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

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) lets you update your address without renewing your license early. The fastest route is the online system if your license is current and you have a valid email. If you cannot use the online portal, you can mail in a form or visit a DPS office in person. Most people finish the process in under five minutes online, though mail takes one to two weeks and in-person visits depend on office wait times.

Your address must match your actual residence — the place where you physically live. Texas law requires you to update it within 30 days of moving. The good news is that updating your address does not cost money and does not require a new photo or vision test.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at dps.texas.gov is the fastest method and takes about five minutes if your license is current and you have email access.
  • You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to use the online system.
  • If you cannot go online, you can mail Form DL-43 to the DPS address listed on the form, which typically takes one to two weeks.
  • In-person updates at any DPS office require your current license and proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • Texas law requires you to report an address change within 30 days of moving, though updating late does not automatically invalidate your license.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to dps.texas.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Change Address" or "Update Address" — the exact link name changes occasionally, but it is always in the main menu. You will be taken to a login page where you enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth.

Once you log in, you will see a form with your current address already filled in. Delete the old address and type in your new one. Double-check the spelling and zip code — the system will not catch typos. When you submit, you will get a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. Your new address becomes official when ready, though it may take a few days to show up in all state databases.

The online system only works if your license is not expired and you have a valid email address on file. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to renew it in person instead of just changing the address.

Mailing in a change-of-address form

read or request Form DL-43 from the DPS website. This is the official change-of-address form. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign it. You do not need to notarize it or have it witnessed.

Mail the form to the address printed on the form itself — this address changes depending on which DPS region you live in, so do not use a generic mailing address. Include a copy of proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name on the proof document must match your license.

Processing takes one to two weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. There is no tracking system, so if you need to know whether it arrived, call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556. Keep a copy of the form and proof document for your records.

Updating your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any DPS Driver License office in Texas. Bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax notice or court document) dated within the last 60 days. Your name must appear on the proof document.

Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will scan your license, verify your information, and print a new address sticker that goes on the back of your license. Some offices give you the sticker when ready; others mail it. Ask before you leave. The in-person process takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

You can find your nearest DPS office and check current wait times on the DPS website. Some offices take appointments online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early in the day usually means shorter waits.

What counts as proof of your new address

Texas DPS accepts documents dated within the last 60 days that show your name and new address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. Lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements also work. Government mail counts — property tax notices, court documents, and voter registration cards are all acceptable.

Documents that do not work include credit card statements, insurance policies, and mail from employers. Your name must match exactly as it appears on your license. If you recently married or changed your name, update your name first before changing your address, or bring a marriage certificate or court order showing the name change.

If you live with someone else and cannot get a document in your own name, ask the property owner or manager for a signed letter on letterhead stating that you live at that address. Some DPS offices accept this, though policies vary by location — call ahead to confirm.

What happens if you move and do not update your address

Your license remains valid even if your address is outdated. However, Texas law requires you to report a move within 30 days. If you are pulled over and your address does not match where you actually live, an officer may cite you for failing to update it, though this is uncommon in practice.

More practically, an old address can cause problems if you need to renew your license by mail, if you are involved in a traffic accident and the other party tries to contact you, or if you receive official mail from the state. Updating your address is free and takes minutes, so it is worth doing soon after you move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can change your address online or by mail. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew your license in person at a DPS office, and you can change your address at the same time. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of identity.

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

No. When you change your address online, it updates when ready in the system. If you change it by mail or in person, you may receive a sticker to place on the back of your license, or the office may mail you a new card. Ask the clerk what to expect before you leave.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online process takes about five minutes from start to finish. Your new address is active when ready, though it may take a few days to appear in all state databases. You will receive a confirmation number on screen that you can save for your records.

What if I moved out of state — do I still need to update my Texas address?

If you no longer live in Texas, you should surrender your Texas license and get a license in your new state. If you still own property in Texas or plan to return, you can update your address to a Texas address (such as a family member's home) to keep your license active.

Can someone else change my address for me?

No. You must change your address yourself using your own license number and Social Security number. If you are unable to do it online, by mail, or in person, you can call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556 to ask about exceptions, though they typically cannot make the change over the phone.