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 prefer not to go online, you can mail a form or walk into a DPS office with your ID and proof of your new address. Most people finish the process in one visit or within two weeks by mail.

You do not need a new photo or to retake a test. The address change alone takes minutes once you have the right documents in front of you. The only time you cannot use the quick method is if your license has expired or will expire within 60 days—then you must renew instead, which costs more and takes longer.

Key Takeaways

  • The online address change at txdps.texas.gov is the fastest method and requires only your current license number, last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address.
  • By mail, send Form DL-43 (Address Change) with a copy of your ID and proof of your new address to the DPS address on the form; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • In person, bring your current license, proof of your new address, and proof of identity to any DPS office; you walk out with an updated license the same day.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days showing your new address.
  • If your license expires within 60 days, you must renew instead of changing the address alone, which costs $16 for a four-year renewal.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to txdps.texas.gov and look for the "Online Services" section. Click on "Change Address" or "Address Change." You will need your current Texas driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will send a confirmation email to verify the address you entered.

Once you confirm the email, your address updates in the system right away. You do not receive a new physical card in the mail—your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it until it expires. If you need the address to appear on the card itself, you must renew your license, which costs $16 for a four-year renewal and takes about two weeks.

The online method works only if your license is current and will not expire within 60 days. If your license has already expired or will expire soon, the system will not let you use this shortcut and will direct you to renew instead.

Mailing Form DL-43 to the DPS

read or request Form DL-43 (Address Change) from the DPS website. Fill in your name, current license number, new address, and the date. Make a copy of the front and back of your current driver's license and include one document that proves your new address.

Acceptable proof of address includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (tax return, voter registration card, court document) dated within the last 60 days and showing your new address. Mail the form, your ID copies, and proof of address to the address listed on the form itself—it varies by region, so check the current form before mailing.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a new card; your current license stays valid with the old address until expiration. If you need the new address on the card, you must renew instead.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

Bring your current Texas driver's license, one document proving your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail from the last 60 days), and one form of ID if your license is expired. Walk into any DPS office during business hours. Tell the clerk you want to change your address only, not renew.

The clerk will verify your information, update the system, and print a new license on the spot. You walk out with the updated card the same day. This is the only method that gives you a physical card with the new address printed on it right away. DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have Saturday hours; check txdps.texas.gov for your nearest office and its hours.

Bring exact change or a debit card if the office charges a small fee for the replacement card (fees vary by location but are usually under $10). If your license has expired, bring a second form of ID such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card.

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, internet) is the most common choice. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowners insurance declaration also work. Government mail counts too: a tax return, voter registration card, court document, or benefits letter from a state or federal agency.

Bank statements and credit card statements are usually accepted but check with your local DPS office first, as some locations have stricter rules. A piece of mail addressed to you at your new address from any business or government body dated within 60 days will work in most cases. If you just moved and do not have a bill or mail yet, ask the DPS office what temporary proof they will accept—some offices will take a signed lease or a notarized statement from a landlord or family member.

When you must renew instead of just changing the address

If your license expires within 60 days, you cannot use the address-change-only method. The DPS requires you to renew your license instead, which costs $16 for a four-year renewal and takes about two weeks by mail or one day in person. You will get a new card with the updated address and a new expiration date.

If your license has already expired, you also cannot change the address alone. You must renew, and you will need to bring proof of identity and proof of residency to an office or mail them with your renewal process. Renewal is more expensive and takes longer than a straightforward address change, so if your license is still current and will not expire soon, do the address change now while you can use the quick method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get a new physical card when I change my address online or by mail?

No. Online and mail address changes update your record in the DPS system, but your current license card stays the same with the old address printed on it. The card remains valid. If you need the new address printed on the card itself, you must renew your license, which costs $16 and takes about two weeks.

What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my new address?

Other documents work: a mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowners insurance declaration, tax return, voter registration card, court document, or government benefits letter dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and have none of these yet, call your local DPS office and ask what temporary proof they will accept—some take a signed lease or a notarized statement from a landlord.

Can I change my address if my license has expired?

No. If your license is expired, you must renew it instead of changing the address alone. Renewal costs $16 for a four-year license and takes about two weeks by mail or one day in person at a DPS office.

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

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your Form DL-43, proof of address, and ID copies. Mail times vary depending on where you live and where you send the form, so add a few days on each end. If you need the change faster, go to a DPS office in person.

Do I need to bring anything else besides my license and proof of address to a DPS office?

Bring your current license and one document proving your new address dated within the last 60 days. If your license is expired, bring a second form of ID such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card. Have exact change or a debit card in case there is a small replacement fee.