Where to update your address in Texas

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you change your driver's license address online, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. The online method is fastest — you can do it from home in about 10 minutes if you have your driver's license number and the address you want on file. You do not need to renew your license to change your address; the address change is separate.

If you prefer not to go online, you can mail a completed form to the DPS or walk into any Texas driver license office with your ID and proof of your new address. Each method has different timing and requirements, which matter if you need the change done quickly — for insurance, a job, or a move that already happened.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas DPS offers three ways to change your address: online at the DPS website, by mail with a signed form, or in person at a driver license office.
  • The online method is the fastest and requires only your driver's license number, current address, and new address.
  • If you change your address by mail or in person, you must bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days.
  • Address changes are free and do not require you to renew your license or take a new photo.
  • Your insurance company may require proof that you updated your address with the DMV, especially if you moved to a different rating area or zip code.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to change your address. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your current address on file, then enter your new address. Once you submit, the change takes effect when ready in the DPS system.

The online change is free and you receive no physical document in the mail — your updated address is straightforward recorded in the state's database. When you renew your license later, the new address will print on it. If you need proof that you changed your address before your next renewal, you can print a confirmation page right after you submit the change, or contact the DPS to request a letter.

Changing your address by mail

read or request the Change of Address form (Form DL-43) from the Texas DPS website. Fill it out with your current license number, current address, and new address, then sign and date it. Mail it to the address listed on the form, along with proof of your new address.

Proof of address must be an original document dated within the last 90 days — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail with your name and new address will work. Do not send your original driver's license. Processing by mail takes 7 to 10 business days after the DPS receives your form. Keep a copy for your records.

Changing your address in person at a driver license office

Visit any Texas driver license office with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. The office will update your address on the spot, and the change is recorded when ready. You do not need an appointment for an address change, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Bring an original proof-of-address document dated within the last 90 days. The office staff will verify your identity, confirm the new address, and update the DPS database. You will not receive a new physical license card unless you also request a renewal, so your current card will still show your old address until you renew it.

What counts as proof of your new address

The Texas DPS accepts documents that show your name and new address and were issued within the last 90 days. Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and government mail all work. Some offices also accept recent bank statements, insurance documents, or vehicle registration if they show your name and address.

The document must be an original or certified copy — photocopies are not accepted. If the document is in someone else's name (for example, a spouse's utility bill), bring a marriage certificate or other proof that you live at that address. If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask the office what alternatives they accept; some will take a signed lease or a letter from your landlord on letterhead.

Timing and what happens to your physical license card

Your address change takes effect when ready in the DPS system, whether you change it online, by mail, or in person. However, your physical driver's license card will still show your old address until you renew it. Renewal happens every 8 years for most adults in Texas, or sooner if your license is expiring.

Insurance companies, employers, and government agencies can see your updated address in the DPS database even though your card has not changed. If someone needs to verify your current address, they can look it up through the DPS system. If you need a new card with the updated address before your renewal date, you can request an address-change renewal, though this costs the same as a regular renewal and requires a new photo.

Why your insurance company cares about your address change

Auto insurance rates depend partly on where you live — your zip code affects the risk of theft, accidents, and weather damage. If you move to a different area, your insurance company needs to know so they can recalculate your rate. Some moves lower your premium; others raise it. Your insurer may ask you to provide proof that you updated your address with the DMV, especially if the move was recent.

Contact your insurance company as soon as you move, even before you change your address with the DMV. Most insurers let you update your address over the phone or online, and they can tell you whether your rate will change. If you do not tell them and you have an accident, they may deny a claim if they discover you were living at a different address than what was on file.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change my address with the Texas DMV?

Online changes take effect when ready. By mail, allow 7 to 10 business days after the DPS receives your form. In person at a driver license office, the change is recorded on the spot, though you may wait in line depending on how busy the office is.

Do I have to renew my license to change my address?

No. An address change is free and separate from renewal. Your physical card will still show your old address until you renew, but the DPS database will have your new address right away.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease at my new address yet?

Ask the driver license office what documents they accept. Some will take a signed lease, a letter from your landlord on letterhead, a mortgage statement, or a property tax bill. If you are staying with family, some offices accept a notarized letter from the homeowner plus a copy of their utility bill.

Can I change my address online if I do not have my driver's license number?

You need your driver's license number to change your address online. If you do not have it, use the mail or in-person method instead. You can also call the Texas DPS to look up your number before you go online.

Will my insurance rate change if I move to a different city in Texas?

It may. Insurance rates depend on your zip code and the area's risk profile. Call your insurance company before or right after you move to find out whether your rate will go up, down, or stay the same. Do not wait until after an accident to tell them you moved.