The fastest way to change your address in Texas

You can change your address on your Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. The online method takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing — you do not need to visit an office or mail anything. If you prefer not to use the online system, you can mail a form or walk into a DPS office with your current license and proof of your new address.

Texas does not require you to update your license within a specific number of days after moving, but your address should match where you actually live. If you are stopped by police or pulled over, an outdated address can create confusion. Updating it also ensures that traffic tickets, vehicle registration notices, and other official mail reach you.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Texas DPS website is free, takes about 10 minutes, and requires only your driver's license number and proof of your new address.
  • You will need one document showing your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.
  • If you change your address online, your physical license will not change — the DPS updates your record in their system only.
  • In-person changes at a DPS office take about 30 minutes and cost $11 for a replacement license if you want a new card with your updated address printed on it.
  • Mail-in changes require Form DL-43 and take 4 to 6 weeks to process.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Change Address Online" from the driver's license section. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it. You will also need to upload or photograph a document that shows your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work, as long as it was issued within the last 90 days.

After you submit the form and document, the DPS processes it within one business day. You will receive an email confirming the change. Your address in the DPS system updates when ready, but your physical driver's license card will still show your old address. If you want a new card printed with your updated address, you can request one during the online process for $11, and it will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

The online method works only if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes in the past 60 days. If either of those conditions applies to you, use the in-person or mail method instead.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Bring your current driver's license and one document showing your new address to any DPS office. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail — anything dated within the last 90 days with your name and new address on it. You do not need an appointment; DPS offices operate on a walk-in basis, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Tell the clerk you want to update your address. They will verify your identity, check your document, and update your record in the system. If you want a replacement license card with your new address printed on it, you will pay $11 and receive the new card by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you do not request a replacement card, your address updates in the system but your physical license remains unchanged.

Most DPS offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Check the DPS office locator on their website to find the office nearest you and confirm their hours before you go.

Changing your address by mail

read Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Texas DPS website. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Include a copy of one document showing your new address — the same documents accepted in person work by mail. Mail the form and document to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. During that time, your address in the DPS system will not change. If you need your address updated faster, the online or in-person method is better. Like the other methods, a mail-in change updates your record in the system but does not print a new card unless you pay $11 and request one.

Documents that prove your new address

Texas accepts any of these documents as proof of your new address, as long as it was issued within the last 90 days and shows your name and address:

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

The document must show your full name and your complete new address. A piece of mail addressed to "Resident" or a document with only a partial address will not work. If you do not have any of these documents yet, wait until you receive one before you change your address — you cannot update it without proof.

What happens if you do not update your address

Your driver's license remains valid even if your address is outdated. You can still drive legally and use it as identification. However, official mail from the state — vehicle registration renewals, ticket notices, and jury duty summons — will go to your old address. If you miss a registration renewal important date because the notice went to the wrong place, you could face fines or have your registration suspended.

If you are stopped by police, an outdated address can slow down the traffic stop while the officer verifies your current information. It may also cause confusion if you need to prove your residency for other purposes, such as registering to vote or opening a bank account.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The online method updates your address in the DPS system only. Your current license card still shows your old address. If you want a new card printed with your updated address, you can pay $11 during the online process and receive it by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Otherwise, your address in the system is current even though your card is not.

What if my lease or utility bill is older than 90 days?

Texas requires documents dated within the last 90 days. If your documents are older, wait until you receive a new one — a new utility bill, bank statement, or lease renewal. You cannot update your address without a current document, even if you have lived at the address longer.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

You cannot use the online method if your license is expired. You must go to a DPS office in person or mail in Form DL-43. If you are in person, bring your expired license and proof of your new address. The clerk can update your address and renew your license at the same time.

How long does it take to change my address by mail?

Mail-in changes take 4 to 6 weeks to process. Your address does not update in the DPS system until the form arrives and is processed. If you need the change faster, use the online method (one business day) or go to a DPS office in person (same day).

Will changing my address affect my vehicle registration?

No. Your driver's license and vehicle registration are separate records. Changing your address on your license does not automatically update your vehicle registration. You will need to update your vehicle registration separately through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles if you want your registration documents to reflect your new address.