Change your Texas driver license address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

Texas lets you change your address without renewing your license. You can do it online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website if your license is valid and you have not had a name change. If you need to update your address in person or by mail, you will visit a DPS driver license office or send documents by post. The fastest route is online, which takes a few minutes and costs nothing.

Your address change takes effect when ready when processed online, or within one to two weeks if you mail it in. You do not need to surrender your current license or pay a fee unless you are also renewing it.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas DPS lets you change your address online at dps.texas.gov if your license is valid and you have not changed your name.
  • If you cannot use the online method, you can visit a DPS driver license office in person with your current license and proof of your new address.
  • Mailing in a change-of-address form takes longer but works if you cannot visit an office or go online.
  • You do not pay a fee to change your address unless you are also renewing your license at the same time.
  • Your new address appears on your license when ready online, or within one to two weeks by mail or in person.

Change your address online through the DPS website

The online method is the fastest and costs nothing. Go to dps.texas.gov and look for the "Change of Address" option under driver license services. You will need your Texas driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also enter your new address and confirm it.

The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history or other records. Once you pass verification, your address change is complete. You will see a confirmation on screen, and your new address takes effect right away. You do not receive a new physical license card — your current card remains valid with the old address printed on it, but DPS records show your new address.

You can only use this method if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired, and if you have not had a legal name change since you got your current license. If either of those applies to you, use the in-person or mail method instead.

Change your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS driver license office with your current driver license and one document that shows your new address. Acceptable address documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, government mail, or insurance policy dated within the last 90 days. Bring the original or a certified copy — a photo of the document usually does not work.

Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will update your record on the spot, and your new address takes effect when ready. You will not receive a new license card unless you also pay to renew it. If your license is suspended or revoked, the office staff can tell you whether you can change your address or whether you must resolve the suspension first.

Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are usually less busy early in the morning on weekdays. You can find your nearest office and check hours at dps.texas.gov.

Change your address by mail

read the Change of Address form (Form DL-43) from the DPS website or ask for one at a driver license office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it with a copy of a document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or similar) to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes one to two weeks from the date DPS receives your mail. Your address change takes effect once the form is processed. You will not receive a new license card, and there is no fee. Keep a copy of what you mail in case you need to follow up.

Mailing is slower than the other methods, but it works if you cannot visit an office or use the online system. If your license is suspended or revoked, contact DPS before mailing to confirm whether a mail-in address change is possible.

What happens to your physical license card

Your current license card keeps the old address printed on it no matter which method you use. DPS records your new address in their system, but the card itself does not change. This is normal and legal — police and other officials check the DPS database, not just the card, so your new address is on file where it matters.

If you want a new card with your new address printed on it, you will need to renew your license. A standard renewal costs around $25 to $50 depending on how many years you renew for, and you can do it online, by mail, or in person at the same time you change your address.

When you cannot change your address online

The online method does not work if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired. It also does not work if you have changed your legal name since you got your current license. In those cases, use the in-person or mail method instead.

If your license is suspended, you may still be able to change your address, but DPS may require you to handle the suspension first. Call the DPS customer service line or visit an office to ask. If your license is expired, you can change your address by mail or in person, but you should consider renewing it at the same time so you have a valid license for identification.

Address changes and vehicle registration

Changing your driver license address does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You must notify the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) separately if your vehicle registration is in your name. You can change your vehicle registration address online at txdmv.gov, by mail, or in person at a county tax assessor-collector office.

Texas law requires you to notify the DMV of an address change within 30 days. Doing both updates — your license and your registration — at the same time keeps your records consistent and helps make sure you receive important notices about your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to get a new license card when I change my address?

No. Your current card stays valid even though it shows your old address. DPS updates your address in their system, and that is what officials check. You only get a new card if you pay to renew your license.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online process takes a few minutes to complete. Your new address is active in the DPS system right away. You will see a confirmation message on screen when it is done.

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

You will need one to change your address in person or by mail. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 90 days. If you do not have any of these, contact DPS to ask what else they will accept.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended?

It depends on why it is suspended. Contact DPS or visit an office to ask. You may be able to change your address by mail or in person even if the online method is not available, but some suspensions may need to be resolved first.

Do I have to change my vehicle registration address too?

Yes, separately. Texas law requires you to notify the DMV of an address change within 30 days. You can do this online at txdmv.gov, by mail, or at a county tax assessor-collector office.