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

The fastest way to change your Texas address

You can change your address on a Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You do not need to renew your license early or take a new photo — the address change is separate from renewal.

Texas requires you to notify DPS of an address change within 30 days of moving. If you do not update it and are pulled over, you can be cited for failure to report a change of address, though this is rarely enforced. The real consequence is that your license will not match where you actually live, which creates problems with law enforcement stops, vehicle registration, and mail from the state.

Start with the online method unless you cannot access the internet or your license has been lost or damaged. If your license is damaged, you must replace it in person or by mail.

Key Takeaways

The online address change through the Texas DPS website is free and takes about 10 minutes, and you do not need to visit an office or mail anything.
You have 30 days from your move to report the address change to DPS, though enforcement is uncommon.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot use the online method and must explore for a replacement in person or by mail instead.
An address change does not extend your license expiration date or require a new photo or vision test.
You will receive a new physical license card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days after an online address change.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to dps.texas.gov and select "Driver License" from the main menu. Look for the option labeled "Change Address Online" or "Update Your Address." You will need your Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Have your new address ready.

The system will confirm your identity using information from your license record. Once verified, enter your new street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Review the information for accuracy — misspellings or wrong ZIP codes will cause mail delays. Submit the form and you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Save or print this number.

DPS will mail your updated license card to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until it expires, but you should carry the new card once it arrives. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789 to check the status.

Changing your address by mail

Complete form DL-43 (Change of Address), which you can read from dps.texas.gov or request by phone. Print it, sign it, and mail it along with a copy of a document showing your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Do not send your original license.

Mail the form and supporting document to:

Texas Department of Public SafetyDriver License DivisionP.O. Box 15999Austin, TX 78761-5999

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DPS receives your mail. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address. Keep a copy of the form and the confirmation number if one is provided. If you need the change processed faster, use the online method or visit a DPS office in person.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS Driver License office with your current driver's license and a document proving your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Bring the original document — copies are not accepted in person.

You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check dps.texas.gov for office hours and locations near you. The address change is processed on the spot, and you will receive your updated license card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee.

In-person visits are useful if you are also replacing a lost or damaged license, need to correct other information on your license, or prefer to handle it when ready rather than wait for mail delivery.

What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot use the online address change tool. Instead, you must explore for a replacement license, which includes updating your address at the same time. You have two options: explore in person at a DPS office or explore by mail.

For an in-person replacement, visit a DPS office with proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The replacement fee is $16 for a standard license. You will receive your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

For a mail replacement, read form DL-44 from dps.texas.gov, complete it with your new address, and mail it with copies of the same documents listed above plus a copy of your lost or damaged license if you have one. Include a check or money order for $16 payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common error is entering the wrong ZIP code or misspelling the street name. DPS will mail your license to the address you provide, so if the ZIP code does not match the street address, mail delivery may be delayed or fail. Double-check your address before submitting, especially if you moved to a new city or county.

Another mistake is sending your original license in the mail. DPS does not need it for an address change, and you lose your ID while waiting for the replacement. Keep your original license until the new one arrives.

If you moved to a new county or city and your address format changed (for example, from a rural route number to a street address), make sure you enter the new format exactly as it appears on your utility bill or lease. Inconsistencies between what you submit and what the post office has on file can cause delays.

Do not wait until after the 30-day window to report your move. While enforcement is rare, an outdated address creates a mismatch if you are stopped by law enforcement and can complicate vehicle registration renewals.

Timeline and what to expect after you submit

If you change your address online, you will see a confirmation number when ready. Your new license card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you submit by mail or in person, processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DPS receives your request, plus 7 to 10 business days for mail delivery.

Your old license remains valid and legal to use until it expires. You do not need to stop using it while you wait for the new card. Once the new card arrives, destroy the old one or keep it as a backup.

If you do not receive your new license within the expected timeframe, contact DPS at 1-888-589-6789. Have your confirmation number ready if you submitted online. DPS can check the status and remail the card if it was lost in transit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address before my license expires?

No. An address change is separate from license renewal. You can change your address at any time, and it does not affect your license expiration date. However, Texas law requires you to report the change within 30 days of moving.

Will I have to take a new photo or vision test when I change my address?

No. An address change does not require a new photo, vision test, or written exam. Only your address is updated on the license. The photo and all other information remain the same.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Texas license?

If you moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license in your new state. Texas will not issue a license to someone who does not live in Texas. If you still have a Texas address (such as a parent's home) and plan to return, you can update to that address online. Otherwise, you need to explore for a license in your new state.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

Yes. An address change is a separate transaction from your license status. You can update your address even if your license is suspended or revoked. However, you cannot legally drive until the suspension or revocation is lifted.

How much does it cost to change my address?

There is no fee for an address change. The online method, mail method, and in-person method are all free. You only pay if you are also replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license, which costs $16.

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.