. Opening a license addressed to a different location can complicate things if you need to use it for identification.

Address changes when your license is suspended, revoked, or expired

If your license is suspended or revoked, you can still change your address online or by mail. The DPS will process the change and mail your replacement license to the new address. However, the license will still show the suspension or revocation status — changing your address does not lift it.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot change your address online. You will need to renew your license instead, which requires an in-person visit, a new photo, and proof of identity and residency. An address change alone is not enough to reactivate an expired license. Contact the DPS or visit a driver's license office to understand what documents you'll need for renewal.

Address changes and insurance, vehicle registration, and other documents

Changing your driver's license address does not automatically update your auto insurance, vehicle registration, or other records. You must contact your insurance company separately to update your address — most insurers allow you to do this online, by phone, or through their mobile app. Your insurance company may adjust your rates based on your new location, so notify them promptly.

Your vehicle registration is tied to your address as well. Texas allows you to update your registration address online through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, by mail, or in person at a county tax assessor's office. Keeping both your license and registration current at the same address helps avoid confusion if you're stopped by law enforcement. Some counties offer combined renewal, so check whether you can update both at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if my license is suspended?

Yes. You can change your address online, by mail, or in person even if your license is suspended. The DPS will process the change and mail your replacement license to your new address. The suspension status will still appear on the license — changing your address does not remove it.

What if I move before my replacement license arrives?

Contact the Texas DPS before opening the license. They can hold it at a local office for you to pick up, or in some cases forward it to your new address. Do not open a license addressed to a previous location, as this can create problems if you need to use it for identification.

Do I need to renew my license early if I change my address?

No. An address change does not affect your license expiration date. Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your current license, just with your new address printed on it.

Will changing my address affect my auto insurance rates?

It may. Insurance rates depend partly on where you live, so your insurer may adjust your premium when you update your address. Contact your insurance company as soon as you change your address to may support your policy reflects your new location.

Can I change my address online if my license is expired?

Only if it expired within the last two years. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew it in person instead of straightforward changing your address. You'll need to visit a DPS office with proof of identity and residency.