Texas driver's license and ID card fees

A Texas driver's license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. An ID card (for people who don't drive) costs $16 for a four-year card or $32 for an eight-year card. These are the base fees charged by the Texas Department of Public Safety. If you're renewing by mail or online, you may pay a small additional processing fee — usually $1 to $2 — depending on the method you choose.

The fee you pay depends on which type of document you need and how long you want it to last. Most people choose the four-year option because it's cheaper, but the eight-year option works out to less per year if you plan to keep the document that long. You'll also need to budget for the process itself, which requires a visit to a DPS office or an authorized county tax assessor's office.

If you're replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license, you'll pay the same fee as a renewal. There's no separate replacement fee — you're just paying for a new document at the standard rate.

Key Takeaways

  • A four-year Texas driver's license costs $16; an eight-year license costs $32.
  • ID cards for non-drivers cost the same as driver's licenses: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years.
  • You can renew online, by mail, or in person, and each method may have a small processing fee on top of the base fee.
  • Replacing a lost or damaged license costs the same as renewing — there is no separate replacement charge.
  • You must visit a DPS office or authorized tax assessor's office in person for your first license or if your license has been expired for more than two years.

Where to pay and how to renew

You can renew a Texas driver's license at any Texas Department of Public Safety office, at most county tax assessor's offices, or online through the DPS website if you meet certain conditions. Online renewal is the cheapest option because there's no office visit required, though you'll still pay the $16 or $32 license fee plus a small online processing fee.

To renew online, your current license must not be expired by more than two years, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have any medical conditions that would require a vision test or medical review. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, you'll need to renew in person at a DPS office or tax assessor's office.

Mail renewal is also an option in some cases. You can mail your process and fee to the DPS, but this takes longer — typically two to three weeks — and you'll still pay the base fee plus a mail processing fee. In-person renewal at an office is fastest if you need the license quickly, though you'll wait in line and pay the same base fee.

What documents you need to bring

For any renewal, you'll need to bring your current driver's license or ID card. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you'll need to bring additional documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number — the DPS website lists the exact documents accepted.

For a first-time license, the requirements are more extensive. You'll need proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or military ID), proof of residency (a utility bill or lease in your name), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your Texas residency for at least 30 days. You'll also take a written test and a vision test at the office.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies usually won't work. If any of your documents are in a different name than your current name (for example, if you've married or divorced), bring the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.

Fees for different situations

The base $16 or $32 fee covers most renewals and replacements. However, a few situations cost more. If you need a duplicate license mailed to you while you're out of state, there may be an additional mailing fee. If you need to add a commercial driver's license (CDL) endorsement, that costs extra — typically $20 to $30 depending on the endorsement type.

If you're under 18, the fee is the same, but your license will expire on your 18th birthday rather than four or eight years from the issue date. When you turn 18, you can renew for the full four or eight years at the standard fee.

Correcting an error on your license — such as a misspelled name — usually costs nothing if the DPS made the mistake. If you made an error on your process, you may need to pay a replacement fee to get a corrected license, though some offices waive this if the error is minor.

Payment methods and timing

DPS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. County tax assessor's offices may have different payment methods — call ahead to confirm. Online renewal requires a credit or debit card. Mail-in renewal requires a check or money order.

If you renew in person, you'll usually receive your license the same day or within a few days. Online renewal typically takes five to seven business days for the license to arrive by mail. Mail-in renewal takes two to three weeks. If you need a license faster, in-person renewal at a DPS office is your quickest option.

Some DPS offices are busier than others. If you're renewing in person, check the DPS website to find the office nearest you and consider going early in the day or on a weekday to avoid long waits.

Special cases: Commercial and motorcycle endorsements

If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher than a standard license. A CDL costs $20 to $30 more than the base license fee, depending on which endorsements you need (such as for hauling hazardous materials). You'll also need to pass additional written tests and a skills test, which require in-person visits to a DPS office.

A motorcycle endorsement adds $10 to $15 to your license fee. You can add a motorcycle endorsement to a standard license renewal, or you can renew your license and add the endorsement at the same time. You'll need to pass a written test and a riding skills test to get the endorsement.

If you're adding an endorsement to an existing license, you can do this at any DPS office. The fee is the same whether you're renewing at the same time or just adding the endorsement to a license that still has time left on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew online if you meet the conditions (license not expired more than two years, no medical issues). You can also mail in your renewal process and fee. If you need to renew in person, you'll have to visit a DPS office during a trip to Texas, or you can contact the DPS to ask about exceptions for people living permanently out of state.

What happens if I let my license expire?

If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew it at a DPS office or tax assessor's office without retaking the written test or vision test. If it's been expired for more than two years, you'll need to explore as if it's your first license — you'll take the written test, vision test, and bring all the documents required for a new license. The fee is still just $16 or $32.

Do I have to pay the full fee if I'm renewing early?

Yes. Texas charges the full renewal fee regardless of how much time is left on your current license. There's no prorated fee for early renewal. However, your new license will be valid for four or eight years from the date you renew, so you'll have a longer period before you need to renew again.

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

No. You can change your address at any DPS office or tax assessor's office for free. You don't need to renew your entire license — just bring your current license and proof of your new address, and they'll update it. This doesn't cost anything and doesn't extend your license expiration date.

What if I need my license before the normal processing time?

If you renew in person at a DPS office, you'll usually get your license the same day. If you've already mailed in your renewal or renewed online and need the license faster, contact the DPS to see if they can expedite it — there may be an additional rush fee, though this varies by office.