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 is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The address change shows up in the system when ready, though your physical license still shows the old address until it expires and you renew it.

If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a completed form DL-43 to the DPS address processing center, or walk into any DPS office with your current license and proof of your new address. The mail route takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person changes are processed the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change through the Texas DPS website is free and takes 10 minutes, and the change is recorded when ready even though your physical license keeps the old address.
  • You need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address to change your address online.
  • If you go in person to a DPS office, bring your current license and one document that shows your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
  • Changing your address does not require a new photo or a new license fee unless your license is expiring soon and you choose to renew it at the same time.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Change Address" under 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, your current address as it appears on your license, and your new address. The system will send a confirmation email to the address you provide. Click the link in that email within 24 hours to complete the change.

Once you confirm by email, the address change is recorded in the DPS system right away. Law enforcement and other agencies can see your new address when ready. Your physical license card will still show the old address — it does not update until you renew your license, which happens every 8 years for adults under 85.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and bring your current driver's license and one document that proves your new address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail with your name and new address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

Walk up to the counter, tell the clerk you need to change your address, and hand over your license and proof of address. The change is processed on the spot and recorded in the system when ready. You do not pay a fee for an address change alone. If your license is expiring within the next 60 days, the clerk may ask whether you want to renew it at the same time, which costs the standard renewal fee.

Changing your address by mail

read form DL-43 from the Texas DPS website. Fill in your driver's license number, current address, new address, and sign the form. Make a copy of one document that proves your new address — a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or similar document dated within the last 60 days. Mail both the form and the copy to the DPS address processing center. The mailing address is on the form itself.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DPS receives your mail. There is no fee. Once processed, your address change appears in the system, and you will receive a confirmation letter at your new address. Your physical license still shows the old address until renewal.

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. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank or credit card statement, insurance policy, or government mail all work. A piece of mail from a government agency counts even if it is not addressed to you — for example, a tax document addressed to a household member at your new address is acceptable.

Documents that do not work include a driver's license from another state, a birth certificate, or a document with only a post office box. If you are moving and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or mortgage lender for a letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and new address.

When you need to renew instead of just changing your address

An address change alone does not require you to renew your license or pay any fee. However, if your license expires within 60 days, DPS may require you to renew at the same time you change your address. A renewal costs the standard fee — currently $16 for a 4-year license or $32 for an 8-year license for most adults — and you will receive a new physical card with your new address printed on it.

If your license has been expired for more than 2 years, you cannot change the address alone. You must renew the license, which involves a new photo, a vision test, and a fee. You can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on how long it has been expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my physical license card update with my new address right away?

No. The address change is recorded in the DPS system when ready, but your physical license card keeps the old address until you renew it. Law enforcement and government agencies can see your new address in the system, so you do not need a new card to use your license for identification or to drive.

What if I do not have a document that proves my new address?

Ask your landlord, property manager, or mortgage lender for a letter on their letterhead that shows your name, new address, and move-in date. DPS accepts this as proof of address. If you are moving to a family member's home, a utility bill in their name with your new address works as long as it is dated within the last 60 days.

Can I change my address online if my license is expired?

No. The online system only works for valid licenses. If your license is expired, you must renew it in person or by mail before you can change your address. A renewal requires a new photo and a fee.

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

DPS processes mail address changes in 2 to 3 weeks from the date they receive your form and proof of address. You will receive a confirmation letter at your new address. During this time, your address change is not yet recorded in the system, so use the online method or go in person if you need the change recorded right away.

Do I have to change my address on my license if I move?

Texas law requires you to notify DPS of a change of address within 30 days of moving. You are not required to get a new license card, but you must update your address in the system. Failure to do so can result in a fine, and it may cause problems if you are pulled over and the officer sees a different address on file.