Texas driver's license fees in 2024

A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $16 if you renew by mail or online, or $25 if you renew in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. If you are getting your first license or replacing a lost one, the cost is $25 for a five-year license. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more — $97 for five years — because it requires additional testing and background checks.

These are the base fees. You may pay more if you add endorsements (like motorcycle or hazmat), request a duplicate card, or need expedited processing. Some DPS offices charge a small additional fee for services like name changes or address corrections on your existing license.

Payment methods vary by location. Most DPS offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you renew online through the Texas DPS website, you must pay by credit or debit card. Mail-in renewals require a check or money order.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $16 online or by mail, or $25 in person at a DPS office.
  • First-time licenses and replacements for lost or stolen cards cost $25 for five years.
  • Commercial driver's licenses cost $97 for five years and require additional testing.
  • Endorsements, duplicates, and expedited services add to the base fee.
  • You can pay by cash, check, card, or money order depending on how you renew.

When you pay more: endorsements and special requests

If you want to add a motorcycle endorsement to your license, you pay an additional $20 on top of the base renewal fee. A hazmat endorsement costs $97.50 and requires a federal background check. If you need both, you pay for each one separately.

A duplicate license card — ordered if yours is damaged, faded, or you straightforward want a backup — costs $11. If you need your license in a hurry, some DPS offices offer expedited service, though the fee and availability depend on your location. Call your local DPS office to ask whether they offer this and what it costs.

Corrections to your name, address, or other information on an existing license usually do not cost extra if you are renewing at the same time. If you need to change your information without renewing, you may pay a small fee — typically $11 to $25 — depending on what you are changing.

How to pay the lowest fee: online and mail renewals

The cheapest way to renew a standard driver's license is online through the Texas DPS website, which costs $16. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not had more than one license suspension in the past five years, and you do not need to change your name or address. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal costs the same — $16 — and follows the same rules. You fill out form DL-44, include a check or money order, and mail it to the DPS address on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.

In-person renewal at a DPS office costs $25 but is when ready if you are renewing only. You walk out with your new license the same day. In-person renewal is required if your license is expired by more than two years, if you need to change your name or address, or if you have had a suspension.

First-time licenses and replacements

Getting your first Texas driver's license costs $25 for a five-year license. You must explore in person at a DPS office. The appointment includes a vision test, written exam, and driving test. You cannot do this by mail or online.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license also costs $25. You can order a replacement online or by mail for $11 if you only need a duplicate card with no changes to your information. If you need to update your address or name at the same time, you must go in person and pay $25.

Commercial driver's license costs

A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs $97 for five years. This includes the written knowledge test, the skills test, and the federal background check required for hazmat endorsement may be able to access. The fee covers the license itself; endorsements like tanker or passenger are additional.

CDL renewal also costs $97 if you renew in person. Some CDL holders can renew by mail for a lower fee if they meet certain conditions — ask your local DPS office whether you may have access to. Medical certification, which many CDL holders need, is not part of the DPS fee but is required by federal law and must be done through a certified medical examiner.

What happens after you pay

Once you pay, what you receive depends on how you paid. Online and mail renewals send your new license by U.S. mail — expect 7 to 10 business days for online, 2 to 3 weeks for mail. In-person renewals give you a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 days.

If you pay in person and your process is rejected for any reason — missing documents, failed vision test, or other issues — the DPS will tell you before you leave. You do not get a refund, but you can fix the problem and reapply. If you pay by mail or online and your process is rejected, the DPS mails you a notice explaining why.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if my process is denied?

No. The DPS does not refund fees for denied applications. If your process is rejected, you can reapply once you fix the issue — for example, if you failed the vision test, you can reapply after getting glasses. You will pay the fee again.

Is there a fee to change my address or name on my license?

Not if you change it during a renewal. If you need to change your address or name without renewing, you pay $11 to $25 depending on what you are changing. Some offices charge a flat fee; others charge by transaction type. Call your local DPS office to confirm.

Do I have to pay extra for a REAL ID compliant license?

No. All Texas driver's licenses issued now are REAL ID compliant at no extra cost. You do not pay more for a REAL ID license than a standard one.

What if I lose my license before it expires?

Order a duplicate online or by mail for $11, or go in person and pay $25 if you also need to change your address or name. A duplicate has the same expiration date as your original license.

Do military members get a discount on Texas driver's license fees?

Texas does not offer a military discount on driver's license fees. However, active-duty military stationed in Texas can renew by mail even if their license is expired, which may save a trip to a DPS office.