Texas driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last
A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $25. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic flights), the cost is $27. A Real ID is the same card but meets federal identification standards set after 9/11. Both prices are current as of 2024, though the Texas Department of Public Safety can adjust fees — check their website before you go to confirm the exact amount your location is charging.
Texas also issues eight-year licenses for drivers aged 85 and older at $25, and commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) at $60 for five years. If you need a duplicate or replacement card because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, that costs $11. Renewal by mail or online costs the same as in-person renewal.
Key Takeaways
- A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $25; a Real ID version costs $27.
- Real ID is required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings, so most people need the $27 version rather than the standard one.
- You can renew online, by mail, or in person for the same fee, though online and mail renewal have restrictions based on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal.
- A replacement card for a lost or stolen license costs $11 and can be ordered online without visiting a DPS office.
What Real ID costs and why it matters
The $2 difference between a standard license and a Real ID reflects the extra verification the state must do. Real ID requires proof of citizenship or legal residency, a Social Security number, and proof of your current address — documents you may already have but the DPS must physically inspect and record. A standard license does not require this federal-level verification.
Since January 2024, a standard Texas driver's license cannot be used to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you travel by air or need to enter a courthouse, federal office, or military base, you need the Real ID version. Most people renewing their license now choose Real ID at the $27 price rather than paying $25 for a standard license they cannot use for travel.
How to renew online or by mail and save a trip
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website costs the same $25 or $27 as in-person renewal and takes about 7 to 10 business days. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you are between 18 and 84 years old, and you have not renewed online in the past two years. You will need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Mail renewal also costs the same amount and takes 2 to 3 weeks. You send your current license, a completed DL-44 form, and a check or money order to the DPS. Mail renewal has the same age and frequency restrictions as online renewal. Both methods deliver your new license by mail, so you cannot get it the same day.
Fees for replacement, duplicate, and commercial licenses
A replacement license for a lost, stolen, or damaged card costs $11 and can be ordered online without visiting a DPS office. You will receive it by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need a duplicate — an extra copy of your current license — that also costs $11 and follows the same timeline.
A commercial driver's license (CDL) for truck drivers or other commercial vehicle operators costs $60 for five years. CDL renewal in person costs $60; renewal by mail costs $65 because the DPS charges a mailing fee for CDL renewals. You cannot renew a CDL online.
Where to pay and what documents you need
In-person renewal happens at any Texas DPS office. You can find your nearest location and check wait times on the DPS website. Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment in cash, check, or card. If you are renewing a Real ID, bring proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card or W-2).
Payment methods vary by location. Most DPS offices accept cash, debit, and credit cards, but some accept only cash. Call ahead or check the DPS website for your specific office. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order.
Age-based fees and special cases
Drivers aged 85 and older can get an eight-year license for $25 instead of the standard five-year license. This reduces how often they need to renew. Drivers under 18 pay the same $25 or $27 as adults, but their license expires on their 18th birthday or five years from issue, whichever comes first.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must complete the reinstatement process, which involves paying a reinstatement fee (separate from the license fee) and meeting any other court or DPS requirements. Reinstatement fees vary based on the reason for suspension or revocation and can range from $100 to several hundred dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Texas driver's license without paying for Real ID?
Yes, you can get a standard license for $25, but it cannot be used for domestic air travel or federal building access as of January 2024. Most people choose Real ID at $27 because they need it for travel. A standard license is only useful if you never fly domestically or enter federal buildings.
What if I renew online but need to change my address?
You can change your address during online renewal if your new address is in Texas. If you are moving out of state or need to update other information like your name, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring proof of your new address.
How much does it cost to replace a lost license?
A replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged license costs $11 and can be ordered online. You will receive it by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit a DPS office.
Do I have to pay extra if I want a different photo?
No. You can request a new photo during any renewal for the same $25 or $27 fee. You do not pay extra for the photo. If you renew by mail or online, you cannot change your photo — you must renew in person at a DPS office.
What happens if my license expires while I am out of state?
You can renew online or by mail from anywhere, and the fee is the same. Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days; mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to drive before it arrives, check whether your state of residence recognizes an expired Texas license during the renewal period.