Texas driver's license fees by document type
A Texas driver's license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. These are the base fees you pay to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The cost does not change based on your age, driving record, or where you live in Texas.
If you need a Real ID-compliant license — the kind required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building — the cost is the same. Real ID is now standard for new licenses in Texas, so you will not pay extra to get it.
A duplicate license (replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card) costs $11. A renewal costs the same as a new license: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. If you are renewing by mail or online, the fee may be slightly lower in some cases, but you will learn the exact amount when you start the transaction.
Key Takeaways
- A standard Texas driver's license costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, paid directly to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
- Real ID compliance is included in the standard fee — you do not pay extra to get a license that works for federal travel.
- Replacing a lost or damaged license costs $11, and renewing an expired license costs the same as getting a new one.
- You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, and the method you choose may affect the total cost slightly.
- Additional fees may explore if you need a name change, address correction, or other modifications to your record.
How to pay when you explore in person
When you visit a DPS office to get a new license or renew, you pay the fee at the time of your appointment. The office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Bring your payment method with you — you cannot pay online before your visit.
The fee covers the cost of the card itself and the background check DPS runs on your driving record. If you are under 18, the fee is the same, but you will need a parent or guardian to sign your process.
Renewing by mail or online
If you renew by mail, you send a check or money order to the address DPS provides on their renewal form. The fee is still $16 or $32 depending on the license length you choose. Mail renewals take longer — typically four to six weeks — so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is faster and often costs the same as in-person renewal. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment card. Not all drivers are may be able to access to renew online; DPS will tell you during the process if you must renew in person instead.
Additional costs you may encounter
If you need to change your name on your license — because of marriage, divorce, or legal name change — DPS may charge a small fee to update your record, though the exact amount varies. You will need to bring a certified copy of the document proving the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
If you are getting a license for the first time and need to take the written test and driving test, those tests are free. However, if you fail and need to retake either test, you may pay a retest fee of around $7 to $10, though this varies by DPS office.
Some DPS offices charge a small fee for passport photos if you do not bring your own. Bringing a photo from an outside source (Walgreens, CVS, or a local photographer) is usually cheaper and faster.
What happens if you let your license expire
Renewing an expired license costs the same as renewing a valid one: $16 or $32. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, DPS may require you to retake the written test and driving test, which adds time to the process but not additional fees beyond the renewal cost.
If you are renewing after a long lapse, call your local DPS office before you go in. They can tell you whether you need to test again and what documents to bring.
Finding your nearest DPS office and appointment
You can find DPS office locations and hours on the Texas Department of Public Safety website. Most offices now require you to book an appointment online rather than walk in. Appointments are free to book, and you choose your date and time.
Wait times vary by location and season. Urban offices and offices near the end of the month tend to be busier. If your appointment is far away, check whether a smaller office in a nearby town has earlier availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for a Real ID license, or can I get a regular license for less?
Real ID is now the standard for all new Texas driver's licenses, and the cost is the same whether you get it or not. You cannot choose a cheaper non-Real ID option. If you do not want Real ID, you can get a state ID card instead, which also costs $16 or $32 depending on the term length.
What if I cannot afford the license fee right now?
DPS does not offer payment plans or fee waivers based on income. However, some community organizations and legal aid offices in Texas may help cover the cost for people in financial hardship. Contact your local 211 service or county social services office to ask about local information programs.
Do military members or seniors get a discount on their license?
Texas does not offer a discount on driver's license fees for military members or seniors. The fee is $16 or $32 for everyone. However, military members may be able to renew by mail more easily, and seniors can renew online if they meet the age and record requirements.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind after paying?
No. Once you pay the fee and DPS processes your process, the fee is not refundable. If you decide you do not want the license after paying, contact DPS when ready to ask about canceling your process, but expect the fee to be kept.
How much does it cost to get a Texas ID card instead of a driver's license?
A Texas ID card costs the same as a driver's license: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. You get an ID card if you do not drive but need a state-issued photo ID for banking, travel, or other purposes. The process process is similar, and you visit the same DPS offices.