How to Change Your Address on a Texas Driver's License

Change Your Address Online, by Mail, or In Person at the DMV

Texas allows you to change your address on your driver's 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 — you can complete it in minutes without leaving home — but it works only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name. If either of those applies, you must visit a DPS office or mail in a form.

The address change itself is free. You do not need to renew your license or pay a renewal fee just to update where you live. Your current license remains valid; the DPS straightforward updates their records and mails you a replacement card with the new address printed on it within 7 to 10 business days.

Texas processes address changes faster than most states because the online option requires no documents and no appointment. However, if you are moving out of state or your license has expired, the process changes — you will need to follow renewal or replacement steps instead.

Key Takeaways

The online method at the Texas DPS website takes 5 to 10 minutes and costs nothing, but only works if your license is current and you have not changed your name.
If you choose to mail your request, send a completed DL-43 form with proof of your new address to the DPS address listed on their website; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
In-person address changes at any DPS office require your current license and one document showing your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
Your replacement card arrives within 7 to 10 business days; your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.
If your license is expired or you have changed your name, you cannot use the address-change process and must renew or replace your license instead.

Online Address Change Through the Texas DPS Website

Go to the Texas DPS online services portal at dps.texas.gov and select the option to change your address. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it. Once submitted, the change is processed when ready.

Your replacement license card will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to provide any documents — the online system verifies your identity using information already on file with the DPS. This method works only if your license has not expired and your name has not changed since you received it.

If the online portal tells you that you are ineligible, check whether your license is expired or whether your name differs from what the DPS has on record. Either condition requires you to renew or replace your license instead of straightforward changing your address.

Mailing a DL-43 Form to the DPS

If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a DL-43 form (process for Texas Driver License) to the Texas DPS. read the form from the DPS website or request one by phone at 1-888-589-6789. Complete the form with your new address and sign it.

Include one document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your new address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. Mail the completed form and your document to the address listed on the DPS website — this address changes depending on which region you live in, so check the website before mailing.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DPS receives your form. Your replacement card will be mailed to your new address. Keep your current license until the new one arrives; it remains valid during this time.

In-Person Address Change at a DPS Office

Visit any Texas DPS Driver License office with your current driver's license and one document showing your new address. No appointment is required, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring the same types of documents accepted for mail-in requests: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 90 days.

Tell the clerk you are changing your address only — do not say you are renewing your license, as that triggers a renewal fee. The clerk will update your address in the system and issue you a replacement card on the spot. You can drive home with your old license; the new card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person visits are useful if you want your address changed when ready in the DPS system, or if you are unable to use the online method. Some people also choose this route to avoid mail delays, though the replacement card is mailed either way.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your Texas driver's license has expired, you cannot use the address-change process. Instead, you must renew your license, which includes updating your address as part of the renewal process. Renewal requires visiting a DPS office or mailing in a renewal form, and it costs a renewal fee (typically $16 to $48 depending on your license type and how many years you are renewing for).

When you renew, you can update your address at the same time without any additional steps or fees beyond the renewal cost. If you are renewing online through the DPS website, you can change your address during that process. If you are renewing by mail or in person, provide your new address on the renewal form or tell the clerk at the office.

What Happens If You Changed Your Name

If you have changed your name since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal means — you cannot use the online address-change tool. You must visit a DPS office in person or mail in a replacement process.

Bring your current license, one document showing your new address, and one document proving your name change. Acceptable name-change documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or updated Social Security card. The DPS will issue you a replacement license with both your new name and new address. There is no fee for a name change; you pay only if you are also renewing your license.

Timeline and What to Expect After You Submit

If you change your address online, the update is recorded when ready, and your replacement card ships within 7 to 10 business days. If you mail a form, the DPS receives it in 3 to 5 business days (depending on mail speed), processes it in 2 to 3 weeks, and then mails your card, for a total of roughly 3 to 4 weeks. If you change your address in person at a DPS office, your card is mailed the same day and arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Your old license remains valid and legal to use while you wait for the replacement. You do not need to carry proof that you have applied for a new address. The DPS updates their records when ready (online) or within a few business days (mail or in-person), so any traffic stop or official check will show your new address even if your physical card has not arrived yet.

If your replacement card does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status. Occasionally cards are lost in the mail; the DPS can reissue one if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay a fee to change my address on my Texas driver's license?

No. Changing your address is free. You pay a fee only if you are renewing your license at the same time. A straightforward address change costs nothing.

Can I change my address if I am moving out of Texas?

You can change your address to an out-of-state address using the online tool or by mail, but your Texas license will no longer be valid once you establish residency in another state. Most states require you to obtain a license in your new state within 30 to 60 days of moving. Check your new state's requirements before you move.

What if I do not have a document showing my new address?

You will need at least one document dated within the last 90 days. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date. Some DPS offices accept this in place of an official document.

Will my old license still work while I wait for the new one?

Yes. Your old license is valid and legal to use until your replacement arrives. The DPS updates their records when ready (if you changed your address online) or within a few business days (if you mailed or visited in person), so your new address is in their system even if your physical card has not arrived.

Can I change my address without visiting a DPS office or mailing anything?

Yes, if your license is current and you have not changed your name, use the online tool at dps.texas.gov. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes and requires no documents or office visit.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.