What you pay for a Texas driver's license
A Texas driver's license costs $16 for a four-year license if you are under 85 years old. If you are 85 or older, a Texas driver's license costs $13 for a four-year license. These are the fees the Texas Department of Public Safety charges when you get a new license or renew an existing one.
The fee covers the card itself, the background check, and the processing of your process. You pay this amount whether you are getting your first license, renewing after expiration, or replacing a lost or damaged card. Some transactions cost more — for example, a duplicate license (getting a second copy of your current license) costs $11.
If you need a Real ID-compliant license — which is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025 — the cost is the same. The Real ID designation does not add a fee; it is included in the standard license price.
Key Takeaways
- A standard four-year Texas driver's license costs $16 for most adults and $13 for drivers 85 and older.
- Duplicate licenses, replacement cards for lost or damaged licenses, and other transactions have different fees ranging from $11 to $16.
- Real ID-compliant licenses cost the same as standard licenses and do not carry an additional charge.
- You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at any Texas DPS office; online renewals may have different payment options.
- Fees may vary slightly if you are renewing by mail or online rather than in person, so check the Texas DPS website for your specific situation.
Renewal versus replacement: which fee applies
A renewal happens when your current license is still valid or has expired within a certain window. Renewals cost the same as a new license — $16 for most adults. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
A replacement is what you get if your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. A replacement also costs $16 (or $13 if you are 85 or older). You must explore in person at a DPS office; you cannot replace a lost or damaged license online or by mail.
A duplicate is a second copy of your current, valid license. This costs $11 and is useful if you want a backup card. Duplicates are also handled in person at a DPS office.
How to pay and what documents you need
At a Texas DPS office, you can pay with cash, check, or debit card. If you renew online through the Texas DPS website, you will pay by credit or debit card. Mail renewals require a check or money order.
Bring your current license (or proof of identity if you do not have one) and proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 90 days. If you are renewing online, you will upload images of these documents. The DPS website lists the full set of acceptable documents for your situation.
Processing times vary by method. In-person applications are often completed the same day. Mail renewals typically take two to three weeks. Online renewals are processed within five to seven business days, and you will receive your new card by mail.
When your license expires and renewal windows
A Texas driver's license is valid for four years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, which gives you flexibility in timing.
If your license has expired, you can still renew it online or by mail as long as it expired within the last two years. If it expired more than two years ago, you must explore in person at a DPS office and may need to retake the written test and vision test.
The Texas DPS sends renewal reminders by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you should not rely on receiving this notice. Check your license now to see your expiration date, and plan ahead if you need to renew soon.
Special cases: commercial licenses and other types
A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more than a standard license. A four-year CDL costs $97 for most adults. CDLs require additional testing and medical certification, which is why the fee is higher.
A motorcycle endorsement added to your driver's license costs $10 and requires a separate skills test. If you already have a license and want to add a motorcycle endorsement, you pay the $10 endorsement fee plus the standard renewal fee if your license is also expiring.
An ID card (not a driver's license) costs $16 for a four-year card and is available to people who do not drive. The cost and renewal process are the same as for a driver's license.
Online renewal and mail renewal options
Texas allows online renewal if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you are under 85 years old, and you do not need to change your address or name. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $16. You will need your current license number and a credit or debit card.
Mail renewal is available under the same conditions as online renewal. You fill out an process form, include a check or money order for $16, and mail everything to the address on the form. The Texas DPS website has the current mailing address and the process form (Form DL-44).
Both online and mail renewals are cheaper and faster than in-person renewal in terms of your time, but they take longer to process. Choose online renewal if you want the fastest turnaround; choose mail renewal if you prefer not to use a credit card online.
Where to find current fee information
The Texas Department of Public Safety website (dps.texas.gov) lists all current fees and is updated when fees change. The site also has a fee calculator tool where you can enter your situation and see exactly what you will pay.
DPS offices across Texas charge the same fees, so location does not matter. However, some offices are busier than others, so wait times vary. The DPS website shows wait times at different offices in your area, which can help you choose when and where to go.
If you have questions about your specific situation — for example, if you are renewing after a name change or address change — call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 or visit a local office. Staff can tell you exactly what you need to bring and what you will pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if it expired more than two years ago?
No, not online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person. You will pay the standard $16 renewal fee, but you may also need to retake the written test and vision test. Bring your expired license and proof of residency.
Do I have to pay extra for a Real ID license?
No. A Real ID-compliant license costs the same as a standard license — $16 for most adults. Real ID is included automatically when you renew or get a new license, as long as you bring the required documents (proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency).
What if I lose my license before it expires?
You pay $16 for a replacement card and must explore in person at a DPS office. Bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and proof of residency. You will receive your new license the same day or within a few days, depending on the office.
Can I pay my Texas license fee online before I go to the office?
No, you cannot prepay the fee. You pay at the DPS office when you submit your process, or you pay by mail or online if you are renewing by those methods. The DPS does not accept advance payments.
Is there a fee to change my address on my Texas license?
No, changing your address is free if you do it when you renew your license. If you want to change your address without renewing, you can update it online through the DPS website at no cost. You do not need to pay a fee for an address change alone.