Change your address with the Texas Department of Public Safety online or by mail
You can update your driver's license address through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) without renewing your license early. The fastest method is online through the DPS website if your license is valid and you have not changed your name. If you cannot use the online system, you can mail in a form or visit a DPS office in person.
Texas does not require you to update your address when ready, but doing so keeps your license current for traffic stops, voting, and other identification purposes. The process takes a few minutes online or about one to two weeks by mail, depending on which method you choose.
Key Takeaways
- The online address change at the DPS website is free and takes about five minutes if your license is valid and your name has not changed.
- You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your new address to use the online system.
- If you cannot use the online option, you can mail Form DL-43 to the DPS address with a copy of your license and proof of your new address.
- Visiting a DPS office in person requires an appointment through the online system; walk-ins are not accepted at most locations.
- Your updated license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks of approval, and you do not need to pay a fee for an address change.
Change your address online through the DPS website
Go to the Texas DPS website and select the "Online Services" option. Look for the link labeled "Change Address" or "Address Change" in the driver's license section. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to verify your identity.
Once you are verified, enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your license. Double-check the spelling and zip code before submitting. The system will confirm your request when ready, and you should receive a confirmation email. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within one to two weeks.
The online system only works if your current license is valid and you have not changed your name. If your license has expired or you have a name change, you must use the mail or in-person method instead.
Mail your address change using Form DL-43
read Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License) from the DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. You do not need to fill out the entire form—only complete the sections asking for your name, current address, new address, and driver's license number.
Make a copy of the front and back of your current driver's license and include it with the form. You will also need to send proof of your new address. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and new address. Mail everything to the address listed on the DPS website for address changes.
Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks after the DPS receives your envelope. There is no fee for changing your address. Keep your old license until you receive the updated one in the mail.
Schedule an in-person appointment at a DPS office
Visit the Texas DPS website and use the appointment scheduling system to book a time at a DPS office near you. Most offices require an appointment and do not accept walk-ins. Select "Address Change" as the reason for your visit when you book.
Bring your current driver's license and one document proving your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement). Arrive a few minutes early with your appointment confirmation. The office will process your change on the spot, and your updated license will be mailed to your new address within one to two weeks.
If you cannot find an available appointment in your area, the online or mail method may be faster. Some rural areas have fewer office locations and longer wait times for appointments.
What counts as proof of your new address
The DPS accepts documents that show your name and new address together. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. Other documents that work include a lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax statement, homeowners or renters insurance policy, or a recent bank or credit card statement.
The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your full name and complete new address. If the document is in someone else's name (such as a spouse's utility bill), you may need to bring additional proof that you live at that address, such as a marriage certificate. Call your local DPS office if you are unsure whether your document will be accepted.
Update your address if your license is expired or suspended
If your driver's license has expired, you cannot use the online address change system. You must either renew your license (which includes an address update) or use the mail method with Form DL-43. Renewing your license requires a new photo and costs a renewal fee, while a mail-in address change is free.
If your license is suspended or revoked, contact the DPS directly before attempting to change your address. You may need to resolve the suspension first. Call the DPS at the phone number on their website to ask about your specific situation.
Change your address if your name has also changed
If you have changed your name (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you cannot use the online address change system. You must renew your license instead, which allows you to update both your name and address at the same time.
To renew with a name change, you will need your current license, proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your new address. You can do this by mail, online (if your license is not expired), or in person at a DPS office. The renewal fee applies, but the address update itself is included at no extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive my updated license in the mail?
After the DPS processes your address change, your updated license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. Processing time varies depending on the method you used and current DPS workload. You can continue using your old license until the new one arrives.
Do I have to pay a fee to change my address?
No, changing your address on your driver's license is free. You only pay a fee if you are renewing your license at the same time or if you need a replacement license due to damage or loss.
Can I change my address if my license is expired?
No, the online system requires a valid license. If your license is expired, you can mail Form DL-43 with proof of your new address, or you can renew your license (which includes the address update). Renewing costs a fee, but a mail-in address change is free.
What if I move before my updated license arrives?
Contact the DPS when ready with your new address. You may need to submit another address change form or call the DPS to update your mailing address so your license is sent to the correct location. Do not wait for the first license to arrive if you have moved again.
Can I change my address at the same time as renewing my license?
Yes, when you renew your license online, by mail, or in person, you can update your address as part of the same transaction. This is required if your license has expired or if you have changed your name.