Texas driver's license transfer fees

A standard driver's license transfer in Texas costs $25 if you are renewing at the same time, or $16 if you are only updating your address or personal information without renewing. If your license has expired and you need to renew it as part of the transfer, you pay the renewal fee of $25 instead. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) does not charge a separate transfer fee on top of these amounts — you pay one fee that covers the transaction.

The fee you pay depends on which type of change you are making and whether your license is still valid. If you moved to Texas from another state and need a Texas license for the first time, that is an original license, not a transfer, and costs $25. If you already have a Texas license and are just changing your address because you moved within the state, you pay $16. These fees do not include the cost of a replacement photo if you want one, which is $11 extra.

Key Takeaways

  • A Texas driver's license address change costs $16 if your license is still valid, or $25 if you are renewing at the same time.
  • You can change your address online through the Texas DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office — the fee is the same for all three methods.
  • Payment methods vary by how you submit your request: online uses a credit or debit card, mail requires a check or money order, and in-person offices take cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
  • Processing time is usually two to three weeks by mail or online, or same-day if you go to a DPS office in person.

How to change your address online

The fastest way to change your Texas driver's license address is through the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Go to the "Driver License" section and select "Change Address Online." You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and then ask you to enter your new address.

Once you submit your new address online, you pay the $16 fee with a credit card or debit card. The DPS will mail you a new license with your updated address within two to three weeks. You do not need to visit an office or mail anything in — the entire process happens on the website. Your current license remains valid during this time.

Changing your address by mail

If you prefer to mail your request, you can send a completed Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License) to the DPS address listed on the form. You will need to include a copy of your current driver's license, proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment of $16. Payment must be by check or money order made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Mail your packet to the address on the form — there are regional DPS offices, so the address depends on which region you live in. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DPS receives your mail. Your current license stays valid while you wait. If you are unsure which regional office to send to, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 and they will tell you the correct mailing address for your location.

Changing your address in person at a DPS office

You can walk into any Texas DPS Driver License office and change your address the same day. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail), and payment of $16. Payment can be cash, check, debit card, or credit card — DPS offices accept all four.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Many offices are busier in the afternoon and on Fridays, so going early in the morning on a weekday usually means a shorter wait. You will receive your new license with your updated address before you leave the office. To find the DPS office nearest you, go to dps.texas.gov and use the office locator tool, or call 1-888-589-6556.

What counts as proof of your new address

The DPS accepts several documents as proof that you live at your new address. A current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name is the most common. A signed lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, government mail (such as a tax document or voter registration card), or a homeowners insurance policy all work as well.

The document must show your name and your new address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease yet, a signed lease agreement or a letter from your landlord on their letterhead stating your move-in date will work. If you are staying with someone else temporarily and do not have a document in your name, ask the person you are staying with for a notarized letter confirming you live there, along with a copy of their utility bill.

If your license is expired or expiring soon

If your Texas driver's license expired more than two years ago, you cannot change your address online — you must renew your license in person at a DPS office. The renewal fee is $25, which covers both the renewal and the address change. Bring your expired license, proof of your new address, and payment of $25.

If your license expires within 60 days, you can change your address online and renew at the same time. The fee is still $25. The DPS will send you a new license with your updated address and an extended expiration date. If you wait until after your license expires, you will have to renew in person instead of online.

Adding a new photo to your license

When you change your address, you can also request a new photo at no extra cost if you are renewing your license at the same time. If your license is not expiring and you only want to change your address, a new photo costs an additional $11. You can add a new photo when you change your address online, by mail, or in person — the process is the same regardless of which method you choose.

If you are changing your address in person at a DPS office, you can take a new photo on the spot. If you are changing your address online or by mail, you will need to submit a digital photo that meets DPS requirements: a color photo of your face, taken straight on, with a plain background, and no sunglasses or hats. The DPS website has detailed photo requirements if you need them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my address if I just moved and do not have a lease yet?

Yes. A signed lease agreement, a notarized letter from your landlord, or a utility bill in your name all work. If you have none of these yet, ask your landlord for a notarized letter on their letterhead stating your move-in date, and bring a copy of their utility bill showing the property address. The DPS accepts this combination as proof of residence.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

The DPS usually mails your new license within two to three weeks of processing your request, whether you submitted it online or by mail. Your current license remains valid during this time, so you can continue to use it for identification. If you need your new license faster, visit a DPS office in person to get it the same day.

What if I moved out of state and then moved back to Texas?

If you no longer have a valid Texas license, you will need to get an original Texas license, not a transfer. This costs $25 and requires you to visit a DPS office in person. Bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of your Texas address, and proof of your Social Security number. The DPS will issue you a new license on the spot.

Do I have to pay the fee again if the DPS loses my mail?

If you mail your request and it does not arrive, you will need to resubmit it. To avoid this, consider using certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof the DPS received your packet. If you are concerned about your mail, changing your address online or in person eliminates this risk entirely.

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

No. You cannot change your address on a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DPS. Call 1-888-589-6556 to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension, then change your address once your license is valid again.