Texas requires you to update your driver's license address within 30 days of moving
In Texas, you must report an address change to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) within 30 days of moving. This is a legal requirement, not optional. If you do not update your address and are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited for failing to notify DPS of a change of address.
You have three ways to change your address: online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS driver license office. Online is the fastest option if your license is not expired or suspended. The mail and in-person routes work for any license status, but take longer.
You do not need to pay a fee to change your address in Texas. You also do not need to take a new photo or retake any tests. Your current license remains valid; only the address on file changes.
Key Takeaways
- Texas law requires you to update your address within 30 days of moving, or you can be cited by police.
- The online method through the DPS website is fastest and works if your license is current and not suspended.
- If you cannot use the online method, you can mail a completed form DL-43 to DPS or visit a driver license office in person.
- Address changes are free and do not require a new photo, test, or license renewal.
- Your current license remains valid during and after the address change.
Changing your address online through the DPS website
The online method is available only if your Texas driver's license is current (not expired), not suspended, and not revoked. 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.
Go to the DPS website at dps.texas.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Select "Change Address" and follow the prompts. You will enter your new address and confirm your identity. The system will show you a confirmation page with a reference number. Take a screenshot or write down this number for your records.
The address change takes effect when ready in the DPS system. However, it may take a few days for the change to appear on your physical license when you use it at a store or other location. If you need proof of your new address right away, print the confirmation page from the online transaction.
Changing your address by mail
To change your address by mail, read and print Form DL-43 from the DPS website. This form is titled "process for Texas Driver License." You do not need to complete every field on the form—only fill in your name, driver's license number, new address, and date of birth.
Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form itself. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. The document must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 90 days.
Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a new physical license in the mail—your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it until it expires or you renew it. However, the DPS system will show your new address, and that is what law enforcement and other agencies see when they look up your record.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
You can walk into any DPS driver license office in Texas and request an address change. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days). You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online scheduling system.
Check the DPS website for the office nearest you and its hours. Some offices have longer wait times than others, especially in urban areas. If you want to avoid a long wait, go early in the morning or on a weekday rather than Friday or Saturday.
The address change is processed on the spot. You will receive a receipt confirming the change. Like the mail method, your physical license will still show the old address until you renew it, but the DPS system will reflect your new address when ready.
What document proves your new address
Texas DPS accepts any of these documents as proof of your new address:
- Utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 90 days
- Lease or rental agreement with your name and new address
- Mortgage statement or property tax bill
- Bank or credit card statement dated within the last 90 days
- Government mail (tax return, voter registration, court document)
- Insurance policy (auto, home, or renter's) dated within the last 90 days
The document must show your name and your new address. If the document is in a spouse's name or a roommate's name, it will not work. If you are moving to a new apartment or house and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on company letterhead confirming your move-in date and new address.
When you cannot use the online method
If your Texas driver's license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you cannot change your address online. You must use the mail or in-person method instead. The same applies if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a license with a restriction code.
If your license is expired, you will need to renew it at the same time you change your address. A renewal requires a new photo and costs a fee. If your license is suspended or revoked, contact DPS to find out what steps you must take to restore it before you can renew or change your address.
Timeline and what to expect
| Method | Time to Process | When Address Shows in System | Physical License Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | when ready | when ready | At next renewal |
| By Mail | 2–3 weeks | After processing | At next renewal |
| In Person | Same day | when ready | At next renewal |
In all three cases, your physical driver's license will still show your old address until you renew your license. This is normal and does not cause a problem. When law enforcement or any government agency looks up your record, they see your current address in the DPS system, not the address printed on your card.
If you need a new license with your new address printed on it before your renewal date, you can request a duplicate license at a DPS office for a fee. This is rarely necessary unless you need the new address to appear on the physical card for a specific reason.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not wait until after the 30-day important date to change your address. While the DPS does not automatically fine you, a police officer can cite you if they discover your address is outdated during a traffic stop or other interaction. The citation is for failing to notify DPS of a change of address.
Do not submit an address change form without proof of your new address. The form alone will be rejected or delayed. Have your utility bill, lease, or other document ready before you mail the form or go to the office.
Do not assume your physical license needs to be replaced. Many people think they must get a new card with the new address printed on it. You do not. Your current license remains valid, and the address in the DPS system is what matters for legal purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I do not change my address within 30 days?
You can be cited by a police officer for failing to notify DPS of a change of address. The citation is a traffic violation. You will not automatically be fined or penalized by DPS itself, but law enforcement can stop you for it.
Do I need a new photo when I change my address?
No. An address change does not require a new photo or any tests. Your current license photo remains valid. You only get a new photo when you renew your license or request a duplicate for a fee.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No, not online. You must use the mail or in-person method. If your license is expired, you will also need to renew it at the same time, which requires a new photo and a renewal fee.
How long does it take to see my new address in the DPS system?
Online changes take effect when ready. Mail takes two to three weeks. In-person changes are processed the same day. Once processed, law enforcement and government agencies see your new address when they look up your record.
What if I move again before my license expires?
You can change your address as many times as you need to. Each change is free. Use the same method—online, mail, or in person—and provide proof of your new address each time.