Texas lets you change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

The fastest way is online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website if your license is current and you have not had any suspensions or restrictions. You can update your address in about 10 minutes without leaving home, and the change takes effect when ready for most purposes.

If you cannot use the online system — because your license is expired, suspended, or you need to update other information at the same time — you can mail a form to DPS or visit a driver license office in person. Mail takes about two weeks. In-person visits are same-day, though wait times vary by location.

Texas does not charge a fee to change your address alone. If you need a replacement card with your new address printed on it, that costs $16 for a standard license or $32 for a Real ID compliant card.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Texas DPS website works only if your license is current and has no active suspensions or restrictions.
  • If you use the online system, your address updates when ready and you do not need a replacement card unless you want one printed with the new address.
  • Mailing a form (DL-43) to DPS takes about two weeks and requires a copy of a recent utility bill or lease as proof of residence.
  • Visiting a driver license office in person is fastest for same-day updates and works even if your license is expired or suspended.
  • A replacement card with your new address costs $16 (standard) or $32 (Real ID), but updating your address in the system is free.

Changing your address online through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the address change option. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it.

This method works only if your license is valid (not expired) and has no active suspensions, restrictions, or holds. If you have an outstanding traffic ticket, child support obligation, or other flag on your record, the online system will reject you and direct you to visit an office or mail a form instead.

Once you complete the online update, your address changes in the Texas DPS database right away. You can use this new address for insurance, voter registration, and most official purposes when ready. You do not have to order a new card — your current license remains valid even though it shows your old address.

Mailing a form to the Texas DPS

If you cannot use the online system, read or request the DL-43 form (Address Change) from the Texas DPS website or pick one up at any driver license office. Fill in your current license number, new address, and sign the form.

You must include proof that you live at the new address. Texas accepts a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. Make a copy — do not send the original.

Mail the completed form and proof of residence to the Texas DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks. You will not receive a confirmation letter; your address will straightforward update in the system. If you need a card printed with the new address, you can order one at the same time for $16 (standard) or $32 (Real ID).

Updating your address in person at a Texas driver license office

Visit any Texas DPS driver license office with your current license and proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if possible, though it is not always required for an address change alone.

Tell the clerk you need to change your address. They will update your record in the system while you wait — this takes a few minutes. Your address changes when ready, and you can leave with the update complete.

If you want a replacement card printed with your new address, you can order it at the same visit. Standard licenses cost $16; Real ID cards cost $32. The card will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. If you do not order a replacement, your current card remains valid even though it shows your old address.

What happens if your license is expired or suspended

The online system will not let you change your address if your license is expired or suspended. You must use the mail or in-person method instead.

If your license is expired but you have no other holds or suspensions, visiting an office to change your address is often faster than renewing the license separately. The clerk can update your address and renew your license in one visit. A standard renewal costs $33; a Real ID renewal costs $79. If you only want to change your address and not renew yet, you can do that for free by mail or in person.

If your license is suspended due to unpaid traffic tickets, child support, or other court obligations, you must resolve the suspension before most address changes will process. Contact the Texas DPS or the court or agency that issued the suspension to find out what is required. Once the suspension is lifted, you can change your address online, by mail, or in person.

When you need a replacement card with your new address

Your address change in the Texas DPS system is free and takes effect when ready, whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. Your current license remains legal to use even if it shows your old address.

However, some situations make a replacement card useful. If you are moving to a different state soon and want your Texas ID to show your current address, ordering a replacement makes sense. If you use your driver license as your primary ID for banking, voting, or other official purposes, a card with your current address can prevent confusion.

To order a replacement card, request it when you change your address online (if available), by mail on the DL-43 form, or in person at a driver license office. Standard licenses cost $16; Real ID cards cost $32. The card arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days. Your old card remains valid until the new one arrives.

Proof of residence documents Texas accepts

Texas requires proof that you live at your new address. The document must show your name, your new address, and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include:

  • Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
  • Lease agreement or rental contract
  • Mortgage statement or property tax bill
  • Bank or credit card statement
  • Government mail (tax notice, voter registration, court document)
  • Insurance policy or bill
  • Paycheck stub showing your new address

If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill stating that you live there, plus a copy of the bill. If you are homeless or living in temporary housing, contact a Texas DPS office to discuss your options — they may accept alternative documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes, but not online. You must mail the DL-43 form with proof of residence or visit a driver license office in person. The clerk can update your address and renew your license in one visit if you want, or change your address alone for free.

Do I have to get a new card when I change my address?

No. Your address updates in the Texas DPS system for free, and your current license remains valid even if it shows your old address. You only need a replacement card if you want your new address printed on it, which costs $16 or $32 depending on the type.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online process takes about 10 minutes, and your address updates when ready in the system. You can use your new address for insurance, voting, and most official purposes right away.

What if my proof of residence is older than 60 days?

Texas requires documents dated within the last 60 days. If your bill or lease is older, contact the company or landlord and request a current statement. Many utilities and banks will issue a new statement at no charge if you ask.

Can I change my address by phone?

No. Texas DPS does not process address changes by phone. You must use the online system, mail a form, or visit an office in person.