Change Your Address Online, by Mail, or In Person
Texas lets you change your address three ways: online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. Mail takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person visits are same-day but require a trip to a DPS office during business hours.
You do not need to renew your license to change your address. The address change is a separate transaction that updates your record without affecting your license's expiration date. Your current license remains valid while the change is being processed.
Key Takeaways
- The online method through the Texas DPS website is free, takes 10 minutes, and requires only your driver's license number, date of birth, and new address.
- By mail, you send a completed DL-43 form with a copy of your license and proof of your new address to the DPS address on the form.
- In-person changes at any DPS office take one visit and cost nothing, but you must bring your current license and proof of your new address.
- Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail — it must show your name and new address and be dated within 60 days.
- If you move out of state or your license is suspended, you cannot use the online method and must go in person or by mail.
Online Address Change Through the Texas DPS Website
Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Change Address Online." You will need your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and your new Texas address. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your DPS record.
Once you complete the form and submit it, you will receive a confirmation number. Your address change takes effect when ready in the DPS system, though your physical license will still show your old address. You do not need to carry proof of the change — the DPS record is what matters for traffic stops and official purposes.
This method works only if your license is valid and not suspended, and only if you are changing to another Texas address. If you are moving out of state or your license status is not clear, use the mail or in-person method instead.
Changing Your Address by Mail
read or request the DL-43 form (process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card) from the Texas DPS website. You do not need to fill out the entire form — only complete the section for address change. Include a photocopy of the front and back of your current driver's license and a copy of your proof of address.
Mail the form, copies, and proof of address to the address listed on the DL-43 form. Include a cover letter with your name, current license number, and the date you are mailing the form. The DPS will process the change and mail you a new license with your updated address, which typically arrives within 2 to 3 weeks.
Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If your change does not appear in the system after 4 weeks, contact the DPS to confirm receipt. The mail method costs nothing but takes longer than online or in-person options.
In-Person Address Change at a DPS Office
Visit any DPS Driver License office in Texas with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. You do not need an appointment for an address change — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring only these two documents; you do not need to fill out a form beforehand.
Tell the clerk you are changing your address. They will update your record in the system while you wait. You will receive a receipt confirming the change, and your address will be updated when ready. Your physical license will still show your old address, but the DPS record is what law enforcement and government agencies see.
In-person changes are free and take 10 to 30 minutes depending on office traffic. If you need a new physical license with your updated address printed on it, you can request one at the same visit, though that may involve a small fee and longer processing time.
What Counts as Proof of Your New Address
The DPS accepts several documents as proof of address. The document must show your name, your new address, and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or government mail such as a tax return or voter registration card.
A bank statement, credit card statement, or insurance bill also works if it shows your name and new address. A letter from your employer or school on official letterhead can work if it includes your name, new address, and is dated within 60 days. Do not bring a driver's license from another state or a passport — those do not count as proof of Texas residence.
If you do not have a document in your name at your new address yet (for example, you just moved and utilities have not been transferred), bring a signed lease or a notarized letter from your landlord or property manager confirming your residency and move-in date. The DPS may also accept a utility bill in a roommate's name if you provide a signed statement from that person confirming you live there.
Timeline and Processing for Each Method
| Method | Time to Complete | Processing Time | Cost | Documents Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | 10 minutes | when ready | Free | License number, date of birth, new address |
| By Mail | 15 minutes to prepare | 2–3 weeks | Free | DL-43 form, copy of license, proof of address |
| In Person | 10–30 minutes | Same day | Free | Current license, proof of address |
Common Mistakes and What to Avoid
Do not assume your address has changed just because you submitted a form. Always confirm the change went through by checking your DPS record online or calling the DPS to verify. Some people mail documents and never hear back, which usually means the DPS did not receive the envelope or the proof of address did not meet requirements.
Do not use an old utility bill or lease. The DPS strictly enforces the 60-day rule — a bill dated more than 60 days ago will be rejected. If you just moved, wait for a new utility bill in your name, or use a lease agreement or landlord letter instead.
Do not bring only your old license as proof of address. Your current license shows your old address and does not count as proof of your new one. You must bring a separate document that shows your new address.
Do not change your address online if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired. The online system will reject the request. Use the mail or in-person method instead, and be prepared to explain your license status to the clerk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a new physical license with my new address printed on it?
No, not automatically. When you change your address online, by mail, or in person, the DPS updates your record but does not print a new license. Your old license remains valid and you can use it. If you want a new license with your updated address printed on it, you can request one at a DPS office, though this may involve a fee and separate processing.
How long does it take to get a new license in the mail after I change my address?
If you change your address by mail and request a new license at the same time, expect 2 to 3 weeks for the new license to arrive. If you only change your address without requesting a new license, the change takes effect when ready in the DPS system and you do not receive anything in the mail.
Can I change my address if I just moved and do not have a utility bill yet?
Yes. Use a signed lease, rental agreement, or a notarized letter from your landlord or property manager instead. The letter must show your name, new address, and move-in date. Some DPS offices may also accept a utility bill in a roommate's name if you provide a signed statement confirming you live there.
What if I moved out of state — can I still change my Texas address?
No. If you have moved out of Texas, you cannot change your address in the Texas system. You must obtain a driver's license in your new state. If you still have a valid Texas license and need to keep it for work or other reasons, contact the Texas DPS to understand your options.
Do I need to change my address before or after I renew my license?
You can do either. Changing your address is separate from renewing your license. If you change your address now and renew later, your new license will show your current address. If you renew first and then change your address, you will need to request another new license to have the updated address printed on it.