The fastest way to change your address in Texas

You can change your address on your 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 is quickest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. Texas will mail you a new license with your updated address within 7 to 10 business days.

If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a completed form DL-43 (Change of Address) to the DPS along with a copy of your current license and proof of your new address. You can also walk into any DPS office in Texas with the same documents and update your address in person — this takes about 15 minutes and you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Texas DPS website is free and the fastest option, taking about 10 minutes from your computer.
  • You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address to change your address online.
  • If you change your address in person at a DPS office, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Proof of your new address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
  • Changing your address does not cost money and does not require you to renew your license early.

Changing your address online through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and 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. The system will verify your identity and then ask you to enter your new address. Double-check the spelling and zip code before you submit.

After you submit your new address online, the DPS will send a confirmation email to the address you have on file. Your new license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to do anything else — your old license remains valid until the new one arrives. If you move again before the new license arrives, you can update your address a second time online.

Changing your address by mail

read or print form DL-43 from the Texas DPS website. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Make a copy of the front and back of your current driver's license and include it with the form. You will also need to include proof that you live at your new address.

Mail the completed form, your license copy, and your proof of address to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division, P.O. Box 15731, Austin, TX 78761-5731. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to your new address. Keep your old license until the new one arrives.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form works). Walk into any DPS office in Texas during business hours. You do not need an appointment. Tell the clerk you want to change your address.

The clerk will verify your information, update your address in the system, and give you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and has the same legal weight as your plastic license. Your permanent license with your new address will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. The in-person method is useful if you need proof of your new address right away or if you prefer to handle it face-to-face.

What counts as proof of your new address

The Texas DPS accepts several documents as proof of your new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days is the most common. A lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government document (like a voter registration card or tax return) with your new address also work.

The document must show your full name and your new address. If you just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a lease signed by you and your landlord is usually the fastest option. If you are staying with family or friends temporarily and do not have a document in your name, ask the property owner for a signed letter on their letterhead stating that you live there, along with a copy of their utility bill showing the address.

When you need to change your address before moving

You can change your address on your license before you physically move, but only if you have a signed lease or other legal document showing your future address and move-in date. The Texas DPS will not accept a future address without proof. If you are buying a house, you can change your address once you have a signed purchase agreement or closing documents.

If you change your address before you move, make sure you have the proof document with you — whether you are doing it online, by mail, or in person. The DPS may ask to see it. Once your new license arrives, keep it in a safe place until your move-in date, since your old license is still the legal one until the new one is issued.

What happens to your old license after you change your address

Your old license remains valid until your new license arrives. You can use either one for identification during the transition period. Once your new license arrives, you can throw away the old one or keep it as a record — there is no requirement to return it to the DPS.

If your new license arrives and you notice an error in the address or any other information, you can request a correction by mail or in person at a DPS office. Corrections are free. If you move again before your new license arrives, you can update your address a second time — the DPS will send the license to your most recent address on file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my address cost money?

No. Changing your address on your Texas driver's license is free whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. You are not renewing your license, only updating the address on your existing one.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

The Texas DPS mails new licenses within 7 to 10 business days after processing your request. Mail delivery time varies by location, so allow an extra week for it to reach you. If you change your address in person, you get a temporary paper license when ready.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. You can change the address on an expired license. However, if your license will expire within the next 60 days, you may want to renew it at the same time instead of changing the address alone. You can do both online or in person at a DPS office.

What if I move and my new license has not arrived yet?

Your old license is still valid for identification until your new one arrives. If you move a second time before receiving your new license, you can update your address again online or in person. The DPS will send your license to your most recent address on file.

Do I need an appointment to change my address in person?

No. DPS offices accept walk-ins for address changes. You do not need to schedule an appointment. Offices are typically less busy early in the morning or mid-week, so you may have a shorter wait at those times.