Where to change your address in Texas
In Texas, you can change your address with the 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 — you can update your address in minutes without leaving home, and the change takes effect when ready. By mail takes one to two weeks. In person is when ready but requires a trip to an office.
You do not need to renew your license to change your address. The address change is separate from your license renewal and does not cost anything. Your current license remains valid; only the address on file updates.
Texas does not mail you a new physical license after an address change. Your existing license card stays the same. When you renew your license later, you will receive a card with your new address printed on it.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Texas address online at the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office, and the online method is fastest.
- An address change does not cost money and does not require you to renew your license early.
- Your physical license card does not change after an address update — you keep the same card until your next renewal.
- Online changes take effect when ready; mail takes one to two weeks; in-person changes are when ready.
- You will need your driver license number, Social Security number, and new address to make the change.
Changing your address online through DPS
Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Change of Address" option in the driver license section. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address. The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record or license history.
Once you submit the change online, it takes effect right away. You do not receive a confirmation email or letter in most cases — the change is recorded in the DPS system when ready. If you want proof that you made the change, take a screenshot of the confirmation page before you close your browser.
The online method works only if your license is current and not suspended. If your license is expired by more than two years, suspended, or revoked, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.
Changing your address by mail
read the Change of Address form from the Texas DPS website (form DL-43). Fill in your name, driver license number, new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the address listed on the form — typically the DPS headquarters in Austin, though some regional offices accept mail.
Include a copy of a document that shows your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
Processing takes one to two weeks from the date DPS receives your form. You will not receive a confirmation letter. To check whether your change went through, call the DPS customer service line or log into your online DPS account a few days after you mail the form.
Changing your address in person at a DPS office
Visit any Texas DPS driver license office with your current driver license and proof of your new address. Bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. You do not need to bring your Social Security card.
Tell the clerk you want to change your address. The process takes a few minutes. Your address updates in the system when ready, and you receive a receipt showing the change. Your physical license card does not change — you leave with the same card you brought in.
DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though hours vary by location. Some offices are open Saturday mornings. Check the DPS website for the office nearest you and its hours before you go, because wait times can be long during peak hours.
What happens if you move and do not update your address
Texas law does not require you to update your driver license address within a specific timeframe. However, there are practical reasons to do it soon. If you are pulled over and your license shows an old address, an officer may ask why. This is not illegal, but it can raise questions.
More importantly, official mail from DPS, courts, or law enforcement will go to the address on your license. If you do not update it, you may miss notices about license renewal, traffic tickets, or other important documents. Insurance companies also use your license address, so updating it keeps your records aligned.
If you move out of state, you should update your Texas address before you leave or surrender your license. Some states require you to get a new license within a certain time after moving, so check the rules of your new state.
Address changes after suspension or revocation
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot change your address online. You must go in person to a DPS office or mail a form. The address change itself does not affect your suspension or revocation status — it only updates where DPS sends your mail.
When your suspension ends and you are ready to reinstate your license, make sure your address is current. DPS will send reinstatement paperwork and any required documents to the address on file, so updating it beforehand prevents delays.
Proof of address documents DPS accepts
DPS accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. These include utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax statements, bank or credit card statements, government mail (tax forms, Social Security statements), insurance documents, and vehicle registration.
The document must have your full name printed on it and your complete new address. A handwritten address does not count. If you are moving and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, a lease agreement signed by you and your landlord works, even if it is dated before you moved in.
If you are moving to a rural area without a street address, or to a location where mail is not delivered, contact DPS directly to ask what documents they will accept. Some rural addresses use a box number or route number instead of a street address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a new license card after I change my address?
No. Your physical license card stays the same. You keep using it until your license renewal date. When you renew your license, you will receive a new card with your updated address printed on it.
How long does it take to change my address online?
The online change takes effect when ready. You can use your updated address in the DPS system right away, though your physical card will not change until renewal.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can change your address online. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew your license first. You can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation.
What if I move before my new address document is dated 60 days old?
You can still change your address by mail or in person using a document dated within 60 days of your move, such as a lease agreement or utility bill. If you do not have a document yet, wait until one arrives in your name at the new address, or contact DPS to ask about exceptions.
Does changing my address affect my driving record or insurance?
Changing your address does not affect your driving record or any violations on it. However, you should notify your insurance company of your address change separately, because they use that information for billing and claims. DPS does not automatically tell your insurance company.