How to Change Your Texas Driver's License Address

You can change your Texas driver's license 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 address. If you cannot go online, you can mail a form to DPS or walk into a driver license office in person. The method you choose depends on how soon you need the change recorded and whether you have the documents DPS requires.

Your address change takes effect when ready online or by mail, but the physical card in your wallet will still show the old address until your license expires and you renew it. That is normal — DPS updates the record in their system right away, and that is what matters for traffic stops, vehicle registration, and official records.

Key Takeaways

The online system at texas.gov/dps is the fastest method and works if your license is valid and you have an email address.
You can mail Form DL-43 to the DPS address processing center if you prefer not to go online or in person.
Walking into a driver license office in person works any time during business hours, though wait times vary by location.
Your address updates in the DPS system when ready, but your physical license card keeps the old address until you renew.
You do not need to pay a fee to change your address — it is free whether you do it online, by mail, or in person.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to texas.gov/dps and look for the "Driver License" section. Find the link for "Change Address Online" — it is usually in the main menu or under "Online Services." You will need your Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. DPS will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record.

Once you log in, enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear in the system. Double-check the spelling and zip code before you submit. DPS will send a confirmation email to the address you provide — keep that email as proof the change went through. The system updates your record within minutes, and you are done. You do not need to print anything or visit an office.

The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you run into trouble logging in or the system will not accept your information, write down the error message and call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-888-589-6556 during business hours. They can tell you whether there is a hold on your license or another reason the system rejected your request.

Mailing Form DL-43 to DPS

If you do not want to use the online system, read Form DL-43 from the Texas DPS website or pick one up at any driver license office. The form is short — it asks for your name, license number, old address, new address, and signature. Fill it out in black or blue ink and sign it. Do not use pencil.

Mail the completed form to the address listed on the form itself. As of now, that address is the DPS Address Processing Center in Austin, but always check the current form to confirm the mailing address has not changed. Include a copy of a document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days usually works. DPS processes mail submissions within 10 to 15 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods.

Keep a copy of the form and the document you sent for your records. If you do not hear back within three weeks, call DPS Customer Service to check the status. Mail can get lost, and DPS can tell you whether they received your envelope.

Changing your address in person at a driver license office

Find the DPS driver license office nearest you on the texas.gov/dps website. Most cities have at least one office, and larger cities have several. Bring your current Texas driver's license and a document showing your new address — the same documents that work for the mail method (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 60 days). You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system. Check the office's page before you go.

Walk up to the counter, tell the clerk you want to change your address, and hand over your license and address document. The clerk will type the new address into the system while you wait. The change is recorded when ready, and you walk out with your old license card — again, the card itself does not change until you renew. The whole process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes if the office is not busy, but can stretch to an hour or more during peak times like lunch or late afternoon.

Some offices are busier than others. If you have a choice, try going early in the morning on a weekday, or call ahead to ask when they are slowest. A few offices have started offering online check-in, which lets you reserve a time slot and skip some of the wait.

What documents count as proof of your new address

DPS accepts a short list of documents to prove you live where you say you do. The document must show your name and your new address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the easiest — just bring the paper bill or print the online version. A lease or rental agreement works if it is signed and current. A mortgage statement or property tax bill works. A bank or credit card statement works. Some people use a government letter addressed to them at the new address.

Documents that do not work include a post office change-of-address form, a cell phone bill, or a letter from someone else. DPS wants proof that you actually live there, not just that you told the post office you moved. If you are homeless or living with someone and do not have a document in your name, call DPS Customer Service to ask what alternatives they accept — some offices have workarounds for people in that situation.

How long the address change takes to show up everywhere

Your address updates in the DPS system within minutes if you do it online, within 10 to 15 business days if you mail it, or when ready if you do it in person. That is when law enforcement and DPS can see the new address. However, other agencies move slower. Your vehicle registration may still show the old address for a few weeks. Your voter registration updates on its own schedule. Insurance companies and banks only see the change if you tell them separately — DPS does not share your new address with private companies.

If you need proof that you changed your address, the online confirmation email or a receipt from the DPS office works. Keep it until you are sure all the places that need to know have updated their records.

What happens if you move again before your license expires

You can change your address as many times as you need to. There is no limit on how often you can update it, and each change is free. Use the same method you used before — online, mail, or in person. DPS will overwrite the old address with the new one. Your license card still will not change until you renew, but the system will always have your current address on file.

If you move out of state, you will eventually need to get a driver's license in your new state. Texas will not let you keep a Texas license if you no longer live in Texas, though there is usually a grace period of a few weeks or months depending on your new state's rules. Check with your new state's DMV about when you have to switch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move?

Texas law requires you to notify DPS of a change of address within a reasonable time after you move. There is no specific important date spelled out in the statute, but waiting more than a few weeks is risky. If you get pulled over and your license shows an old address, an officer may question whether you still live there. It is easier to update it right away.

Can I change my address without going to an office or using the internet?

Yes, you can mail Form DL-43 with a proof-of-address document. DPS will process it within 10 to 15 business days. This is the only method that does not require you to go online or visit an office in person.

What if my name changed at the same time I moved?

If you changed your name (through marriage, divorce, or legal petition), you cannot change both your name and address at the same time using the quick methods. You will need to renew your license to update your name. You can change your address now and update your name when you renew, or wait and do both together when you renew.

Will the address change show up on my physical license card?

No. Your license card keeps the old address until you renew your license at the end of its validity period. DPS updates the address in their computer system right away, and that is what law enforcement sees when they scan your license. The physical card does not matter for legal purposes.

Is there a fee to change my address?

No. Changing your address is free whether you do it online, by mail, or in person. DPS does not charge for address updates.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.