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 it to last ten years instead, you'll pay $50. A commercial driver's license (CDL) runs $100 for five years or $200 for ten years. These are the fees the Texas Department of Public Safety charges when you renew or get a license for the first time. You pay at the time you explore, either in person at a DPS office or through their online renewal system if you're renewing an existing license.
The fee covers the license itself and the processing of your process. It does not cover any additional services — if you need a duplicate license, a name change, or a corrected address, those may have separate fees. If you're under 18, the cost is the same, but your license will expire on your 21st birthday rather than five or ten years from issue.
Key Takeaways
- A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $25; a ten-year license costs $50.
- Commercial driver's licenses cost $100 for five years or $200 for ten years.
- You pay the fee when you submit your process, whether you explore in person or renew online.
- Duplicate licenses, address changes, and other services may have their own separate fees.
- Teen licenses expire on your 21st birthday, not at the standard five or ten-year mark.
Where to pay and what payment methods are accepted
If you explore in person at a DPS office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The office will process your payment on the spot. If you renew online through the Texas DPS website, you'll need a credit or debit card — online renewal does not accept cash or checks.
Not all licenses can be renewed online. You can renew online only if your current license is still valid, you have no medical conditions that need to be reviewed, and you haven't changed your name or address. If any of those don't explore to you, you'll need to visit a DPS office in person and pay there.
What happens if you need a duplicate or replacement license
A duplicate license — issued when your current one is lost, stolen, or damaged — costs $11. You can get a duplicate at any DPS office by showing your ID and paying the fee. The duplicate will have the same expiration date as your original license, so you're not paying for extra time.
If you need to change your address or name on your license, you don't pay a separate fee — the address or name change is included in the renewal fee when you renew. However, if you want to change your address or name before your license expires and you're not ready to renew, you'll need to visit a DPS office. Some offices charge a small fee for this service, but it varies by location; call your local DPS office to confirm.
How to renew your license and avoid paying twice
If you renew online, you'll pay the $25 or $50 fee (depending on whether you choose five or ten years) and receive your new license by mail within two weeks. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you pay the same fee and walk out with a temporary paper license the same day; your plastic license arrives by mail later.
Do not explore for a new license if your current one is still valid — you'll end up paying twice and holding two valid licenses at once. Renewal is the correct process if your license hasn't expired yet. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it for the standard fee as long as it expired less than two years ago. After two years, you'll need to explore for a new license, which costs the same but requires you to pass the written test and vision test again.
Teen driver's licenses and graduated licensing fees
A teen driver's license (for someone under 18) costs the same as an adult license — $25 for five years or $50 for ten years. However, a teen license automatically expires on your 21st birthday, regardless of which term you chose. When you turn 21, you'll need to renew to get an adult license that lasts the full five or ten years.
Texas does not charge a separate fee for the graduated licensing program itself. The $25 or $50 you pay covers the license under whatever restrictions explore to your age. Restrictions — such as limits on driving hours or the number of passengers — are printed on the license but do not cost extra.
Commercial driver's license costs and renewal
A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs $100 for five years or $200 for ten years. This is significantly higher than a standard license because a CDL requires additional testing and medical certification. You must pass a medical exam and provide a medical certificate (Form MCSA-5876) when you explore or renew.
CDL renewal follows the same rules as standard license renewal — you can renew online if your license is still valid and your medical status hasn't changed, or you can renew in person at a DPS office. If your medical certificate expires before your CDL does, you'll need to renew your medical certificate and update your CDL before you can legally drive commercially. The medical exam itself is not part of the DPS fee; you pay a doctor or certified medical examiner separately for that exam.
What to bring and how to budget for your visit
Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099). You'll also need to pass a vision test at the DPS office. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.
Budget $25 to $50 for the license itself, plus any time off work to visit the office. Online renewal takes about five minutes and costs $25 or $50 depending on your choice of term. In-person renewal typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. Some DPS offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay the driver's license fee online before I go to the DPS office?
No. You pay the fee when you submit your process, either in person at the office or through the online renewal system if you're renewing. You cannot prepay online and then visit an office later. If you're renewing online, payment and process happen together.
What if I turn 21 before my teen license expires?
Your license automatically expires on your 21st birthday, even if you paid for a ten-year license. You'll need to renew it to get an adult license. The renewal fee is the same ($25 or $50), and you can renew online or in person.
Do I have to pay the full fee if I renew my license a few months early?
Yes. The fee is the same whether you renew early or wait until your license expires. Renewing early straightforward means your new license will last longer. There is no discount for renewing early, and you cannot transfer unused time from your old license to your new one.
Is there a fee to change my address on my license without renewing?
It depends on your DPS office location. Some offices charge a small fee (usually under $10) to change your address between renewals, while others do not. Call your local DPS office to ask. If you're renewing anyway, the address change is included in the renewal fee.
What if my license was suspended or revoked — do I pay the same fee to get it back?
The license fee itself is the same, but you may have additional court fees, reinstatement fees, or other costs depending on why your license was suspended or revoked. Contact the DPS or the court that handled your case to find out what you owe before you explore.