The cost of a Texas driver's license depends on your age and the type of license you need
A standard five-year driver's license in Texas costs $16 if you're under 85 years old. If you're 85 or older, the fee is $8. These are the fees the Texas Department of Public Safety charges when you renew or get your first license. The price does not change based on where you live in the state or which DPS office you visit.
If you need a Real ID-compliant license — one that meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building access — the cost is the same $16 (or $8 if you're 85+). Real ID is not an upgrade; it's a standard option that Texas offers at no additional charge.
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cost more. A five-year CDL runs $50 if you're under 85, and $25 if you're 85 or older. These are used for driving trucks, buses, or other large vehicles for work.
Key Takeaways
- A standard Texas driver's license costs $16 for five years if you're under 85, and $8 if you're 85 or older.
- Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses and are available at any DPS office without an extra fee.
- Commercial driver's licenses cost $50 (under 85) or $25 (85+) for the same five-year period.
- You pay the fee when you renew, get your first license, or replace a lost or damaged card.
When you pay the fee and what it covers
You pay the license fee at the time of your transaction — whether you're renewing in person, renewing by mail, or getting a license for the first time. The fee covers the five-year validity period of the card. When your license expires, you'll pay the fee again to renew.
If you lose your license or it's damaged, replacing it costs $11 in Texas. This is a separate fee from the renewal fee and covers a new card with the same expiration date as your original.
The fee does not include any testing costs. If you're taking the written test or driving test for the first time, those are separate transactions with their own fees, though some DPS offices bundle them into a single visit.
How to pay and what payment methods are accepted
At a DPS office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Online renewals through the Texas DPS website accept credit and debit cards only. By mail, you can include a check or money order with your renewal process.
If you're renewing online, you'll need a valid Texas license, a Social Security number, and a payment method ready before you start. The online system will tell you when ready whether you're may be able to access to renew that way — not all renewals can be done online, particularly if your license has been expired for more than two years or if you need to update your address.
Reduced or waived fees for certain situations
Texas does not waive the driver's license fee for low-income residents. However, if you're 85 or older, you pay half the standard fee ($8 instead of $16 for a regular license).
Military members on active duty stationed outside Texas may be able to renew by mail without visiting an office in person. The fee remains the same, but the process is different. Contact your local DPS office or check the Texas DPS website to confirm whether you may have access to for mail renewal.
If you're a victim of family violence and have a protective order, you may be able to update your address on your license without paying a replacement fee. This is handled through a separate process; call your local DPS office to ask about it.
What happens if you don't pay or can't afford the fee
If you don't pay the fee, you won't receive your license. There's no payment plan or deferral option through the DPS. You must pay the full amount at the time of your transaction.
If cost is a barrier, some community organizations and legal aid groups in Texas offer information with identification documents. Search for "free ID Texas" or contact your county's legal aid office to see what resources exist in your area. These are separate from the DPS and may have their own requirements.
Fees for other license-related services
Changing your name or address on an existing license costs $11 in Texas — the same as a replacement fee. You can do this in person at a DPS office or, for address changes only, online through the Texas DPS website.
If you need a duplicate license (an extra copy with the same information), that also costs $11. This is useful if you want to keep one license at home and carry another.
A hardship license, which allows you to drive for specific purposes when your license is suspended, has its own fee structure that varies depending on the reason for suspension. Contact the DPS directly for the exact cost in your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay the license fee online before I go to the DPS office?
No. You pay the fee at the time of your transaction, either in person at a DPS office, online if you're renewing, or by mail if you're using mail renewal. You cannot prepay online and then visit an office later.
Is there a fee difference between getting a license for the first time and renewing?
No. Both cost $16 (or $8 if you're 85+) for a five-year license. The fee is the same whether it's your first license or your tenth renewal.
What if I'm renewing early — do I pay less?
No. You pay the full $16 fee regardless of when you renew. Early renewal does not reduce the cost, though it does extend your expiration date from the new renewal date rather than your old one.
Do I have to pay the fee if I'm just updating my photo?
A photo update without other changes costs $11 in Texas — the replacement fee. It's not free, but it's less than a full renewal fee.
Are there any discounts for military, seniors, or students?
Only people 85 and older receive a discount (half price). Military members and students do not receive a reduced fee, though active-duty military stationed out of state may have different renewal options.