Change Your Address Online, by Mail, or In Person at the DMV
Texas lets you change your driver's license address without renewing the license itself. You have three routes: the online system (fastest, if your license is not suspended or expired), mail-in forms, or visiting a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person. The online method takes minutes and costs nothing. Mail and in-person changes both cost $11 and take longer, but work when your license status makes online unavailable.
You do not need a new photo, new documents, or a new license number. The DPS updates your record and mails you a corrected license with your current address printed on it within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until it expires; the new one straightforward replaces it.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change at dps.texas.gov is free, takes 5 to 10 minutes, and works only if your license is current and not suspended.
- Mail-in address changes require the form DL-43 (Address Change), a $11 check or money order, and your current license; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- In-person changes at any DPS office cost $11, take 15 to 30 minutes, and work regardless of your license status.
- Your corrected license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; your old license stays valid until then.
- You must update your address within 30 days of moving to a new Texas residence; failure to do so can result in a fine.
Online Address Change: The Fastest Route
Go to dps.texas.gov and select "Change Address Online" under the Driver License section. 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. The entire process takes 5 to 10 minutes.
This method works only if your license is current (not expired) and not under suspension or cancellation. If your license expired more than two years ago, or if it is suspended for any reason, you must use mail or in-person instead. The online system will tell you when ready if you are not may be able to access.
After you submit, the DPS sends a confirmation email. Your new license prints and mails within 7 to 10 business days. You do not pay a fee for this service.
Mail-In Address Change Using Form DL-43
Request or read the form DL-43 (Address Change) from the DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign and date the form. Include a check or money order for $11 made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash.
Mail the completed form, your $11 payment, and your current driver's license to the address listed on the form (typically the DPS headquarters in Austin, but confirm on the form itself, as regional offices may accept mail). Include a return address so the DPS can send your corrected license back to you.
Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope. If you need your license sooner, use the in-person method instead. The DPS will return your old license with your new one; you can destroy the old one once the new one arrives.
In-Person Address Change at a DPS Office
Visit any Texas DPS Driver License office with your current driver's license and $11 in cash, check, or card (most offices accept all three). Bring proof of your new address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days. The DPS staff will update your record on the spot.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning visits (before 10 a.m.) and weekday mornings typically have shorter lines than afternoons or Saturdays. The transaction itself takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the window. Your corrected license mails within 7 to 10 business days.
This method works even if your license is expired or suspended, making it the only option for those situations. If you cannot visit an office, the mail-in route is your next choice.
What Documents You Need for Each Method
| Method | Documents Required | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number, last 4 SSN digits, date of birth | Free | 7–10 business days |
| Form DL-43, current license, $11 payment | $11 | 2–3 weeks | |
| In Person | Current license, proof of new address (utility bill, lease, etc.), $11 | $11 | 7–10 business days |
Proof of Address: What the DPS Accepts
For in-person visits, bring one document dated within the last 30 days showing your new address. Accepted documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, property tax records, a government agency letter (including mail from the DPS itself), or a bank or credit card statement. A piece of mail with your name and new address will work if it is from a government body or utility company.
A handwritten note or a verbal statement of your address does not count. If you are moving and do not yet have a dated document at your new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and new address. Some DPS offices accept this temporarily while you wait for a utility bill to arrive.
Timeline and What Happens After You Submit
Once you submit your address change—whether online, by mail, or in person—the DPS updates your record when ready. Your new license is printed and mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Standard mail delivery adds another 2 to 5 days, so expect your corrected license 9 to 15 days after submission.
Your old license remains valid and legal to use until your new one arrives. You do not need to carry both. Once the new license arrives, destroy the old one or keep it for your records; it is no longer active. If your new license does not arrive within 15 days, contact the DPS to confirm they received your request and have the correct mailing address on file.
If you move again before your new license arrives, you can submit another address change. The DPS will send the license to your most recent address on file. Do not submit multiple changes for the same license; wait for the first one to process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not send cash in the mail. Use a check or money order only. Do not forget to sign and date the DL-43 form if you are mailing it; unsigned forms are rejected and returned. Do not assume your address is updated just because you changed it with the post office or your employer; the DPS and USPS are separate systems, and you must notify the DPS directly.
Do not wait until after you move to change your address. Texas law requires you to update your address within 30 days of moving. Driving with an outdated address on your license after that window closes can result in a fine. If you are moving out of state, you do not need to update your Texas license, but you will need to obtain a license in your new state within the timeframe that state requires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No, not online. You must use mail or visit a DPS office in person. The online system only works for current, valid licenses. Mail and in-person methods work regardless of expiration status, as long as your license has not been suspended or revoked.
Do I have to pay $11 every time I move?
Only if you use mail or in-person. The online method is free. If you move multiple times, you can use the free online option each time as long as your license is current. If you use mail or in-person, you pay $11 per change.
What if I move out of state before my new license arrives?
Your new Texas license will still arrive at the address you provided. You can have it forwarded by the post office, or contact the DPS with a new mailing address before you leave. You do not need to update your Texas license if you are moving permanently out of state; you will need to obtain a license in your new state instead.
How do I know if my address change went through?
Online submissions send a confirmation email when ready. For mail and in-person, the DPS does not send a separate confirmation; your new license arriving in the mail is your proof. If you want to verify before then, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 with your license number and they can confirm your address on file.
Can someone else change my address for me?
No. You must submit the change yourself, whether online, by mail, or in person. If you are mailing the form, you sign it; if you visit in person, you must be there. A parent, spouse, or guardian cannot change your address without your direct involvement.