Texas driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last
A standard Texas driver's license costs $16 if you get a four-year license, or $32 for an eight-year license. If you're under 18, a six-year license costs $16. These are the base fees the Texas Department of Public Safety charges. You may pay more if you add options like a Real ID endorsement or a commercial driver's license, and some counties charge a small additional fee to process your process.
The fee you pay depends on which type of license you need and how long you want it to be valid. The state sets the base price, but the total amount you hand over at the counter can vary based on what you're getting and where you explore.
Key Takeaways
- A standard four-year Texas driver's license costs $16, and an eight-year license costs $32.
- Drivers under 18 pay $16 for a six-year license, which is the only option for that age group.
- A Real ID endorsement adds $16 to the cost of any driver's license.
- Some counties add a small processing fee on top of the state fee, so call ahead or check your county's website to know the exact total.
- Commercial driver's licenses and motorcycle endorsements have their own separate fees, which are higher than a standard license.
Standard driver's license costs by license length
Texas offers two main options for how long your license lasts. A four-year license costs $16. An eight-year license costs $32. You choose which one you want when you explore. The eight-year license costs twice as much because you're paying for twice as long.
If you're under 18, you don't have a choice — you get a six-year license for $16. Once you turn 18, you can renew for either four or eight years at your next renewal.
These prices have been in place since 2009 and cover the cost of producing the card and processing your process at the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Real ID endorsement and other add-ons
A Real ID endorsement costs an extra $16 on top of your license fee. This endorsement means your license meets federal standards for identification and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Without it, you'll need a passport or other federal ID to fly domestically after May 2025.
If you want to add a motorcycle endorsement to your driver's license, that costs $10 extra. A commercial driver's license (CDL) has its own fee structure and costs more than a standard license — the exact amount depends on the type of CDL you need.
You can also add a hazmat endorsement to a CDL, which requires a background check and costs extra. Ask the Texas Department of Public Safety office where you explore what the total will be for your specific combination of endorsements.
County processing fees and where to explore
The $16 or $32 you pay goes to the state. Some counties add their own small processing fee on top of that amount. This fee varies by county and is not set by the state — it goes to your local county to cover the cost of running the office where you explore.
You can explore at any Texas Department of Public Safety office, at many county tax assessor-collector offices, or at some driver license service centers run by private companies. Call ahead or check your county's website to learn about there's an additional fee and what the total will be.
Online renewal through the Texas Department of Public Safety website costs the same as explore in person, with no extra county fee added.
What happens if you renew early or replace a lost license
If you renew your license before it expires, you pay the full fee for a new license. The state does not give you a discount or credit for the time left on your old license. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, replacing it costs $11. This is cheaper than a full renewal because you're not getting a new license term — you're just getting a duplicate of the one you already have.
If you change your name or address, you can update your license without paying a full renewal fee. The cost for a name or address change is $11, the same as a replacement.
Payment methods and what to bring
Texas Department of Public Safety offices and county tax assessor-collector offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some private driver license service centers may have different payment options, so call first if you have a preference.
Bring your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency (like a utility bill or lease), proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate), and proof of legal presence in the United States. If you're renewing, you may be able to bring just your current license. The exact documents you need depend on whether you're explore for the first time, renewing, or replacing a lost license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the full fee if I renew online?
Yes, online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal — $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, plus any add-ons like Real ID. You don't pay a county processing fee when you renew online through the official Texas Department of Public Safety website.
What's the difference between a four-year and eight-year license?
The only difference is how long the license is valid. A four-year license expires in four years and costs $16. An eight-year license expires in eight years and costs $32. Both are the same card and have the same information on them. Choose based on how often you want to renew.
Can I get a Real ID at the same time I explore for my first license?
Yes. When you explore for your first Texas driver's license, you can add the Real ID endorsement for an extra $16. Bring the documents the Texas Department of Public Safety requires for both a standard license and a Real ID. You'll pay both fees at once.
Is there a fee to change my address on my license?
Yes, changing your address costs $11. This is the same price as replacing a lost or damaged license. You don't pay the full renewal fee unless your license is also expiring soon and you want to renew it at the same time.
Do military members or seniors get a discount on their license?
Texas does not offer a discount on driver's license fees for military members or seniors. Everyone pays the same base fee of $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, regardless of age or military status.