The fastest way to change your address in Texas

You can change your address with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) online, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your new address shows up when ready in the system, though your physical license still shows the old one until you renew it.

If you move within Texas, you do not need to take a new photo or pass any tests. You only update the address on file. If you move out of Texas, you will eventually need to get a Texas license with your new address or switch to your new state's license, but there is no when ready important date to do so.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas DPS online portal lets you change your address in minutes without visiting an office, and the change takes effect right away in their system.
  • You can also mail a completed form DL-43 to the DPS address listed on the form, or visit a driver license office in person with your current license and proof of your new address.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days — the document must show your name and new address.
  • Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew it, but the DPS records update when ready and that is what law enforcement sees when they scan your license.
  • If you move out of Texas, you are not required to change your Texas license right away, but you cannot legally drive in another state on an out-of-state address without that state's license.

Changing your address online through the Texas DPS

The Texas DPS website has a dedicated portal for address changes. Go to the DPS driver license services page, select "Change Address," and log in with your driver license number and date of birth. You will enter your new address, confirm it, and the change is complete. No fee is charged.

This method works only if your license is valid and not suspended. If your license is expired by more than two years, you cannot use the online portal and must visit an office or mail in a form. The online change shows up in the DPS system when ready, so if you are stopped by police, they will see your new address on their scanner even though your physical card has not changed.

Mailing a form to the DPS

If you prefer not to go online or in person, you can mail form DL-43 (Change of Address) to the DPS. You will need to include your current driver license number, your new address, and proof that you live there. Mail the form and documents to the address printed on the form itself — it varies by region, so check the DPS website to find the correct mailing address for your area.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks. During that time, your address in the DPS system will not change, so if you are stopped by police before the form arrives, they will still see your old address. Keep a copy of what you mailed in case there are questions.

Changing your address in person at a driver license office

You can walk into any Texas driver license office with your current license and proof of your new address. Bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail all work. You do not need an appointment in most offices, though wait times vary.

The office will update your address on the spot, and the change takes effect when ready in the DPS system. Your physical license still shows the old address, but you will receive a new one at your new address within one to two weeks. Some offices charge a small fee for an address change if you also request a replacement card; check with your local office first.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DPS accepts documents dated within the last 30 days that show both your name and your new address. These include utility bills (electric, gas, water), a signed lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, government mail, or a property tax bill. A piece of mail from your bank or a government agency works well because it is hard to forge and shows an official record of where you live.

A driver license from another state does not count as proof of address in Texas. A post office change-of-address form does not count either. If you just moved and do not have a bill or lease yet, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on letterhead confirming your move-in date and address, or wait until you receive your first bill at the new place.

If your license is expired or suspended

If your Texas license is expired by less than two years, you can still use the online portal to change your address. If it is expired by more than two years or is suspended, you cannot change your address online — you must visit an office or mail in a form. A suspended license means you cannot legally drive, and changing the address does not lift the suspension.

If your license is suspended, contact the DPS to find out why and what you need to do to restore it. Once it is restored, you can change your address through any of the three methods. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, you can check the DPS website or call your local driver license office.

Moving out of Texas

If you move to another state, you are not required to change your Texas license right away. However, you cannot legally drive in your new state on a Texas license that shows an out-of-state address. Most states require you to get a license in that state within 30 to 60 days of moving there, though the exact important date varies.

You can keep your Texas license as a form of identification, but you will need to get a license from your new state to drive legally there. Some people keep both for a while, but eventually your new state's license becomes your primary driving document. Check your new state's DMV website for their specific timeline and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for my address change to show up?

Online changes take effect when ready in the DPS system. In-person changes also take effect right away. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks. Your physical license card will show your old address until you renew it, but police and the DPS see your updated address when they look up your record.

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

No. Your current license remains valid. The DPS will mail you a new card with your new address within one to two weeks if you change your address in person or online, but you do not have to request it. If you want a replacement card sooner, some offices will print one for a fee.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease yet?

Ask your landlord, property manager, or utility company for a letter on official letterhead confirming your move-in date and address. Some utilities will email or mail a confirmation letter if you have set up an account. You can also wait until you receive your first bill at the new address, which usually arrives within a few weeks.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended?

You can change your address, but it does not affect your suspension. You must contact the DPS to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once it is restored, you can change your address through any method.

Do I need to change my address if I move to another state?

You do not have to change your Texas license, but you cannot legally drive in another state on a license with an out-of-state address. Your new state will require you to get a license there within 30 to 60 days of moving. Check your new state's DMV website for their specific requirements.