Texas driver's license fees by type and renewal

A Texas driver's license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. The eight-year option is available only if you are at least 85 years old or have a medical condition that prevents you from renewing in person — otherwise, you get four years. If you are between 18 and 84, the four-year license is your standard option.

Renewal costs the same as a new license: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. You pay this fee whether you renew online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. If you renew online or by mail, you do not pay any additional processing fee — the $16 or $32 is the total cost.

If you are under 18, a Texas learner permit costs $16 and is valid for two years. When you pass your driving test and convert that permit to a full license, you pay another $16 for a four-year license.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard four-year Texas driver's license costs $16, whether you are getting one for the first time or renewing an expired one.
  • An eight-year license costs $32 but is only available if you are 85 or older or have a medical condition that qualifies you.
  • A learner permit for drivers under 18 costs $16 and lasts two years before you must pass a driving test to get a full license.
  • Online and mail renewals cost the same as in-person renewals — there are no extra fees for choosing a faster or more convenient method.
  • You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at DPS offices; online and mail renewals accept credit and debit cards only.

How to pay when you renew online or by mail

If you renew online through the Texas DPS website, you enter your payment information during the process. The site accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You pay the $16 fee when ready, and your renewal is processed within one to two weeks.

Mail renewal works the same way: you read the renewal form from the DPS website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order for $16 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash through the mail. Processing takes two to four weeks after the DPS receives your envelope.

Both methods skip the trip to a DPS office, which is useful if your license is not yet expired or if you want to avoid waiting in line. However, you cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years.

Paying in person at a DPS office

When you visit a Texas DPS office to get a new license or renew an expired one, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Bring your payment method and the documents the DPS requires — usually a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

Wait times at DPS offices vary widely by location and time of day. Offices in large cities often have longer lines, especially on weekdays. You can check the wait time for your nearest office on the Texas DPS website before you go, and some offices let you reserve a time slot online to reduce your wait.

In-person renewal is the only option if your license has been expired for more than two years, if it has been suspended or revoked, or if you need to update your address or name on the license itself.

Additional costs you might encounter

The $16 or $32 fee covers the license itself, but you may have other costs depending on your situation. If you need a duplicate license because yours was lost or stolen, you pay $11 instead of $16. If you need to change your name or address on your license, the fee is still $16 for a new four-year license — there is no separate charge for the change.

If you fail your driving test as a new driver, you do not pay a fee to retake it. However, you may need to pay for a driving school course if your county requires it before you can test again — this varies by location and is not a state fee.

Commercial driver's license (CDL) fees are higher: a four-year CDL costs $99, and an eight-year CDL costs $198. These are separate from a regular driver's license and require additional testing and documentation.

What happens if you do not pay or miss a payment

If you explore for a license and do not complete payment, your process is not processed. If you pay by check and the check bounces, the DPS will contact you and ask you to resubmit payment. You will not face penalties for a bounced check as long as you pay again promptly.

If you do not renew your license before it expires, you cannot legally drive in Texas. Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic ticket and a fine of up to $200. Renewing before your expiration date avoids this problem entirely.

Discounts and fee waivers

Texas does not offer discounts on driver's license fees based on income or age (except for the different pricing for drivers 85 and older). However, some counties may waive fees for people experiencing homelessness or extreme financial hardship — contact your local DPS office to ask whether your county has such a program.

Military members on active duty can renew their license by mail without an expiration important date, which saves a trip but does not reduce the $16 fee. Veterans do not receive a discount on license fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my driver's license fee in installments?

No. Texas DPS requires full payment at the time you submit your process, whether online, by mail, or in person. You cannot split the $16 fee into multiple payments.

Do I have to pay if I renew before my license expires?

Yes. The fee is the same whether you renew early or wait until your license is about to expire. Renewing early gives you a new expiration date four years in the future, but you still pay $16.

What if I lost my receipt for my license fee?

You do not need a receipt to use your license once it arrives. If you need proof that you paid for a license for tax or other purposes, contact the Texas DPS and they can provide a payment record.

Is the $16 fee the same in every Texas county?

Yes. Driver's license fees are set by the state and are the same across all Texas counties. No county charges more or less than $16 for a four-year license.

Do I pay the fee again if my license is damaged and I need a replacement?

No. If your license is damaged but not lost or stolen, you can request a replacement at no cost. You only pay $11 if your license was lost or stolen and you need a duplicate.