How to Change Your Address With the Texas DMV

Where to Change Your Texas Driver License or ID Address

You can change your address with the Texas Department of Public Safety in three ways: online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. The online method is fastest and requires no documents if you are renewing your license at the same time. If your license is not expiring soon, you can still change your address online, but you will need to verify your identity through a third-party system.

The in-person route takes one visit and works if you want to update your address without renewing your license. By mail, you send a form and documents to the DPS, which takes longer but works if you cannot visit an office or prefer not to use the online system.

Your vehicle registration address updates separately from your driver license address. If you own a vehicle, you will need to handle both changes, though the process for registration is different and covered under vehicle registration rules.

Key Takeaways

Online address changes through the DPS website are free and the fastest option if your license is expiring within the next year.
If your license is not expiring soon, you can still change your address online but must verify your identity through a third-party system, which may require a fee.
In-person address changes at a driver license office require proof of residency and take one visit, with no renewal required.
By mail, you send Form DL-43 and proof of residency to the DPS, and the process takes several weeks.
Your vehicle registration address is separate and must be updated through the Texas DMV vehicle registration system.

Changing Your Address Online

Go to the Texas DPS website and select the option to renew or change your driver license information. You will be asked to enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current record and let you update your address directly.

If your license expires within one year, you can change your address for free. If your license is not expiring soon, the system will offer you the option to verify your identity through a third-party service. This verification step may charge a fee (typically a few dollars) and uses information like your credit history or utility bills to confirm you are who you say you are. Once verified, your address updates when ready.

After you submit your address change online, you do not need to do anything else. Your updated license will be mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days if you are renewing, or your address record updates right away if you are not renewing.

Changing Your Address In Person at a Driver License Office

Visit any Texas driver license office with proof of residency and your current driver license. Proof of residency means a document dated within the last 90 days that shows your name and new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. Bring the original or a certified copy.

Tell the staff member you want to change your address without renewing your license. They will update your record on the spot, and you will walk out with your license still in hand. There is no fee for an address-only change. The update appears in the system when ready, though your physical license still shows the old address until it expires and you renew.

If you are at the office anyway and your license expires within the next few months, ask whether you should renew at the same time. Renewing while you are there costs extra but saves you a trip later.

Changing Your Address by Mail

read or request Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License or Identification Card) from the Texas DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the form with your new address and sign it. Include a copy of your proof of residency — the same documents accepted in person (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days).

Mail the completed form and proof of residency to the address listed on the DPS website. Do not mail your physical license unless you are renewing it. The DPS will process your request and mail you confirmation, which typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Your address updates in the system before your physical license arrives.

Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If your mail does not arrive or you do not hear back within a month, call the DPS to confirm they received it.

What Counts as Proof of Residency

Proof of residency must show your name, your new address, and be dated within the last 90 days. Accepted documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a government document like a voter registration card or tax return.

The document must be an original or certified copy — a photograph or photocopy of a utility bill usually does not work. If you do not have any document in your name at your new address yet (for example, you just moved and have not set up utilities), call the DPS to ask about alternatives. Some offices accept a notarized letter from your landlord or a utility company letter showing your pending account.

Updating Your Vehicle Registration Address

Your vehicle registration address is separate from your driver license address. You must update it through the Texas DMV vehicle registration system, not through your driver license change. You can renew your vehicle registration and change the address at the same time online, by mail, or at a county tax assessor-collector office.

If you change your driver license address but not your vehicle registration address, your registration will still show your old address. Texas law requires your vehicle registration address to match where you actually live, so update both if you have moved.

Timeline and What to Expect

Online changes take effect when ready in the system. If you are renewing your license at the same time, your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you are only changing your address without renewing, the update is when ready and your physical license does not change.

In-person changes at a driver license office take one visit and update when ready. By mail, the process takes 2 to 4 weeks from the time the DPS receives your form. During this time, your address is updated in the system even though your physical license has not changed.

If you need to prove your new address before your physical license updates, ask the DPS for a printed confirmation of your address change, or use your proof of residency document (the utility bill or lease you submitted).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my address if I move?

Texas law requires you to update your driver license address within 30 days of moving. Failing to do so can result in a fine. You should also update your vehicle registration address. Updating your address is free and takes minutes online or in person.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or revoked?

You can update your address in the system, but you cannot renew your license or get a new one until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DPS to find out the status of your license and what you need to do to restore it.

What if I do not have proof of residency in my name yet?

Call the DPS at 1-888-589-6789 and explain your situation. Some offices accept a notarized letter from your landlord, a utility company letter showing a pending account, or other documents. Having your lease or rental agreement is usually enough, even if utilities are not yet in your name.

Will my old license still work after I change my address?

Yes. Your physical license remains valid until it expires, even though your address in the system has changed. The address on your card does not match your actual address, but the license itself is still legal to use for identification and driving.

How do I change my address if I live outside Texas?

If you move out of state, you no longer need a Texas driver license. You should get a license from your new state. If you are moving temporarily but keeping your Texas license, you can update your address to your temporary address through any of the three methods listed above.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.