Where to Change Your Texas Driver License or ID Address

You can change your address with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in three ways: online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a driver license office. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. You do not need to renew your license or get a new photo — you are only updating the address on file.

The online option works if your license is not expired and you have not had more than one address change in the past year. If either of those conditions does not explore to you, you must go in person or mail in your request. In-person visits at a driver license office take about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Mail-in requests take longer — typically two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your form — but you can do it from home. You will need to include your current license, a completed form, and proof of your new address.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas DPS lets you change your address online for free if your license is current and you have not changed addresses in the past year.
  • In-person changes at a driver license office do not require an appointment in most locations, but you must bring your current license and proof of your new address.
  • Mail-in address changes require Form DL-43 (Change of Address), your license, and an address proof document, and take two to three weeks to process.
  • Vehicle registration address changes are separate from your driver license and must be handled through the Texas DMV vehicle registration system.

Changing Your Address Online

Visit the Texas DPS website and select the online address change option. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to log in. The system will ask you to enter your new address and confirm it. Once you submit, the change takes effect when ready in the DPS system, though your physical license will still show the old address until it expires and you renew it.

The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is no fee. However, you cannot use this method if your license expired more than two years ago, if you have changed addresses more than once in the past 12 months, or if you have an out-of-state license. If any of these explore, you must use the mail or in-person method instead.

Changing Your Address in Person at a Driver License Office

Walk into any Texas driver license office with your current license and proof of your new address. You do not need an appointment. Bring one document that shows your name and new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail all work. A bank statement or credit card bill with your name and address also counts.

Tell the clerk you want to change your address. They will update your record on the spot. Your license will still show the old address, but your DPS file will reflect the new one. This matters for things like vehicle registration renewal notices and official mail from the state. There is no fee for an address-only change.

Driver license offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Hours vary by office. You can find your nearest office and its hours on the Texas DPS website. Bring your Social Security card or another form of ID if you do not have your license with you, though having your license makes the process faster.

Changing Your Address by Mail

read or request Form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Texas DPS website. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Include your current driver license (a copy is acceptable) and one document that proves your new address. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — typically the DPS office in Austin.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope. There is no fee. You do not need to include a return envelope or postage — DPS will send your updated information back to you or straightforward update your record and notify you by mail. Keep a copy of what you send in case you need to follow up.

Mail your request to the address on Form DL-43. Do not send it to a local driver license office — it must go to the central processing location. If you are unsure whether DPS received your form after three weeks, call the DPS customer service line to check the status of your change.

What Counts as Proof of Your New Address

Texas DPS accepts a narrow list of documents as proof of address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the past 60 days is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or government mail (like a tax notice or voter registration card) also work. Some offices accept a bank or credit card statement if it shows your name and address.

Documents must show your full name and your new address. A piece of mail addressed to "Resident" or a bill in someone else's name will not work, even if you live there. If you do not have any of these documents yet — for example, if you just moved and your utilities have not been transferred — ask the driver license office what alternatives they accept. Some offices will take a signed letter from your landlord or a utility company confirmation of service.

Changing Your Vehicle Registration Address Separately

Your vehicle registration address is separate from your driver license address. Changing one does not change the other. To update your vehicle registration, you must contact the Texas DMV (the vehicle registration division, not the driver license division). You can do this online through the Texas DMV website, by mail, or in person at a county tax assessor-collector office.

The online method is fastest. Log into your account on the Texas DMV website using your vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate number. You can update your address there without visiting an office. If you prefer to do it in person, go to your county tax assessor-collector office with your vehicle registration card and proof of your new address. The process is similar to updating your driver license, but it is handled by a different agency.

If you do not update your vehicle registration address, renewal notices and registration documents will be mailed to your old address. This can cause you to miss renewal important date. Update both your driver license and your vehicle registration whenever you move.

Scams and Safety Information

Do not pay anyone to change your address for you. The Texas DPS does not charge a fee for address-only changes, and there is no shortcut that requires payment. Websites that claim to file your address change for a fee are taking your money for something you can do yourself for free in minutes.

Be cautious of emails or texts claiming to be from the Texas DPS asking you to verify your address or update your information by clicking a link. The real DPS does not contact people this way. If you receive such a message, do not click the link. Go directly to the official Texas DPS website by typing the address into your browser yourself.

When you mail your address change form, use regular mail, not a private carrier, unless you want tracking. Your form contains your license number and address, so do not leave it in an unsecured mailbox. If you are concerned about identity theft, consider hand-delivering your form to a DPS office instead of mailing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to renew my license when I change my address?

No. An address change is separate from renewal. Your license will still show your old address until it expires and you renew it. However, your DPS record will have your new address, which is what matters for official purposes like vehicle registration and mail from the state.

How long does it take to change my address online?

The online change takes effect when ready. You can see your new address in the DPS system right away. However, your physical license card will still show the old address until you renew it.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Texas license?

You can change your address to an out-of-state address by mail or in person at a driver license office. You cannot use the online method for out-of-state addresses. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or similar document) just as you would for an in-state move.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can change your address by mail or in person. You cannot use the online method. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew it before you can change your address.

What happens if I change my address but do not update my vehicle registration?

Your vehicle registration renewal notice will be mailed to your old address, and you may miss the important date. You must update your vehicle registration separately through the Texas DMV. Do both changes when you move to avoid missing important notices.