Where to change your address in Texas

You can change your address with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in three ways: online through their website, by mail, or in person at a DPS driver license office. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address.

If you go in person, bring your current Texas driver license and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. You do not need to take a new photo or retake any tests. The office will issue you a replacement license with your new address on the spot, though you may wait in line depending on how busy the location is.

Mailing in a change takes longer. You will send your current license and a completed form DL-43 (Change of Address) to the DPS address listed on their website, along with a copy of your proof of address. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Online change of address through the Texas DPS website is free and the fastest option if your license is not expired or suspended.
  • In-person changes at a DPS office take no longer than your wait time and require only your current license and one recent utility bill or lease.
  • You do not need to renew your license or take a new photo when changing your address — only the address field updates.
  • If you change your address and your license expires within 60 days, you can renew it at the same time to avoid a second trip.

Online change through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS online services portal and select "Change Address." You will log in using your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Enter your new address and confirm it. The system will show you a confirmation page with your updated information.

This method works only if your license is currently valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired by more than two years, you cannot change your address online and must go in person or mail in the form. The online change is when ready — your record updates when ready, though your physical license still shows the old address until you renew it or request a replacement.

You do not receive a new card in the mail after an online change. Your current license remains valid at the old address. If you want a card that shows your new address, you can request a replacement license for a fee (currently around $11, though this varies). Many people skip this step and straightforward keep their current license until renewal time.

In-person change at a DPS driver license office

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website. Bring your current driver license and one document showing your new address dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail with your name and address.

Walk in during office hours — no appointment is needed for a change of address. Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will verify your identity, update your record, and issue you a replacement license on the spot with your new address printed on it. The whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes at the counter, though you may wait longer if the office is busy.

You will pay a replacement fee (currently around $11) for the new card. If your license is expiring soon, ask the clerk whether you can renew at the same time to avoid coming back. Some offices allow you to do both in one visit for a single renewal fee.

Mailing in your address change

read form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Texas DPS website. Fill in your driver license number, current address, new address, and sign and date the form. Make a copy of your current driver license (both sides) and a copy of your proof of address — the same documents accepted in person work by mail.

Mail the completed form, your license copy, and your address proof to the DPS mailing address shown on the form. Do not send your actual license — send only a copy. Include a check or money order for the replacement fee if you want a new card with your updated address; if you do not include payment, your record will update but you will keep your old card.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. There is no tracking system, so you will not know the exact status. If you need to change your address urgently, the in-person or online method is faster.

What happens to your old license after you change your address

If you change your address online only, your physical license still shows your old address. It remains valid for identification and driving purposes. You can use it until it expires. Many people do this and never request a replacement card.

If you get a replacement card in person or by mail, your old license becomes invalid. You should destroy it or keep it for your records — do not carry both. The new card shows your new address and has a new expiration date (usually six or eight years from the date of issue, depending on your age).

Changing your address if your license is expired or suspended

If your Texas license is expired, you cannot change your address online. You must renew your license first, which requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of your new address, and proof of identity and residency (the DPS website lists what documents count). You will take a new photo and pay the renewal fee.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot change your address until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact DPS to find out why your license is suspended and what you must do to restore it. Once it is restored, you can change your address using any of the three methods above.

Changing your address for a commercial driver license (CDL)

If you hold a Texas CDL, the process is the same: online, in person, or by mail. You can use the same online portal, the same DPS offices, and the same form DL-43. Bring the same proof of address. The only difference is that some CDL holders must renew in person every time, so check with DPS about whether your CDL type allows online renewal before assuming you can change your address online without renewing.

If your CDL is expiring within 60 days of your address change, renew it at the same time to avoid a second trip. CDL renewals require a medical certificate and may require a skills test depending on your circumstances, so plan ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address on my driver license when I move?

Texas law requires you to notify DPS of a change of address within 30 days of moving. You are not required to get a new card, but your record must be updated. Failing to report a change can result in fines, though enforcement is rare. It is simpler to update it online or in person.

Can I change my address if I do not have proof of my new address yet?

No. DPS requires a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and new address. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease yet, wait until you receive one, or ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date.

How long does a replacement license take to arrive if I mail in my change?

Processing takes two to three weeks from when DPS receives your envelope. Mailing time adds a few days on each end. If you need your new card faster, go in person to a DPS office and get it the same day.

What if my new address is outside Texas?

If you move out of Texas, you should get a driver license from your new state. You can keep your Texas license, but it will show an out-of-state address, which can cause confusion. Most states require you to get a license within 30 to 60 days of moving there.

Can I change my address without getting a new card?

Yes. Change your address online or by mail without paying the replacement fee, and your record updates while your old card stays valid. Your license will show your old address, but DPS records will have your new one. This is fine for most purposes, though some places may ask why your card does not match your address.