Update your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

You can change the address on your Texas driver license without renewing the license itself. Texas offers three ways to do it: online through the DPS website (fastest), by mail with a form and proof of residence, or in person at any Driver License office. You do not need to take a new photo or pass any tests. The address change takes effect when ready online, though a replacement card with your new address arrives by mail in about two weeks.

The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the change and whether you have the required documents ready. Online is the quickest option if your license is not suspended or expired. Mail and in-person visits both work but take longer to process.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Texas DPS website is the fastest way to update your address and requires only your driver license number, Social Security number, and date of birth.
  • If you update online, a replacement card showing your new address will arrive by mail within about two weeks at no charge.
  • You can also update by mail using Form DL-43 and a document proving your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • In-person updates at a Driver License office take the same time as mail but let you walk out with proof of the change on the same day.
  • Your address change is active in the DPS system right away, even before the replacement card arrives.

Update your address online through the DPS website

The Texas Department of Public Safety website lets you change your address without leaving home. Go to the DPS Driver License Services page, select "Change Address," and log in with your driver license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. You will need to confirm your current address and enter your new one. The system will ask you to review the information before you submit.

Once you submit online, your address is updated in the DPS system when ready. You will receive a replacement driver license card by mail at your new address within about two weeks, and there is no fee. You can use your old card until the new one arrives—the address change is already recorded in the system, so police or businesses checking your record will see the updated information.

Online updates work only if your license is current (not expired) and not suspended. If your license is expired or suspended, you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.

Update your address by mail

To change your address by mail, read or request Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website or any Driver License office. You do not need to fill out the entire form—only complete the sections for your name, current address, and new address. Sign and date the form.

Include one document that proves your new address. The DPS accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, government mail, or insurance documents dated within the last 90 days. Mail the form and proof document to the address listed on the DPS website (it varies by region). Processing takes about two to four weeks, and you will receive your replacement card by mail at your new address.

There is no fee for an address change by mail. Keep a copy of what you send in case you need to follow up on the status of your card.

Update your address in person at a Driver License office

You can walk into any Driver License office in Texas and update your address on the spot. Bring your current driver license and one document proving your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, government mail, or insurance document dated within 90 days). Fill out Form DL-43 at the office, and a staff member will process the change.

You will receive a receipt showing that your address has been updated. Your replacement card will arrive by mail within about two weeks. There is no fee for the address change. In-person visits are useful if you want when ready proof that the change was submitted, though you still have to wait for the card to arrive by mail.

Driver License offices can be busy, especially in the afternoon and on Fridays. Check the DPS website for office hours and locations near you, and consider going early in the day to avoid long waits.

What documents prove your new address

The DPS requires one document dated within the last 90 days that shows your name and new address. Acceptable documents include:

  • Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
  • Lease agreement or rental contract
  • Mortgage statement or property tax bill
  • Bank or credit card statement
  • Government mail (tax return, voter registration, court document)
  • Insurance document (auto, home, or renter's insurance)
  • Paycheck stub with your address

The document must have your name printed on it and must show your new address clearly. A handwritten address does not count. If you do not have a document in your name yet, ask your landlord, utility company, or bank for a letter on their letterhead confirming your new address and move-in date.

Timeline and what to expect

Online updates are active in the DPS system within minutes. Your replacement card arrives by mail in about two weeks. Mail-in and in-person updates take about two to four weeks from the time the DPS receives or processes your request. During this time, your old card remains valid, and your address change is already recorded in the system.

If you do not receive your replacement card within four weeks, contact the DPS to check the status. Have your old driver license number and new address ready. The DPS can reissue a card if yours was lost in the mail, though this may take another two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get a new photo when I change my address?

No. An address change does not require a new photo or a new license number. Your replacement card will have the same photo and license number as your current card, with only the address updated.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, not online. If your license is expired, you must renew it instead of just changing the address. You can renew online, by mail, or in person, and you can update your address as part of the renewal process. Renewal requires a new photo and costs a fee.

What if I move again before my replacement card arrives?

You can change your address again using any of the three methods. If your first replacement card arrives at an old address, you can forward it or discard it—your current address in the DPS system is what matters. If you need the card quickly, update in person at a Driver License office so you have a receipt showing the most recent change.

Is there a fee to change my address?

No. Address changes are free whether you update online, by mail, or in person. You only pay a fee if you renew your license or request a duplicate card for other reasons.

How do I know if my address change went through?

If you updated online, you will see a confirmation message on the screen. If you updated by mail or in person, you will receive a receipt or confirmation letter. You can also log into your DPS account online to check your current address on file. Your replacement card in the mail is the final confirmation.