Texas driver's license fees by type and renewal method

A Texas driver's license costs between $16 and $75 depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost card. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) sets these fees, and they vary based on how long your license will be valid and whether you are explore in person or by mail.

A standard five-year driver's license costs $16 if you renew by mail or online. An eight-year license costs $32 for in-person renewal at a DPS office. If you are under 18, your license is valid for four years and costs $16. A replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged license costs $11. These prices have remained stable for several years, though DPS can adjust them with legislative approval.

You will also pay an additional fee if you request a Real ID-compliant license, which is required for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. A Real ID license costs $32 for an eight-year term or $16 for a five-year term, depending on your age and renewal method.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard Texas driver's license costs $16 for a five-year renewal by mail or online, or $32 for an eight-year in-person renewal.
  • Replacing a lost or damaged license costs $11 and can be done at any DPS office or by mail.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses cost $32 for eight years or $16 for five years and are required for domestic air travel as of May 2025.
  • You can renew your license in person at a DPS office, by mail, or online through the DPS website if you meet renewal requirements.
  • Payment methods at DPS offices include cash, check, debit card, and credit card, but mail-in renewals require a check or money order.

How to renew your license in person at a DPS office

Renewing in person at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the location is. You will need to bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring a document showing your new address.

Walk into any DPS office during business hours, take a number, and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you are renewing your license. They will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your payment. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to your address on file. The plastic card usually arrives within two to three weeks.

DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, typically from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the DPS website. No appointment is required for license renewal, though some offices offer online scheduling to reduce wait times.

Renewing by mail or online

If your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, address change, or medical condition that affects your driving, you can renew by mail. Fill out Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), include a check or money order for $16, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks, and your new license will be mailed to your address on file.

Online renewal is faster and available through the DPS website if you meet the same requirements as mail renewal. You will log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, pay the $16 fee with a debit or credit card, and receive confirmation when ready. Your new license ships within five to seven business days.

Both mail and online renewal are only available if your license is current and you have not had major life changes. If your license is expired, you have moved, or you need a Real ID license, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

Getting a Real ID license and what it costs

A Real ID-compliant license is required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings as of May 7, 2025. It looks like a regular driver's license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. The cost is $32 for an eight-year license or $16 for a five-year license, depending on your age.

To get a Real ID license, you must explore in person at a DPS office and bring specific documents: a valid passport, passport card, or birth certificate; proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2); and two documents proving your current Texas address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Real ID licenses are processed the same way as standard renewals. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and your plastic card within two to three weeks. If you already have a standard driver's license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at any DPS office without waiting for your current license to expire.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

A replacement license costs $11 and can be obtained in person at any DPS office or by mail. If you go in person, bring your Social Security number and proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate). The clerk will take a new photo, process your payment, and give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your replacement card arrives within two to three weeks.

To replace your license by mail, fill out Form DL-44, include a check or money order for $11, and mail it to the DPS address on the form. Include a note explaining that you are requesting a replacement due to loss, theft, or damage. Processing takes about two to three weeks.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and request a case number. Some DPS offices ask for this number when processing a replacement, though it is not always required. Having a police report can also help if someone uses your stolen license fraudulently.

Payment methods and where your money goes

At a DPS office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you are renewing by mail, you must send a check or money order. Online renewals accept debit and credit cards only.

The fees you pay go directly to the Texas Department of Public Safety to cover the cost of producing licenses, maintaining the database, and operating DPS offices. Texas does not charge a separate administrative fee on top of the license fee. The price you see is the total amount due.

If you overpay or need a refund, contact the DPS office where you applied. Refunds are processed by check and mailed to your address on file, which can take four to six weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay extra if I want a different photo on my license?

No. You can request a new photo at any renewal or replacement, and the cost is the same. If you are unhappy with your photo after renewal, you can return to a DPS office and request a new one for no additional charge within a certain timeframe, though policies vary by location.

What if I cannot afford the license fee right now?

Texas does not offer fee waivers or payment plans for driver's licenses. The fee must be paid in full at the time of process. If cost is a barrier, some community organizations or legal aid groups may have information about resources, though this varies by area.

Can I renew my license if it is expired?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot renew an expired license by mail or online. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.

How much does it cost to change my address on my license?

Changing your address is free if you do it at a DPS office in person. You will need to bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. If you are renewing your license at the same time, you pay only the renewal fee, not an extra charge for the address change.

Is there a fee difference between a standard license and a Real ID license?

Yes. A standard five-year license costs $16, while a Real ID license for the same term costs $16 as well for renewal, but $32 for an eight-year license. The Real ID upgrade costs more because it requires additional document verification and a longer validity period.