What you need to do to change your address in Texas

You can change your address with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) online, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. By mail takes one to two weeks. In person is when ready but requires a trip to an office during business hours.

Texas does not require you to change your address by a specific date, but doing it promptly matters: your license remains valid at your old address, but police, courts, and the state will use the address on file. If you move and do not update, traffic tickets and legal notices may go to your old home. Your vehicle registration is separate from your driver license address, so you will need to update both if you own a car.

You do not need a new license photo or to retake a test. You are only updating the address printed on your existing license.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas DPS online portal is the fastest way to change your address — it takes about 10 minutes and is free.
  • You can also change your address by mail or in person at any driver license office, though these methods take longer.
  • Your vehicle registration address is separate from your driver license address and must be updated through a different process.
  • Changing your address does not require a new photo, test, or fee — you keep your current license with the new address printed on it.
  • Texas does not set a important date, but updating promptly prevents legal notices and tickets from going to your old address.

Changing your address online through the Texas DPS website

Go to the Texas DPS online services portal at dps.texas.gov and select "Change Address" under driver license services. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask for your new address.

After you submit, the system confirms the change when ready. Your new address takes effect right away for state records, though the physical license in your wallet will still show the old address until it expires and you renew it. If you need proof of your new address before then, you can print a confirmation from the online portal or request an address verification letter from a driver license office.

The online method works only if your license is current and not suspended. If your license is expired by more than two years, you must renew it in person before you can change the address online.

Changing your address by mail

Fill out form DL-43 (Change of Address) and mail it to the Texas DPS address listed on the form. Include a copy of a document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. Do not send your original license.

Processing takes one to two weeks from the date DPS receives your form. Mail your form to the address on the form itself, not to a local driver license office. You can read form DL-43 from dps.texas.gov or pick one up at any driver license office.

Keep a copy of what you mail for your records. If your change does not appear in the system after three weeks, contact the DPS customer service line at 1-844-DPS-TEXAS (1-844-377-8329) to confirm receipt.

Changing your address in person at a driver license office

Bring your current driver license and a document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement from the last 60 days). Walk in to any Texas driver license office — no appointment is needed for an address change. The staff will update your record on the spot.

Your physical license will still show the old address, but your record in the system updates when ready. If you want a new license with the new address printed on it, you can request one for a $16 fee, though this is not required.

Office hours and wait times vary by location. Check dps.texas.gov for the office nearest you and its hours before you go. Some offices are busier than others, so going early in the day or mid-week often means a shorter wait.

Updating your vehicle registration address separately

Your vehicle registration is managed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not the DPS, so changing your driver license address does not automatically update your car's registration. You must notify the DMV of your new address within 30 days of moving.

You can change your vehicle registration address online at txdmv.gov, by mail, or in person at a county tax assessor-collector office. The online method is fastest. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate number. The change is free and takes effect when ready.

If you do not update your vehicle registration address, renewal notices and registration documents will go to your old address, and you may miss important important date. Some insurance companies also require your registration address to match your policy address.

Scams and safety warnings

Do not use third-party websites that claim to change your address "faster" or "easier" than the official Texas DPS or DMV sites. These sites often charge fees for a service you can do free on the government website, and some collect personal information for identity theft. The only official Texas DPS website is dps.texas.gov, and the only official DMV website is txdmv.gov.

Be cautious of emails or texts claiming to be from the DPS asking you to verify your address or update your information. The DPS does not contact people by email or text to request personal information. If you receive such a message, do not click links or provide information — report it to the Texas Attorney General's office.

When you mail form DL-43, send it to the address listed on the form itself. Do not mail it to a local driver license office or any other address, as it may be lost or delayed.

What happens if you move but do not update your address

Your driver license remains valid, but the state and courts will use the old address on file. Traffic tickets, jury summons, court notices, and other official documents will be mailed to your old address. If you miss a court date because notice went to the wrong house, you can face additional legal consequences.

Police can still stop you and your license will still be valid — an outdated address is not a violation. However, if an officer runs your license and sees an address that does not match where you are living, it may raise questions during a traffic stop.

Changing your address is free and takes minutes online, so there is no practical reason to delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address before my license expires?

No. You can change your address at any time, and it does not have to happen before your license expires. However, when you renew your license later, the new address will be printed on the renewed license automatically if you have already updated it in the system.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended?

You cannot use the online portal if your license is suspended. You can still change your address by mail or in person at a driver license office. Bring your current license and a document showing your new address.

What documents count as proof of my new address?

A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days all work. The document must show your name and new address. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count.

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

Online changes take effect when ready. Mail takes one to two weeks. In-person changes update right away, though your physical license will still show the old address until you renew it or request a new one for $16.

Do I need to change my address with my insurance company too?

Yes. Your insurance company should have your current address on file. Contact them directly to update it — changing your DMV address does not automatically notify your insurance provider. Some insurers require your address to match your registration.