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

The Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) operates three ways to update the address on your driver's license. The fastest is online through the DPS website if your license is not suspended and you have not had a name change. If you cannot use the online method, you can mail a form to TXDPS or walk into a driver license office in your county. Each route takes different amounts of time and requires different documents.

You do not have to wait for your license to expire to change your address. Texas law does not set a important date for updating it after you move, but your insurance company and law enforcement will use the address on your license as your legal residence. If you get pulled over or file a claim, a mismatched address can cause problems.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the TXDPS website is free and takes minutes if your license is valid and unsuspended.
  • You can mail Form DL-43 to TXDPS with a proof of residency document, and the process takes two to four weeks.
  • Walking into a driver license office in your county lets you change your address the same day, but you may wait in line.
  • You will need one document that shows your name and new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days.
  • If your license is suspended or you have changed your name, you cannot use the online method and must go in person or mail the form.

Changing your address online through the TXDPS website

Go to the TXDPS driver license services page 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 and enter your new one.

This method works only if your license is currently valid and not suspended, and if you have not changed your name since you got it. If either of those is true, you must use the mail or in-person method instead. The online change takes effect when ready, though you will not receive a new physical card in the mail—your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it until it expires.

Some people prefer the online method because it is free and takes five minutes. The trade-off is that your physical license will still show the old address until you renew it, which can confuse police officers or insurance agents who scan the card itself rather than checking the TXDPS database.

Mailing Form DL-43 to TXDPS

read Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License) from the TXDPS website or pick one up at any driver license office. Fill in your new address on the form. You do not need to fill out the entire form—only the sections that explore to an address change.

Attach one document that shows your name and new address and was issued within 90 days of when you mail it. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. Mail the form and document to the TXDPS address listed on the form itself, which varies by region.

Processing by mail takes two to four weeks. You will not receive a new license card in the mail unless you also paid a renewal fee. Like the online method, your physical license will still show the old address until you renew it. If you need a new card with the updated address printed on it, you must renew your license at the same time, which costs the standard renewal fee.

Changing your address in person at a driver license office

Visit any TXDPS driver license office in your county. Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your name and new address issued within 90 days—a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or similar proof of residency. There is no fee for an address change.

The office will update your address in the TXDPS system the same day. If you want a new physical card printed with your updated address, you can request it at the same visit. A replacement card costs around $11 to $16 depending on the type of license, and you will receive it in the mail within one to two weeks. Without requesting a replacement, your current card remains valid but will still show the old address.

Wait times at driver license offices vary widely by location and time of day. Offices in large cities often have longer lines, especially on weekdays. Some offices allow you to check wait times online before you go. Going early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon often means a shorter wait than mid-morning or Friday.

What counts as proof of your new address

TXDPS accepts documents issued within 90 days of when you submit them. The document must show both your name and your new street address. A PO box does not count as a residential address for driver's license purposes.

Acceptable documents include utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet), a signed lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, government mail from a state or federal agency, an insurance policy, or a property tax bill. If you just moved and have not received mail at your new address yet, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your residency, dated within 90 days.

Do not send original documents by mail—send a copy. If you go in person, bring the original so the office staff can see it, but they will not keep it.

When you cannot use the online method

If your driver's license is suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years, you cannot change your address online. You must either mail Form DL-43 or go to a driver license office in person. The same applies if you have changed your name since you got your current license—the online system will not let you proceed.

If your license is suspended, changing your address does not lift the suspension. You will still need to resolve whatever caused the suspension (usually unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or a failure to maintain insurance) before you can drive legally. Updating your address is a separate step that you can do at any time, but it does not restore your driving privileges.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to renew it rather than straightforward change the address. Renewal requires a new process and may require an eye test and new photo. Contact your local driver license office to find out what documents you will need to bring.

How address changes affect your insurance and vehicle registration

Your auto insurance company uses the address on your driver's license to calculate your premium and to send you notices. If you move and do not update your address with your insurer, your policy may be invalid if you get into an accident. Some insurers check the TXDPS database automatically when you renew, but others rely on you to tell them.

Contact your insurance agent or company as soon as you move, even before you update your driver's license. Your vehicle registration is separate from your driver's license and has its own address on file with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. You must update that separately through the DMV, usually by mail or online, within a set timeframe after you move.

If your address on file with your insurer, your driver's license, and your vehicle registration do not match, you may face delays in claims processing or renewal. It is easier to update all three at the same time when you move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a new physical license card when I change my address online?

No. The online method updates your address in the TXDPS database, but your current physical license card will still show the old address. You will get a new card with the updated address only when you renew your license at expiration, or if you pay a replacement fee to request one in person at a driver license office.

What if I moved but have not received any mail at my new address yet?

Ask your landlord, property manager, or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your residency, dated within 90 days. This counts as proof of address. You can also use a lease agreement or rental contract if you have one signed and dated.

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

TXDPS typically processes address changes by mail within two to four weeks. Mail times vary depending on where you live and which regional TXDPS office handles your process. There is no tracking system, so if you need the change faster, going in person is more reliable.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended?

Yes, but you cannot use the online method. You must mail Form DL-43 or go to a driver license office in person. Changing your address does not remove the suspension—you will still need to resolve the underlying issue (unpaid fines, failure to appear, or lapsed insurance) before you can drive legally.

Do I need to update my vehicle registration address at the same time?

No, they are separate. Your vehicle registration is filed with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, not TXDPS. You must update your registration address separately, usually within 30 days of moving. Check the DMV website or your registration card for the important date and process in your county.