Change your address online, by mail, or in person at a Texas DPS office

Texas lets you change your driver's license address without getting a new license. You can do it online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or by visiting a DPS office in person. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. By mail takes 1 to 2 weeks. In person is when ready but requires a trip to your local office.

You do not need to renew your license to change the address. Your current license stays valid; only the address on file changes. This matters for insurance, vehicle registration, and anything else tied to your DPS record.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas DPS lets you change your address online at dps.texas.gov without paying a fee or visiting an office.
  • You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to change your address online.
  • If you change your address, you should also update your vehicle registration address with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles within 30 days.
  • Changing your license address does not affect your current license expiration date or require you to take a new photo.
  • If you cannot change your address online, you can mail a completed DL-43 form to the DPS address listed on their website, or visit a DPS office with proof of your new address.

Online address change through the Texas DPS website

Go to dps.texas.gov and look for the driver's license services section. Select the option to change your address. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Texas DPS will verify this information against their records.

Once verified, you enter your new address and confirm it. The system will show you a summary of the change before you submit. There is no fee. Your address change is processed when ready, though it may take a few hours to appear in all state systems. You do not receive a new license card in the mail — your current card remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the DPS record is updated.

Mailing a form to change your address

If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a completed DL-43 form (process for Texas Driver License) to the DPS. You do not need to fill out the entire form — only the address section and signature are required. Include a copy of a document showing your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.

Mail the form and proof of address to the address listed on the DPS website under "Mail Services." Processing takes 1 to 2 weeks from the date DPS receives it. Like the online method, you will not receive a new license card. Your DPS record is updated, but the address on your physical license remains unchanged.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS Driver License office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 90 days. Bring the original or a copy.

Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will update your record on the spot. You will not receive a new license card unless you request one (and pay the renewal fee), so your physical license will still show the old address. The DPS system, however, is updated when ready. Wait times vary by office and time of day; visiting early in the week or early in the morning usually means shorter lines.

What counts as proof of your new address

Texas DPS accepts documents dated within the last 90 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet) is the most common. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank or credit card statement, or government mail (tax notice, voter registration, court document) also works. A cell phone bill or insurance bill usually does not.

The document must have your full name on it. If your name on the document does not match your license exactly, bring an additional document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order). If you are moving to an address that is not yet in utility company systems, ask the DPS office what alternatives they accept — some will take a signed lease or a letter from your landlord on letterhead.

Updating your vehicle registration after changing your address

Texas law requires you to notify the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles of an address change within 30 days. You can do this online at txdmv.gov, by mail, or in person at a county tax assessor-collector's office. The process is separate from your driver's license change, even though both are state documents.

To change your registration address online, you will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) and your registration number. The online system is fast and free. If you mail the change, include a completed form and mail it to the address listed on your registration. In person, bring your registration card and proof of your new address to your county tax assessor-collector's office. Updating your registration address is important because your vehicle registration renewal notices will be mailed to the address on file.

Why your insurance company needs to know about your address change

Your auto insurance company uses your address to calculate your premium and to send you policy documents and renewal notices. If you move and do not tell your insurer, your policy may be invalid in a claim because the address on file does not match where the vehicle is actually garaged. Some insurers will not cover a claim if the address mismatch suggests you misrepresented your risk.

Contact your insurance company as soon as you move, even before you change your license or registration. Most insurers let you update your address by phone, online, or through your agent. The change is usually free and takes effect when ready. If your new address is in a different rating area (for example, moving from a rural county to an urban one), your premium may change — the insurer will tell you the new rate before the change takes effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your current license card remains valid and keeps the old address printed on it. Only your DPS record is updated. If you want a new card with the new address printed on it, you must renew your license and pay the renewal fee. A standard renewal in Texas costs around $16 to $25 depending on the license type.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online process takes about 10 minutes to complete. Your DPS record is updated when ready, though it may take a few hours to sync across all state systems. You will not receive any confirmation in the mail — your change is complete once you submit it online.

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

You can change your address to an out-of-state address through the online system or by mail. However, Texas law requires you to get a new license in your new state within a certain timeframe (usually 30 to 60 days after moving). Check your new state's requirements. You should also update your vehicle registration in your new state.

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

Yes. A suspended or expired license can still have its address updated. However, if your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. If it is expired, you should renew it as well as change the address. You can do both online or in person at a DPS office.

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

Most documents must be dated within the last 90 days, so if you just moved, you may not have a utility bill yet. Ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on letterhead showing your name and new address. Some DPS offices will accept this in place of a utility bill. Call your local DPS office ahead of time to confirm what they will take.