You can change your address online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office

The fastest way to update your address on a Texas driver's license is through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website. You can do this online without visiting an office, and the change takes effect when ready for most purposes. If you prefer to handle it in person or by mail, both options are available, though they take longer.

Texas does not require you to renew your license when you move. You only need to update the address on your existing license. The state gives you 30 days after moving to make the change, though waiting longer does not invalidate your license — it straightforward means your ID shows an outdated address.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the DPS website is the fastest option and requires only your driver's license number, personal information, and a new address.
  • You can also mail a completed form DL-43 to the DPS address processing center, but this method takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person changes at any DPS office take about 15 minutes and require 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 30 days.
  • You do not need to renew your license when you move — only the address needs updating.

Changing your address online through the DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to change your address. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Enter your new address exactly as you want it to appear on your license.

The system will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record or personal history. Once you pass this step, your address change is processed when ready. You do not receive a new physical card — your current license remains valid with the updated address in the system. If you need a replacement card with the new address printed on it, you can order one for a fee, but it is not required.

This method works only if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired. If your license status is not current, you will need to use the in-person or mail method instead.

Mailing a form to update your address

read form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Texas DPS website or request it by phone at 1-888-589-6789. Fill in your current license number, your name as it appears on your license, and your new address. Sign and date the form.

Mail the completed form to the DPS address shown on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date they receive it. You do not need to include copies of your license or proof of address with the mail method — the DPS will verify your information against their records.

Keep your current license and use it normally while your change is being processed. Once the DPS processes your request, your address will be updated in their system, though your physical card will still show the old address until you renew or order a replacement.

Updating your address in person at a DPS office

Visit any DPS driver's license office in Texas with your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address must be dated within the last 30 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and new address.

Tell the clerk you need to change your address. The process takes about 15 minutes. You will fill out a short form, show your documents, and pay a fee if you want a replacement card printed with your new address. If you do not order a replacement card, your current license remains valid — the address change is recorded in the system even though your physical card shows the old address.

No appointment is needed, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or on weekday afternoons usually means shorter lines. You can find your nearest office and current wait times on the Texas DPS website.

What counts as proof of your new address

Proof of address must show your name, your new street address, and a date within the last 30 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common form of proof. A lease agreement or mortgage statement works if it is recent enough. Bank statements, credit card statements, and government mail (tax documents, voter registration, court notices) all count.

A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof. Neither does a handwritten note from a landlord or a screenshot of an email. If your name does not appear on the document, it will not be accepted. If you are having trouble finding acceptable proof, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 and ask what documents they can accept in your situation.

Whether you need a replacement card with your new address

You do not have to order a replacement card when you change your address. Your current license remains valid for driving, voting, and most other purposes even if it shows an old address. The address change is recorded in the DPS system, and law enforcement can see the current address when they scan your license.

You may want a replacement card if you plan to use your license as identification for housing, banking, or other situations where the printed address matters. The fee for a replacement card varies but is usually between $11 and $16. If you order a replacement, it arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

What happens if you move out of state

If you move to another state, you will eventually need to get a driver's license from that state. Texas does not require you to surrender your Texas license, but most states require you to get a local license within a certain time frame — usually 30 to 60 days. Check the requirements of your new state's DMV.

You can keep your Texas license as a valid ID even after moving, but it will not be valid for driving in your new state. If you plan to return to Texas later, you can keep your Texas license and straightforward update the address when you move back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address within 30 days of moving?

Texas law says you should change your address within 30 days, but there is no penalty for waiting longer. Your license remains valid even with an outdated address. However, if you are stopped by police, an address that is clearly old may raise questions, so updating it sooner is practical.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No. You must renew your license first if it is expired. You can renew and change your address at the same time by visiting a DPS office or using the online renewal option on the DPS website. The mail method does not work for expired licenses.

What if I do not have proof of my new address?

Call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 and explain your situation. They may accept alternative documents depending on your circumstances — for example, a signed lease without a date, a letter from a landlord on official letterhead, or a utility bill in a roommate's name if you can show you live there. Ask what they can work with before you visit an office.

Will my old license still work while I wait for the address change to process?

Yes. Your license is valid for driving and identification the entire time. If you use the online method, the change is when ready in the system. If you mail a form or visit in person, your license works normally while the DPS processes your request — there is no waiting period where your license is invalid.

Can I change my address online if I have a commercial driver's license?

No. Commercial driver's license holders must change their address in person at a DPS office or by mail. The online method is available only for regular driver's licenses and ID cards.