What You'll Pay for a Texas Driver's License

A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $25. If you want an eight-year license instead, you'll pay $40. The difference comes down to how long you want the license to remain valid before you renew it.

These are the base fees the Texas Department of Public Safety charges. If you're renewing by mail or online, you may pay a small additional processing fee — typically $1 to $2 — depending on the method you choose. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you pay only the base fee.

Texas also offers a Real ID-compliant driver's license, which costs the same as a standard license but requires additional documents at the time of issue. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025, though standard licenses remain valid for driving.

Key Takeaways

  • A five-year Texas driver's license costs $25; an eight-year license costs $40.
  • You pay only the base fee if you renew in person at a DPS office, but online or mail renewal may add $1 to $2 in processing fees.
  • Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses but require extra documents like a birth certificate or passport.
  • First-time licenses for teenagers and commercial licenses have different fees that vary by type and age.

First-Time Driver's License Fees for Teens

If you're getting your first Texas driver's license as a teenager, the cost depends on your age and whether you're getting a learner permit first. A learner permit (also called a learner license) costs $10 and is valid for one year. You need this permit before you can take the driving test for a full license.

Once you pass your driving test, you'll pay $25 for a five-year license or $40 for an eight-year license — the same as an adult renewal. Some teens skip the learner permit if they already hold a valid out-of-state license, but most will need to go through both steps.

If you're under 18, your license will have restrictions printed on it, such as limits on when you can drive and how many passengers you can carry. These restrictions don't change the cost of the license itself.

Commercial Driver's License Costs

A commercial driver's license (CDL) in Texas costs more than a standard license because it requires additional testing and background checks. A five-year CDL costs $75, and an eight-year CDL costs $100. These fees cover the written test, the skills test, and the medical certification review that commercial drivers must pass.

You'll also need to pay for a medical examination by a certified examiner before you can get a CDL. This exam is not part of the DPS fee and typically costs $50 to $150 depending on the provider you choose. Some employers cover this cost for their drivers.

Replacement and Duplicate License Fees

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement costs $11. This is significantly less than a new license because you're not renewing — you're straightforward getting a duplicate of your current license with the same expiration date.

A duplicate license (an extra copy of your current valid license) also costs $11. Some people order duplicates to keep at home or in a safe place while carrying their primary license. The duplicate has the same validity period as your original.

How to Pay and Where to Renew

You can renew your Texas driver's license in three ways: in person at a DPS office, online through the Texas DPS website, or by mail. In-person renewal costs only the base fee ($25 or $40). Online renewal adds a $1 processing fee. Mail renewal adds a $2 processing fee.

Not all licenses can be renewed online or by mail. If you need to change your address, add a Real ID endorsement, or correct information on your license, you must renew in person. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may also need to come in person and retake the written test.

You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at DPS offices. Online and mail renewals accept credit and debit cards only. Some DPS offices accept payment by phone as well, though this is less common.

ID Cards and Other Document Costs

If you don't drive but need a state-issued photo ID, Texas offers a standard ID card that costs $16 for five years or $27 for eight years. This card works for most purposes where a driver's license would be accepted, including boarding domestic flights with Real ID compliance.

A Real ID-compliant ID card costs the same as a standard ID card but requires the same extra documents as a Real ID driver's license. Both the driver's license and ID card are issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety at the same DPS offices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license online if it's expired?

You can renew online if your license expired less than two years ago. If it's been expired for two years or longer, you must renew in person at a DPS office and may need to retake the written test. Check the Texas DPS website to confirm your specific situation before attempting online renewal.

Do I have to pay extra to get a Real ID license?

No. A Real ID driver's license costs the same as a standard license ($25 for five years or $40 for eight years). The extra cost comes from obtaining the documents you need to prove your identity and residency — such as a birth certificate or utility bill — not from the license itself.

What happens if I renew early?

You can renew your Texas license up to one year before it expires. When you renew early, your new license's expiration date is calculated from the date you renew, not from when your old license would have expired. You pay the full renewal fee regardless of how early you renew.

Are there discounts for seniors or military members?

Texas does not offer reduced fees for seniors or military members on driver's licenses or ID cards. All drivers pay the same base fee. Some military members may be able to renew by mail more easily due to deployment, but the fee remains the same.

Do I need to pay a separate fee for a name change on my license?

A name change is processed as part of your renewal, so you pay only the standard renewal fee ($25 or $40). You'll need to bring documents that show your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. You must renew in person for a name change; you cannot do it online or by mail.