Change Your Texas 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) in three ways: online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS driver license office. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. By mail takes one to two weeks. In person takes about 30 minutes but requires a trip to an office.

You do not need to renew your license to change the address — this is a separate transaction. Your license remains valid; only the address record updates. Texas does not issue a new physical card for address changes unless your license is expiring within 60 days, in which case you may want to renew instead.

The address change becomes active when ready in the DPS system when you complete it online or in person. If you mail the form, it takes effect once DPS processes it, which usually happens within two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Texas DPS website is free and takes minutes, and you receive confirmation when ready.
  • You will need your driver's license number, current address, new address, and a valid email address to change your address online.
  • If you cannot use the online method, you can mail Form DL-43 (Change of Address) to the DPS address processing center, or visit a driver license office in person.
  • Your physical license card does not change when you update your address unless your license expires within 60 days.
  • Address changes are free; DPS charges no fee for this transaction.

Change Your Address Online Through the DPS Website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the "Change of Address" option under the driver license services menu. You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. DPS uses this information to verify your identity before allowing you to proceed.

Once verified, enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear in the system. Use the format the website shows — street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Then provide a valid email address where DPS can send your confirmation. Review all information for accuracy before submitting, because corrections after submission require a separate request.

After you submit, you will see a confirmation number on the screen. Write this down or take a screenshot. DPS will also send a confirmation email to the address you provided. Your address change is active when ready in the DPS database, even though your physical card still shows the old address.

Mail Form DL-43 to the DPS Address Processing Center

If you cannot use the online method, read or request Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Texas DPS website. You can print it yourself or call the DPS customer service line to request a form by mail. Fill in your driver's license number, current address, new address, and sign and date the form.

Mail the completed form to the DPS address processing center. The current mailing address is on the form itself and on the DPS website — verify the address before you mail, because DPS updates it occasionally. Include no other documents unless DPS specifically requests them. Do not send your physical license card.

Processing takes one to two weeks from the date DPS receives your form. You will not receive a confirmation by mail; instead, check your address in the DPS system online after two weeks to confirm the change went through. If it has not updated after 15 days, contact DPS customer service with your form submission date.

Change Your Address In Person at a DPS Driver License Office

Visit any Texas DPS driver license office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days showing your new address and your name. A bank statement or credit card statement also works if it shows your name and new address.

Bring your license and address proof to the office. You do not need to fill out a form beforehand — the DPS staff will process the change at the counter. The transaction takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive a receipt confirming the address change. Your physical license card remains unchanged unless it is expiring within 60 days.

DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours on certain days. Check the DPS website for the office nearest you and its hours before you go. Offices can be busy during lunch hours and late afternoon, so arriving early in the day usually means shorter wait times.

What Proof of Address You Need

If you change your address in person, bring one document showing your new address and your name, 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, property tax statement, or government mail such as a tax notice or voter registration card.

Bank statements, credit card statements, and insurance documents also count if they show your name and new address. Do not bring a post office change of address form — DPS does not accept that as proof of residence. If your document is in a different name (such as a spouse's name on a utility bill), bring a marriage certificate or other document showing the name connection.

If you are changing your address online or by mail, you do not need to provide proof of address — DPS verifies your identity using your license number and personal information instead.

Timeline and When Your Change Takes Effect

Online changes take effect when ready. Your address updates in the DPS system within minutes of submission, and you receive a confirmation email. If you need your new address to be active right away — for example, if you are renewing vehicle registration or need an official record — the online method is the fastest option.

In-person changes also take effect when ready. The DPS staff member processes the change at the counter, and your address is updated in the system before you leave the office. You receive a receipt as proof.

Mail-in changes take one to two weeks. DPS processes forms in the order they arrive. If you mail your form on a Monday, expect it to be processed by the following Monday or Tuesday. If you need your address changed by a specific date, do not rely on mail; use the online method or visit an office in person instead.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not send your physical driver's license card to DPS when changing your address by mail. DPS does not need it, and you will be without your license while it is in transit. Only your Form DL-43 is necessary. If you accidentally send your card, contact DPS when ready to report it and request its return.

Do not assume your physical card will update. Your license card will continue to show your old address until it expires and you renew. This is normal and does not affect the validity of your license. If someone asks for your address, tell them your current address; the DPS system has the correct information even if your card does not.

Do not use a PO box as your address on your driver's license. Texas law requires a residential street address. If you live in an apartment, include the apartment number. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, contact a DPS office to discuss your options; some offices can work with you on this situation.

Do not delay if you have moved. While there is no legal important date to update your address, doing it promptly prevents problems with vehicle registration renewal, voter registration, and official mail from the state. If you receive a notice from DPS or another state agency at your old address, forward it to your new address and update your DPS record as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I moved?

Texas law does not set a specific important date, but you should update your address promptly. An outdated address can cause problems with vehicle registration renewal notices, voter registration, and official mail from state agencies. If you move and do not update your DPS address, mail may go to your old address and cause delays or missed important date.

Will I get a new license card with my new address on it?

No, unless your license expires within 60 days of your address change. Your physical card will continue to show your old address. The DPS system will have your new address, which is what matters for official purposes. When you renew your license, you will receive a new card with the updated address.

What if I moved out of state?

If you moved to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from that state. You can change your Texas address online or by mail if you are keeping your Texas license temporarily, but most states require you to get a license in your new state within 30 to 60 days of moving. Check your new state's requirements.

Can I change my address online if I do not have email?

The online method requires a valid email address because DPS sends your confirmation there. If you do not have email, use the mail-in method with Form DL-43 or visit a DPS driver license office in person. Both methods do not require email.

How do I know if my address change went through?

If you changed your address online, you will receive a confirmation email and see a confirmation number on the screen. If you changed it in person, you will receive a receipt. If you mailed Form DL-43, wait two weeks and then check your address on the DPS website by entering your license number, or call DPS customer service to confirm the change was processed.