What You Need to Do to Update Your Address with Texas DPS

To change the address on your Texas driver license, you must contact the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in person, by mail, or online through their website. Texas does not allow address changes by phone. The fastest method is online through the DPS website if you have a valid email address and your driver license number. By mail takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your request. In person at a DPS office takes a few minutes but requires you to visit during business hours.

You do not need to pay a fee to change your address on an active license. However, if you are renewing your license at the same time you change your address, you will pay the standard renewal fee. The address change itself is free whether you do it online, by mail, or in person.

Your new address becomes official once DPS processes your request. If you change your address online, you will receive a confirmation email. If you mail in a form, DPS will send you a new license with the updated address. If you change your address in person, you may receive a temporary paper document while your new license is printed and mailed to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas DPS processes address changes online, by mail, or in person — phone requests are not accepted.
  • An online address change is free and the fastest option if you have your driver license number and a valid email address.
  • By mail, send a completed DL-43 form (Address Change) to the DPS address listed on their website; processing takes 7 to 10 business days.
  • In person, visit any DPS office with your current driver license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • You do not pay a fee for an address change unless you are renewing your license at the same time.

Changing Your Address Online Through the DPS Website

The online method is available through the Texas DPS website and requires your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also need a valid email address where DPS can send your confirmation. The process takes about five minutes and you receive an when ready confirmation email.

After you submit your online request, DPS will mail your new license with the updated address to the address you provided. The new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives. If you need to prove your new address before the new license arrives, you can print or save the confirmation email DPS sends you.

Online changes work only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address in the past 60 days. If either of those conditions applies to you, you must use the mail or in-person method instead.

Mailing a Form to DPS for Address Change

To change your address by mail, read or request the DL-43 form (Address Change) from the Texas DPS website. Fill in your current driver license number, your full name, your new address, and sign the form. Include a copy of proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address on it.

Mail the completed DL-43 form and proof of address to the address listed on the DPS website. Do not send cash. DPS will process your request and mail your new license with the updated address to you. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your form. Your old license remains valid during this time.

Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. If you do not receive your new license within two weeks, contact DPS to confirm they received your form. The mailing address for DPS address change requests is on their official website and may vary by region.

Changing Your Address in Person at a DPS Office

To change your address in person, visit any Texas DPS office with your current driver license and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, government mail, or insurance document — all must show your name and new address and be dated within the past 60 days.

Bring your driver license and proof of address to the office. Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will update your information in the system and may print a temporary paper document while your new license is being produced. Your new license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. The in-person visit itself takes only a few minutes.

DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some offices have extended hours or Saturday hours — check the DPS website for the office nearest you and its hours before you go. You do not need an appointment for an address change at most offices, but some locations may ask you to check in online first.

What Counts as Proof of Your New Address

Texas DPS requires that your proof of address document show your name, your new address, and be dated within the past 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common and easiest form of proof. A lease or rental agreement signed by you and your landlord works if it shows your new address. A mortgage statement from your lender, a bank or credit card statement, or an insurance policy with your new address all count.

Government mail counts if it is addressed to you at your new address — this includes tax documents, voter registration cards, or court documents. Do not use a post office change of address form as your only proof; DPS will not accept it alone. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a letter from that person stating you live there, along with the utility bill or other document in their name.

If you have just moved and do not yet have a document dated within the past 60 days, contact DPS before you visit or mail your form. They may accept a signed lease or rental agreement even if it is dated earlier, or they may have other options for your situation.

Timeline and What to Expect After You Submit Your Request

Online requests are processed when ready and you receive a confirmation email right away. Your new license is printed and mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Mail requests take 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives your form, plus the time for mail to reach them. In-person requests are processed on the spot and your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

During the time you are waiting for your new license, your old license is still valid. You can use it for identification and driving. If you need to prove your new address before your new license arrives, use the confirmation email from an online request, or keep a copy of the form you mailed, or ask DPS for a temporary paper document if you changed your address in person.

If your new license does not arrive within two weeks of submitting your request, contact DPS to check the status. Have your driver license number and the date you submitted your request ready. DPS can tell you whether your request was received and when your new license was mailed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not try to change your address by phone — Texas DPS does not process address changes over the phone. Do not send cash in the mail with your form; DPS will not accept it and you will lose the money. Do not use a post office change of address form as your only proof of your new address; DPS requires an official document with your name and new address on it.

Do not assume your address has been changed if you have not received confirmation. If you submitted an online request, check your email for the confirmation message. If you mailed a form, wait at least two weeks before contacting DPS. If you changed your address in person, ask the staff member for a receipt or confirmation before you leave the office.

Do not throw away your old license when your new one arrives. Keep it in a safe place in case you need it as a backup form of identification. Do not update your address with the post office and assume DPS will know about it — the two systems do not communicate automatically, and you must notify DPS directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, you cannot change your address online if your license is expired. You must renew your license first, or use the mail or in-person method to change your address. If you renew and change your address at the same time, you will pay the renewal fee but not an extra fee for the address change.

How long does it take to get my new license with the updated address?

After DPS processes your request, your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery time varies, so allow an additional 3 to 5 business days for it to reach you. In total, expect 10 to 15 business days from the time you submit your request to the time you receive your new license.

What if I changed my address but DPS mailed my new license to my old address?

Contact DPS when ready with your driver license number and the address where you submitted the change. They can sometimes intercept the mail or reissue your license to the correct address. If the license arrives at your old address, you can pick it up from whoever lives there or ask DPS to send a replacement to your new address.

Do I need to change my address with DPS if I already changed it with the post office?

Yes. The post office and DPS are separate systems and do not share information. You must notify DPS directly to update your driver license address. Changing your address with the post office only forwards your mail; it does not update your license.

Can someone else change my address for me?

No, you must change your address yourself. For online requests, you need your driver license number and personal information. For mail or in-person requests, you must sign the form or appear in person. If you are unable to visit an office or mail a form, ask DPS whether they have other options for your situation.