Texas driver's license fees by type
A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $25 if you're renewing by mail or online, or $40 if you explore in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. If you need a Real ID-compliant license — which you'll need to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings starting in 2025 — add $16 to whichever option you choose, bringing the total to either $41 or $56.
A Class M motorcycle endorsement adds $20 to your license fee. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) cost $60 for a five-year renewal. If you're under 18, a provisional license costs $25 for a five-year term, though the fee structure changes if you're renewing before age 18 versus after.
These are the base fees set by Texas law. Some DPS offices may charge an additional service fee of up to $5 for in-person transactions, though many do not. Check with your local office before you go.
Key Takeaways
- A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $25 by mail or online, or $40 in person at a DPS office.
- Real ID licenses cost $16 more than standard licenses, bringing the total to $41 or $56 depending on how you renew.
- You can renew online or by mail if your license is not suspended, you have no medical conditions that need review, and you're not changing your name or address.
- Replacement licenses for lost or damaged cards cost $11, and name changes on an existing license cost $25.
- Some DPS offices charge an additional service fee of up to $5 for in-person transactions, so call ahead to confirm the total cost.
When you can renew by mail or online instead of visiting an office
Texas lets you renew your driver's license by mail or online without visiting a DPS office, but only if you meet specific conditions. Your license must not be suspended or revoked, you cannot have any medical conditions that require DPS review, and you cannot be changing your name or address on the license.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website costs $25 and takes about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal also costs $25 and takes 2 to 3 weeks. Both options are only open if your license expired no more than two years ago. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person.
If you do not meet the conditions for mail or online renewal, you must visit a DPS office in person. In-person renewal costs $40 for a standard license and typically takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
Real ID versus standard license: what the extra cost covers
A Real ID license meets federal security standards and can be used to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. A standard Texas driver's license cannot be used for these purposes as of May 2025. The Real ID costs $16 more than a standard license.
To get a Real ID, you must provide proof of identity (your birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card or tax return), and proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement). You cannot get a Real ID by mail or online — you must explore in person at a DPS office.
If you already have a Real ID license, you do not need to upgrade when you renew. Your renewal will be Real ID unless you specifically request a standard license instead.
Replacement and correction fees
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement card costs $11. You must explore in person at a DPS office. The replacement takes the same time as an in-person renewal — usually 15 to 45 minutes.
If you need to correct your name on your license (for example, after marriage or legal name change), the correction costs $25 and requires an in-person visit. You'll need to bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
If you straightforward want to update your address without changing your name, you can do this online or by mail for free if your license is not suspended and you meet the other standard renewal conditions.
What to bring to a DPS office and how long it takes
For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement). If you're renewing a standard license, that's all you need.
For a Real ID, add proof of identity: your birth certificate, passport, or passport card. If you're changing your name, bring the legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
Most DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. You can check your local office's hours on the Texas DPS website. Wait times are typically shortest on weekday mornings and longest on Fridays and the days before holidays. Many offices now offer online appointment scheduling, which can cut your wait time significantly.
Fees for drivers under 18 and military personnel
Provisional licenses for drivers under 18 cost $25 for a five-year term, the same as an adult license. However, if you turn 18 before your provisional license expires, you can renew it as a standard adult license at no additional charge — you only pay the $25 renewal fee.
Military personnel stationed in Texas can renew their driver's license by mail without the usual two-year expiration limit on mail renewals. Active-duty military can renew up to one year before their license expires. Bring a copy of your military ID and orders showing your Texas duty station.
If you're a Texas resident stationed outside the state on active duty, you can renew by mail regardless of how long ago your license expired, as long as you provide a copy of your military orders.
How to check your local DPS office fees and hours
The base fees described above are set by Texas law, but some DPS offices add a service fee of up to $5 for in-person transactions. To find out whether your local office charges this fee and to confirm current hours, visit the Texas DPS website and search for your county or city. You can also call your local DPS office directly — the phone number is listed on the website.
If you're renewing online, you'll see the exact total cost before you complete the transaction. If you're renewing by mail, include a check or money order for $25 (or $41 for Real ID) made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Mail it to the address provided on the renewal form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license online if it expired more than two years ago?
No. Online and mail renewal are only open if your license expired within the last two years. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency.
Do I have to get a Real ID when I renew, or can I keep a standard license?
You can keep a standard license when you renew. Real ID is not required unless you plan to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings. If you want a standard license, you can renew by mail or online for $25. If you want Real ID, you must renew in person and bring proof of identity.
What if I lost my license and need a replacement before my renewal date?
A replacement license costs $11 and must be ordered in person at a DPS office. Bring your proof of Social Security number and proof of Texas residency. The replacement is typically ready in 15 to 45 minutes. You do not need to wait until your renewal date.
Does Texas charge extra for a license with a motorcycle endorsement?
Yes. A Class M motorcycle endorsement costs $20 in addition to your driver's license fee. If you're renewing a standard license in person ($40) and adding a motorcycle endorsement, the total is $60. You must renew in person to add or change an endorsement.
Can I renew my license by mail if I'm changing my address?
You can update your address for free online or by mail without renewing your license, as long as your license is not suspended. If you're renewing your license at the same time you change your address, you can do both by mail or online for $25 (or $41 for Real ID), provided you meet the other renewal conditions.