Change Your Address Online, by Mail, or In Person
You can change your address on a Texas driver's license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or by visiting a DPS office in person. The online method is the fastest and costs nothing. You do not need to renew your license early or pay a fee to update your address — it is a separate transaction from renewal.
Texas allows you to change your address without getting a new physical license card. The address update goes into the DPS system when ready (online) or within 7 to 10 business days (by mail). Your current license remains valid; the new address straightforward replaces the old one in state records.
Which method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change recorded and whether you have access to a computer and valid payment method. All three routes are free or low-cost and do not require an appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Online address changes through the Texas DPS website take effect when ready and cost nothing, but you must have a valid email address and debit or credit card on file.
- By-mail address changes require a completed DL-43 form, a copy of your license, and proof of your new address; processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
- In-person changes at a DPS office are free and when ready but may require a wait; bring your current license and one document proving your new address.
- You do not need to renew your license early or pay a renewal fee to change your address — the two transactions are separate.
- Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.
Online Address Change Through the Texas DPS Website
The online method is the fastest route. Go to the Texas DPS website, select the driver's license services section, and choose "Change Address." You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in.
Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear in state records. Review it carefully — misspellings or incomplete information can delay mail from the state or cause problems later. Once you submit, the system confirms the change when ready. You will receive an email confirmation. The address change takes effect right away in the DPS database, though your physical license card still shows the old address until you renew it.
You will need a debit or credit card to complete the transaction, even though there is no charge. The system requires a valid payment method on file as a security measure. If your card is declined or you do not have one available, use the mail or in-person method instead.
Address Change by Mail Using Form DL-43
To change 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 the sections for your name, current license number, and new address are required.
Include a photocopy of the front and back of your current driver's license and one document proving your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax notice or voter registration card) dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and new address.
Mail the completed form, license copy, and proof of address to the Texas DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DPS receives your envelope. There is no fee. Send your mail via a method that provides tracking, such as certified mail, so you can confirm delivery. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
In-Person Address Change at a DPS Office
You can walk into any Texas DPS office and change your address on the spot. Bring your current driver's license and one document proving your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 60 days). No appointment is needed, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
The DPS staff member will update your address in the system while you wait. The change takes effect when ready. Your physical license card still shows the old address, but your record in the state system is updated. There is no fee for an address change.
To find the DPS office nearest you, use the office locator on the Texas DPS website. Some offices have longer wait times during lunch hours or late afternoon. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter lines.
Documents You Need for Proof of Address
Texas requires one document showing your name and new address, dated within the last 60 days. The following documents are accepted:
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
- Lease agreement or rental agreement
- Mortgage statement or property tax bill
- Bank or credit card statement
- Government mail (tax notice, voter registration card, court document, or benefits letter)
- Insurance policy (auto, home, or renter's)
- Paycheck stub with your address printed on it
The document must be in your name and show your complete new address. A post office change-of-address form is not accepted as proof of address. If you recently moved and do not yet have a document in your new name at the new address, contact the DPS office for alternative options — some offices can work with a combination of documents or a landlord letter.
Timeline and What Happens to Your Physical License Card
Your physical driver's license card does not change when you update your address. The card continues to show your old address until you renew your license at the end of its validity period. The address change is recorded only in the DPS computer system.
When law enforcement or another agency checks your license, they see both the address on the card and the updated address in the state database. This does not cause problems — it is a normal part of how the system works. When you renew your license (every 8 years for most adults in Texas), you will receive a new card with your current address printed on it.
If you need a new card with your updated address before your renewal date, you can request a duplicate license for a fee (currently $11). This is optional and separate from the address change itself.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume you need to renew your license early to change your address. You do not. An address change and a license renewal are two separate transactions, and changing your address does not reset your renewal date or cost you money.
Do not submit an incomplete or illegible proof-of-address document. If the document is torn, faded, or missing your name or address, DPS will reject it and return your process. Make sure the document is dated within 60 days and shows your full new address.
Do not use a post office change-of-address form as your proof of address. The USPS form is not accepted by DPS. Use a utility bill, lease, or government mail instead.
If you are changing your address by mail, do not send the original of your license. Send a photocopy. DPS will return it, but a photocopy protects you if the mail is lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to change my address on my license if I move?
Texas law requires you to notify DPS of an address change within 30 days of moving. Failing to do so can result in fines. However, you do not need a new physical license card — you only need to update the address in the DPS system, which you can do online, by mail, or in person.
Can I change my address online if I do not have a credit or debit card?
No. The online system requires a valid payment method on file, even though there is no charge. If you do not have a card, use the mail method or visit a DPS office in person. Both are free and do not require a card.
How long does it take to change my address by mail?
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DPS receives your envelope. Mail delivery itself can take several days, so the total time from when you send it to when the change is complete is usually 10 to 15 days. Send your process via tracked mail to confirm delivery.
Will my old address still show on my license card after I change it?
Yes. Your physical license card shows the address that was on it when it was issued. The updated address exists only in the DPS computer system. When you renew your license, the new card will show your current address. If you need a card with your new address before renewal, you can request a duplicate license for a fee.
What if my proof-of-address document is in my spouse's name but shows our shared address?
DPS requires the document to be in your name. A document in your spouse's name will not be accepted. Use a utility bill, bank statement, or government mail that shows your name and your new address. If you do not have a document in your name yet, contact your local DPS office to ask about alternative options.