You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

Texas lets you update your driver's license address without getting a new card or paying a fee. The fastest route is the online system at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, which takes about 10 minutes and works if your address change is within Texas. If you're moving out of state, changing your name at the same time, or prefer to handle it in person, you'll need to visit a DPS office or mail in a form instead.

You don't have to change your address right away—Texas gives you 30 days after you move to update it. But doing it sooner means your license matches your actual home, which matters if you're stopped by police or need to prove your residence for a job or bank account.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at the DPS website is free and takes 10 minutes if you're staying in Texas.
  • You have 30 days after moving to update your address, but updating sooner prevents mismatches with your actual home.
  • If you're moving out of state or changing your name, you must visit a DPS office in person or mail in Form DL-43.
  • A DPS office visit requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of identity, and takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on wait times.
  • Mailing in your change takes two to three weeks and requires the same documents as an office visit.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Online Services" section. You'll find a link for "Change of Address" in the driver's license area. Click it and log in with your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to confirm your current address and enter your new one.

The online system only works if your new address is within Texas and you're not changing your name or license class at the same time. Once you submit, the change is recorded in the DPS database right away. Your physical license card still shows your old address, but that's normal—Texas doesn't reissue cards for address changes alone. When you renew your license in the future, the new card will print with your current address.

If the online system won't accept your information or keeps timing out, try a different browser or clear your browser's cache. If problems persist, move to the in-person or mail option instead.

Visiting a DPS office in person

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now use an online appointment system—check the office's page before you go, because showing up without an appointment can mean a long wait or being turned away.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address, and proof of identity. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and new address on it—it should be dated within the last 60 days. Proof of identity can be your Social Security card, birth certificate, passport, or military ID. The staff will update your address in the system on the spot, and you'll walk out with your license unchanged but your record updated.

Wait times vary widely. Some offices have you in and out in 15 minutes; others may take 45 minutes or longer, especially on Fridays or near the end of the month. If you're in a hurry, call the office ahead of time and ask when they're least busy.

Mailing in your address change with Form DL-43

read Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Texas DPS website, or call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 and ask them to mail it to you. Fill in your driver's license number, current address, and new address. Sign and date the form.

Include a copy of your proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) and a copy of your proof of identity (Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport). Mail everything to the address listed on the form—it's usually the DPS headquarters in Austin, but check the form to be sure. Include a return address so DPS can contact you if something is missing.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the day DPS receives your envelope. You won't get a new card back—your physical license stays the same, but your address will be updated in the system. If you don't hear back within a month, call 1-888-589-6789 to confirm they received it.

What to do if you're moving out of state

If you're relocating to another state, you cannot use the online address change. You must visit a DPS office in person or mail in Form DL-43 with your documents. The DPS will update your address in their system, but your Texas license remains valid until its expiration date. You're not required to get a new license in your new state when ready—most states give you 30 to 60 days—but check your new state's rules to be sure.

Some people keep their Texas license after moving because it's simpler than getting a new one right away. Others switch when ready. Either way, update your address with the Texas DPS before you leave so your record is accurate if you're ever pulled over or need to prove your residence.

Changing your address and your name at the same time

If you're changing your name and address together—for example, after marriage or a legal name change—you cannot use the online system. You must visit a DPS office in person or mail in Form DL-43.

Bring your current license, your proof of name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), your proof of new residency, and your proof of identity. The DPS will update both your name and address in the system. Your physical license will still show your old name until you renew it, but the record in the system will be correct. If you need a new card with your new name right away, ask the DPS office about getting a replacement license—there is a fee for that, separate from the address change.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Texas does not reissue license cards for address changes alone. Your physical card keeps your old address, but the DPS system is updated. When you renew your license at expiration, the new card will show your current address.

What counts as proof of residency?

A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and new address, dated within the last 60 days. A government check or tax return also works. The document must show your full name and the address you're claiming.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Yes. An expired license can still be used to update your address online, by mail, or in person. You don't have to renew it first. However, if your license expired more than two years ago, some DPS offices may ask you to renew instead of just changing the address.

How long does it take for an online address change to show up?

The change is recorded in the DPS system when ready after you submit it online. If you need proof that your address was updated, you can print a confirmation page right away or contact DPS to verify.

What if I move again before my new address is processed?

Update your address again using the same method. If you mailed in a form and move before it's processed, call 1-888-589-6789 to let DPS know your address changed again so they can update the record correctly.