Where to Update Your Texas Driver License or ID Address

You can update your address with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in three ways: online through the Texas 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 one — you are only changing the address on file.

The online option works if your license or ID is not expired and you have not had it suspended or revoked. You will need your driver license or ID number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The change takes effect when ready in the system, though your physical card will still show the old address until you renew it.

If you cannot go online, you can mail a completed form DL-43 (Change of Address) to the DPS address listed on their website, along with proof of your new address. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks. You can also walk into any Texas driver license office with your current license and proof of your new address — staff will update your record on the spot, though again your card will not change until renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas DPS online portal is the fastest way to change your address and costs nothing if your license is current and not suspended.
  • Your physical driver license card will still show your old address after you update it online — the address in the system changes, but the card does not.
  • If you mail in a change-of-address form, bring or send proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days.
  • Visiting a driver license office in person is the only way to update your address the same day, and you will need your current license plus proof of your new address.

What Proof of Address the Texas DPS Accepts

The Texas DPS requires one document that shows your name and new address and was issued or dated within the last 90 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A government-issued ID with your new address also works. Avoid documents that are older than 90 days — the DPS will reject them.

If you do not have a document in your name at your new address yet, you have options. A notarized affidavit stating your new address and signed by you and a notary public will work. Some people use a letter from a shelter, transitional housing program, or social services agency if they are in temporary housing. Call your local driver license office to ask what they will accept in your specific situation — policies can vary slightly by location.

Updating Your Address Online Through the Texas DPS Website

Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Online Services" section. You will find a link for "Change of Address." Click it and enter your driver license or ID number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current information and ask you to enter your new address.

After you submit the new address, you will receive a confirmation email. Your address is updated in the DPS database when ready, and you can use that confirmation as proof if needed. You do not have to do anything else — your license remains valid at the old address until it expires or you renew it. When you do renew, your new card will show the updated address.

The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It does not work if your license has expired more than two years ago, if it is suspended or revoked, or if you have an active warrant. If any of those explore, you will need to visit an office or mail in your change-of-address form.

Mailing in Your Address Change

read or request form DL-43 (Change of Address) from the Texas DPS website. Fill it out with your current license number, your new address, and your date of birth. Attach a copy of one document that proves your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days works best. Do not send your actual license.

Mail the form and proof to the address listed on the DPS website. Processing takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a confirmation letter, but your address will be updated in the system. If you want to verify the change went through, you can call your local driver license office or log into the online portal a few weeks after mailing.

Keep a copy of what you mailed for your records. If the DPS loses your form or there is a problem, you will have proof you sent it.

Visiting a Driver License Office in Person

Find your nearest Texas driver license office on the DPS website. Bring your current driver license or ID and one document proving your new address dated within the last 90 days. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online appointment system — check before you go.

Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will scan your license, verify your new address document, and update your record. The change is complete when ready. Your physical card will not change, but your address in the system is updated right away. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Go during off-peak hours if you can — early morning or mid-week visits typically have shorter waits. Some offices are busier than others, so if your local office has a long line, you might try a different one nearby.

Scams and Safety Warnings

Do not use third-party websites that claim to change your address for you. Many charge fees of $20 to $50 and straightforward fill out the same form you could mail yourself for free. Some are outright scams that collect your personal information and never submit anything to the DPS.

The real Texas DPS website is dps.texas.gov. If you are unsure whether a site is legitimate, go directly to that address in your browser instead of clicking a link in an email or ad. Scammers often create websites that look almost identical to the real one but have slightly different URLs.

Never give your Social Security number, driver license number, or date of birth to anyone who contacts you first — whether by phone, email, or text. The DPS will not call you to ask for this information. If someone claims to be from the DPS and asks for personal details, hang up and call the DPS directly using the number on their official website.

What Happens to Your Old Address After You Change It

Once you update your address, the DPS stops using the old one for official communications. Traffic tickets, vehicle registration notices, and license renewal reminders will go to your new address. If you are moving out of state or to a new city, make sure the address you enter is where you actually live and where you can receive mail.

Your old address stays in the DPS database as part of your record history, but it is not active. If you move again, you can update your address the same way — online, by mail, or in person. There is no limit to how many times you can change it.

If you have a commercial driver license (CDL) or a motorcycle endorsement, the same process applies. Your address change covers your entire license, not just one type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to renew my license to change my address?

No. Changing your address and renewing your license are two separate things. You can update your address anytime, and your license stays valid until its expiration date. When you do renew — whether that is next year or in five years — your new card will show the updated address.

How long does it take for my new address to show up in the system?

If you change it online, it is when ready. If you mail it in, allow two to three weeks. If you do it in person at an office, it is when ready. You can verify the change by logging back into the online portal or calling your local driver license office.

What if I moved but do not have a utility bill or lease in my name yet?

A notarized affidavit works, or a letter from a landlord, property manager, or social services agency on their letterhead stating your new address. Call your local driver license office to ask what they will accept — some offices are more flexible than others with temporary housing situations.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

Not online. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can mail in form DL-43 or visit an office. If it expired more than two years ago, you will need to renew your license, which involves a new photo and a vision test — you cannot just update the address.

Will changing my address affect my vehicle registration?

No. Your driver license address and your vehicle registration address are separate. If you want to update your vehicle registration address, you will need to contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (which handles vehicle registration) separately. You can do that online through their website or by mail.