Change Your Address Online, by Mail, or at a DPS Office
You can change your Texas driver license address through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at any DPS driver license office. The online method is the fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your record updates within one business day. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person visits at a DPS office are when ready but require you to bring documents and may involve a wait.
You do not need to renew your license to change your address. The address change is a separate transaction that does not cost money and does not affect your license expiration date. However, if your license is expired or will expire within 60 days, DPS will not process an address-only change — you will need to renew instead.
Texas requires you to notify DPS of an address change within 30 days of moving. This is a legal requirement, not just a recommendation. If you are stopped by law enforcement and your license shows an old address, you may be cited for failing to report the change.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through the DPS website take about 10 minutes and update within one business day, with no fee.
- You must have your current Texas driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to change your address online.
- If your license expires within 60 days, you cannot change the address alone — you must renew your license instead.
- Texas law requires you to report an address change within 30 days of moving, or you may be cited.
- Mail-in address changes require a completed DL-43 form and take 7 to 10 business days to process.
Change Your Address Online Through the DPS Website
Go to the Texas DPS online services portal at dps.texas.gov and select "Change Address" under the driver license section. You will need to log in with your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Have your current address and your new address ready before you start.
Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your license. DPS will not accept a P.O. box as a mailing address for a driver license — you must provide a street address. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your address updates in the DPS system within one business day, and you do not need to do anything else. Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew, but the DPS record is what law enforcement and other agencies see.
The online method works only if your license is not expired and will not expire within 60 days. If you are within that window, you must renew your license instead of changing the address alone.
Mail in a DL-43 Form to Change Your Address
read the DL-43 form (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. You do not need to fill out the entire form — only complete the sections for your name, current license number, new address, and signature. Sign and date the form in blue or black ink.
Mail the completed DL-43 form to the DPS address listed on the form. Include a copy of one document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. DPS will process your change within 7 to 10 business days and send you a confirmation letter. Your physical license will still show your old address, but your DPS record updates.
Do not send your actual driver license card with the form. DPS does not need it for an address change. Keep your license with you until you renew.
Change Your Address in Person at a DPS Office
Visit any Texas DPS driver license office with your current driver license and one document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Tell the clerk you want to change your address only, not renew. The change is processed when ready, and you walk out with your record updated.
Bring your license and address proof in original form — DPS will not accept photographs or copies for an in-person address change. If you do not have a document with your new address, you can bring two documents that together prove your identity and residency: your license plus a utility bill, or your license plus a lease agreement.
DPS offices are busiest on weekday mornings and Saturdays. If you want to avoid a wait, visit on a weekday afternoon. Some offices allow you to reserve a time slot online through the DPS website.
What Documents You Need for Each Method
| Method | Documents Required | Processing Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver license number, last 4 SSN digits, date of birth | 1 business day | Free |
| DL-43 form, one document with new address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) | 7–10 business days | Free | |
| In Person | Current driver license, one document with new address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) | when ready | Free |
What Happens If Your License Expires Soon
If your driver license expires within 60 days, DPS will not process an address-only change. You must renew your license instead, which includes updating your address. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as an address change, but you will pay the renewal fee (currently $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license) and receive a new license card with your updated address.
If you are past the 60-day window and your license is expired, you cannot change the address — you must renew. Renewing an expired license requires an in-person visit to a DPS office and may require additional documents such as proof of residency and a Social Security number verification.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not use a P.O. box as your address. DPS will reject it, and you will have to resubmit. Use your actual street address, including the apartment or unit number if you live in a multi-unit building.
Do not send your physical license card with a mail-in form. DPS does not need it, and you need to keep it with you. Only send the completed DL-43 form and a copy of your address proof.
Do not wait until after 30 days to report your move. While DPS may still process your change, you are technically in violation of Texas law and could be cited if stopped by law enforcement.
Do not assume your physical license card updates when ready. Your DPS record updates, but your card still shows your old address until you renew. This is normal and does not cause problems with law enforcement — they check the DPS database, not the card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No. If your license is expired, you must renew it instead of changing the address alone. Renewal includes an address update and costs $25 to $50 depending on the license type and validity period you choose. You can renew online, by mail, or in person.
How long does it take for my new address to show up in the DPS system?
Online changes update within one business day. Mail-in changes take 7 to 10 business days. In-person changes are when ready. Your physical license card will not update until you renew your license, but law enforcement and government agencies see your updated address in the DPS database right away.
What if I moved to a new address but do not have a utility bill or lease in my name yet?
You can use a bank statement, mortgage statement, or other official document dated within 60 days that shows your name and new address. If you have none of these, visit a DPS office in person and bring two documents together: your driver license plus a lease agreement, or your license plus a piece of mail from a government agency sent to your new address.
Do I have to renew my license when I change my address?
No. An address change is separate from renewal and does not cost money. Your license expiration date does not change. However, if your license expires within 60 days, you cannot change the address alone — you must renew instead.
What if I changed my address online but made a mistake?
Contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 or visit a DPS office in person to correct the error. Bring your driver license and a document showing your correct address. The correction is made when ready in person or within one business day by phone.