Change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

You can update your Texas driver's license address without renewing your license or taking a new photo. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offers three ways to make the change: online through their website, by mail, or by visiting a DPS driver license office in person. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person visits are when ready but require a trip to your local office.

You do not need to surrender your current license or pay a fee for an address change alone. Your license remains valid; only the address printed on it will be updated. The process is straightforward if you have the right documents and know which route fits your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the Texas DPS website is free and takes minutes, but only works if your license is not expired and you have a valid email address.
  • By mail, you send a completed form DL-43 with proof of your new address to the DPS; processing takes one to two weeks and costs nothing.
  • In-person visits at a DPS office are when ready and work for any license status, but you must bring your current license and proof of your new address.
  • Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 90 days.
  • If your license is expired or suspended, you cannot use the online method and must go by mail or in person.

Change your address online through the DPS website

Visit the Texas DPS website and select the option to change your address. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask you to confirm your current address, then enter your new one. You must have a valid email address on file because DPS will send a confirmation to that address.

This method works only if your license is not expired and not suspended. The change takes effect when ready in the DPS system, though the physical card in your wallet will still show the old address. When you renew your license later, the new address will print on the card. There is no cost and no documents to mail or bring in.

Mail a completed form with proof of your new address

read or request form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Texas DPS website or any DPS office. Fill in your name, driver's license number, and new address. You do not need to sign it unless you are changing the address for someone else's license (which requires power of attorney). Attach a copy of one document that proves your new address and is dated within the last 90 days.

Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail with your name and new address. Mail the form and proof to the address listed on the DPS website—it varies by region. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want confirmation back. Processing takes one to two weeks. There is no fee.

Visit a DPS driver license office in person

Bring your current driver's license and one document proving your new address (dated within 90 days) to any DPS driver license office. You can find your nearest office and check hours on the Texas DPS website. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices accept appointments through their online system, which can reduce your wait.

The staff will verify your identity, update your address in the system, and issue you a new license on the spot with your new address printed on it. This is the only method that gives you a physical card with the updated address when ready. There is no fee for an address change. Bring your current license and proof of address—nothing else is required.

What counts as proof of your new address

Your proof document must show your name, your new address, and a date within the last 90 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowners insurance bill, or vehicle registration also work. Government mail such as a tax return, voter registration card, or court document with your new address is acceptable.

Bank statements and credit card statements do not count as address proof for DPS purposes. If you have just moved and do not yet have a bill in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency and move-in date. Some DPS offices will accept this in place of a utility bill, though policies vary slightly by office.

If your license is expired or suspended

The online method will not work if your license is expired or suspended. You must either mail form DL-43 with proof of address or visit a DPS office in person. If your license is suspended, the DPS office staff can tell you whether the suspension blocks an address change or whether you can update the address while the suspension is active. In most cases, an address change is allowed even during a suspension.

If your license is expired, you have the option to change the address without renewing, or to renew and change the address at the same time. An address-only change costs nothing. A renewal costs money and requires a new photo and vision test. Decide which you need before you visit or mail in your request.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to see the address change in the system?

Online changes take effect when ready. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person changes are when ready. The physical license card in your wallet will show the old address until you renew your license or get a replacement card at a DPS office.

Do I have to bring my old license to change my address?

For in-person visits, yes—bring your current license. For mail, you do not need to send the license itself, only a form and proof of address. For online, you need your license number but not the physical card.

Can I change my address if I just moved and have no utility bill yet?

Yes. Ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency and move-in date. Most DPS offices accept this. Call your local office first to confirm their policy, as it can vary.

What if I moved out of state—do I still change my Texas address?

No. If you have moved to another state and plan to stay there, you should get a driver's license from that state instead. Keep your Texas license only if you plan to return or maintain residency in Texas.

Is there a fee to change my address?

No. An address change alone is free through all three methods. You only pay if you choose to renew your license or get a replacement card at the same time.