Texas driver's license and ID card fees in 2024

A Texas driver's license costs $33 for a standard eight-year license if you are 18 or older. If you are 85 or older, the license costs $16 and is valid for four years. A Texas ID card (for people who do not drive) costs $16 and is valid for six years, or $8 if you are 60 or older.

These are the base fees charged by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Some county offices that issue licenses may charge an additional service fee — typically $5 to $10 — on top of the state fee. The total you pay depends on which county office you visit and whether you are renewing, replacing, or getting your first license.

If you need a Real ID-compliant driver's license (required for federal building entry and domestic air travel), the cost is the same as a standard license. However, you will need to bring additional documents to prove your identity and residency, which may require obtaining certified copies of birth certificates or other records at your own cost.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard Texas driver's license for adults costs $33 and is valid for eight years.
  • County offices may add $5 to $10 in service fees on top of the state fee, so call ahead to know your total cost.
  • Texas ID cards for non-drivers cost $16 (or $8 if you are 60 or older) and are valid for six years.
  • Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses but require additional documents like a certified birth certificate, which you may need to purchase separately.

Breakdown of Texas driver's license costs by type

The Texas Department of Public Safety charges different fees depending on your age and what type of credential you need. A first-time driver's license for someone 18 to 84 years old costs $33. If you are renewing an expired license, the cost is the same. Replacement licenses (if yours was lost or stolen) also cost $33.

Drivers 85 and older pay $16 for a four-year license instead of the full eight-year term. This reduced fee reflects the shorter validity period. A Texas ID card, which serves as a state-issued photo ID but does not permit driving, costs $16 for anyone under 60 and $8 for anyone 60 or older.

Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) have a separate fee structure and cost more than standard licenses. A CDL costs $75 for an eight-year license. If you need both a standard driver's license and a CDL, you pay both fees.

County service fees and where to pay

The $33 state fee is what the Texas Department of Public Safety collects. However, the county office where you explore may charge an additional service fee. These county fees vary and are not set by the state — some counties charge $5, others charge $10, and a few charge nothing extra. You should contact your local county tax assessor-collector's office or driver's license office before you go to find out the exact total.

You can find your county office on the Texas DPS website by entering your county name. Most counties offer online scheduling, which can reduce wait times. Some offices are busier than others, and fees may differ between branches in the same county, so it is worth calling ahead.

Payment methods vary by location. Most county offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card, but some may not accept all forms. Calling or checking the office website before you visit will save you a trip if you do not have the right payment method.

What documents you need to bring

To get a Texas driver's license, you must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, or a military ID. If you do not have one of these, you may use a combination of documents — the Texas DPS website lists all acceptable combinations.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. Your name must appear on the document. If you recently moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a lease or mortgage document works as long as it is signed.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. You can prove this with a Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. If you do not have your Social Security card, bring one of the tax documents instead.

Real ID compliance and additional costs

A Real ID-compliant driver's license costs the same $33 as a standard license in Texas. The difference is not in the fee but in the documents you must bring. Real ID requires proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number — the same as a standard license — but the identity document must be an original or certified copy.

If your birth certificate is not certified, you will need to order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the state where you were born. This costs money — typically $20 to $30 depending on the state — and can take one to two weeks by mail. Some people choose to use a passport instead, which they may already have or can obtain separately.

Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for federal building entry and domestic air travel starting in 2025. If you do not need to fly or enter federal buildings, a standard Texas driver's license remains valid for all other purposes.

Renewal and replacement costs

Renewing an expired Texas driver's license costs the same as getting a new one: $33 for a standard eight-year license. You can renew online if your license is not more than two years expired and you have not had any address changes or other updates. Online renewal costs $33 and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.

If you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license, you also pay $33. The replacement process is the same as renewal — you visit a county office or renew online if you are within two years of expiration. There is no separate "replacement fee" beyond the standard license fee.

If you need your license faster than standard mail, some county offices offer expedited service for an additional fee. This typically costs $10 to $15 extra and can reduce the wait time from two weeks to three to five business days. Not all offices offer this option, so ask when you call.

How to pay and payment options

Payment methods depend on where you explore. If you renew online through the Texas DPS website, you can pay with a debit or credit card. If you visit a county office in person, most accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card, though some may not accept all methods.

A few county offices accept payment by phone or mail for renewals, but this is not standard. The safest approach is to call your local county office and ask what payment methods they accept before you visit or explore online.

If you pay by check, make it out to the county tax assessor-collector or the specific office name — ask when you call. Do not assume all offices accept the same payee name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license online, and does it cost less?

Yes, you can renew online if your license is not more than two years expired and you have not had major changes like a name or address update. Online renewal costs the same $33 as in-person renewal. It takes about two weeks to receive your license by mail, but you do not have to visit an office or wait in line.

What if I need my license before the standard two-week mail time?

Some county offices offer expedited service for an additional $10 to $15 fee, which can reduce the wait to three to five business days. Not all counties offer this, so call your local office to ask. You can also visit in person to get a temporary paper license on the same day, though this is not a full replacement.

Do I have to pay extra for a Real ID license?

No, the license itself costs the same $33. However, you may need to pay separately to get a certified copy of your birth certificate if you do not have one, which typically costs $20 to $30 and takes one to two weeks. Using a passport instead avoids this cost if you already have one.

What if my county charges a service fee I was not expecting?

County service fees vary and are not set by the state. Call your local county tax assessor-collector's office or driver's license office before you visit to ask about their specific fee. This way you will know the exact total cost and can bring the right amount of money.

Is there a fee to get a duplicate or replacement license on the same day?

A replacement license costs $33, the same as a renewal. If you visit in person, you can get a temporary paper license the same day at no extra charge, but the permanent license arrives by mail in about two weeks. Expedited service, if available, costs an additional $10 to $15.