How to change your address on a Texas driver's license

You can change your address on a Texas driver's license in person at any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, online through the DPS website if you meet certain conditions, or by mail. The fastest route is online if you're may be able to access — it takes a few minutes and costs nothing. In-person visits usually take 15 to 30 minutes. Mail-in changes take longer but work if you cannot visit an office.

Texas does not require you to change your address when ready, but doing so keeps your license current and prevents problems if you're pulled over or need to prove your residency. Your address on file affects where traffic tickets and other official mail reach you.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the DPS website is free and takes minutes, but only works if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address in the last 60 days.
  • In-person address changes at a DPS office require your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a completed form DL-43.
  • Mail-in changes require the same documents as in-person but take two to three weeks and cost nothing.
  • You do not need a new photo or to retake a test — an address change does not require a new license card in Texas.

Changing your address online through DPS

The Texas DPS website allows you to change your address without visiting an office if your license is current (not expired) and you have not changed your address within the last 60 days. Go to the DPS website, select the address change option, enter your driver's license number and personal information, and provide your new address. The system will confirm the change when ready, and no new card is issued — your existing license remains valid with the updated address on file.

This method is free and takes about five minutes. You will receive a confirmation number by email or on screen. Keep that number for your records. The address change appears in the DPS system right away, so if you are pulled over the next day, the officer's system will show your new address.

If your license is expired or you changed your address fewer than 60 days ago, you cannot use the online method and must visit an office or mail in your change.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS driver's license office with your current driver's license, proof of residency, and a completed form DL-43 (the address change form). Proof of residency means a document dated within the last 90 days showing your name and new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail all work. You do not need to bring originals; a photocopy is acceptable.

Fill out form DL-43 before you arrive or ask the clerk to provide one. The form is short and asks for your current license number, new address, and signature. Processing takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. There is no fee for an address change.

You will leave with your original license, which remains valid. Your address is updated in the DPS system the same day. If you need a new photo or your license is expiring soon, you can renew at the same visit, but that costs extra and requires a new photo.

Changing your address by mail

Mail a completed form DL-43, a photocopy of your current driver's license, and proof of residency to the Texas DPS address listed on the form. Include a cover letter with your name, current address, and new address so the DPS can match your documents correctly. Do not send original documents — always mail copies.

Mail processing takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a confirmation letter; your address straightforward updates in the system. If you want proof the change went through, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 after two weeks and provide your license number. There is no fee.

This method works if you cannot visit an office, but it is slower than in-person or online. Keep a copy of everything you mail and note the date you sent it in case you need to follow up.

What counts as proof of residency in Texas

Proof of residency must show your name and new address and be dated within the last 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a bank or credit card statement, a government check or tax document, an insurance policy, or a mortgage statement. A cell phone bill usually does not work unless it shows your physical address.

The document does not have to be in your name alone — a utility bill with a spouse's name or a roommate's name is acceptable as long as it shows the address. Bring the original or a clear photocopy. If you are changing to a new address you just moved to and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord on letterhead stating your move-in date and address will work.

Timeline and what to expect after you change your address

Online changes take effect when ready. In-person changes take effect the same day. Mail-in changes take two to three weeks. Once your address is updated, it appears in the DPS system and on any officer's computer during a traffic stop. Your physical license card still shows your old address until you renew your license, but the system record is what matters for official purposes.

You do not receive a new card after an address change — your existing license remains valid. If you want a card that reflects your new address, you must renew your license, which costs money and requires a new photo. Most people do not renew just for an address change; they wait until their license is due to expire.

If you move again, you can change your address as many times as you need. There is no limit on how often you can update it.

When you might need to change your address quickly

If you are moving and expect to be pulled over soon, or if you need to prove your residency for a job, apartment, or loan, change your address before you need it. Some employers and landlords check your driver's license address against your lease or utility bill, and a mismatch can slow down hiring or housing decisions.

If you have a suspended or revoked license, changing your address does not affect the suspension status — you still cannot drive legally. Address changes and license suspensions are separate issues in the DPS system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a new driver's license card when I change my address?

No. An address change does not issue a new card. Your existing license remains valid, and the DPS system updates your address on file. If you want a card that shows your new address, you must renew your license, which costs money and requires a new photo.

What if I do not have a utility bill for my new address yet?

A signed lease, rental agreement, or letter from your landlord on letterhead stating your move-in date and address works as proof of residency. A bank statement or credit card statement showing your new address also works if it is dated within 90 days.

Can I change my address online if my license is expired?

No. The online method only works if your license is current. If your license is expired, you must visit a DPS office in person or mail in your change. You will also need to renew your license at some point, which requires a new photo and costs money.

How long does it take to change my address by mail?

Mail-in changes take two to three weeks. Send copies of your form DL-43, driver's license, and proof of residency to the DPS address on the form. Call 1-888-589-6789 after two weeks with your license number to confirm the change went through.

What if I changed my address less than 60 days ago and need to change it again?

You cannot use the online method if you changed your address within the last 60 days. Visit a DPS office in person or mail in your new change. There is no fee or limit on how many times you can update your address.