Texas driver license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last
Texas charges different amounts based on whether you are getting a standard driver license, a commercial driver license (CDL), or an ID card, and whether you choose a four-year or six-year term. A standard driver license costs $16 for four years or $24 for six years as of 2024. These are the fees the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) charges when you visit a driver license office in person or renew by mail.
The fee covers the cost of producing the physical card, processing your process, and maintaining the system that stores your driving record. Texas does not charge separate process fees or processing fees on top of the license fee itself. However, if you need a duplicate license, a name change, or a corrected license, you may pay an additional fee — usually $11 for a duplicate.
Commercial driver licenses cost more because they require additional testing and background checks. A four-year CDL costs $50, and a six-year CDL costs $75. If you hold both a standard license and a CDL, you pay only the CDL fee.
Key Takeaways
- A standard Texas driver license costs $16 for four years or $24 for six years, with no hidden processing or process fees added on top.
- Commercial driver licenses cost $50 for four years or $75 for six years and require additional testing beyond a standard license.
- Duplicate licenses, name changes, and corrected licenses each carry a separate $11 fee.
- You can pay the fee in person at any Texas DPS driver license office, by mail when renewing, or online through the DPS website for certain transactions.
- The fee amount has remained stable in recent years, though Texas law allows DPS to adjust fees with legislative approval.
How to pay your Texas driver license fee
When you visit a driver license office in person, you pay the fee at the counter using cash, debit card, or credit card. The office staff will process your payment and issue your receipt as part of your process. You do not need to pay in advance or send money before your appointment.
If you are renewing by mail, you include a check or money order with your process packet. The DPS mailing address and instructions appear on the renewal form you receive in the mail or can read from the DPS website. Do not send cash through the mail.
For certain online renewals through the DPS website, you can pay the fee directly with a debit or credit card. Not all renewal types are available online — the DPS website will tell you whether your situation qualifies for online renewal before you start the process.
When you pay the fee versus when you get your license
You pay the fee when you submit your process, whether in person or by mail. The DPS does not charge you first and then issue the license later. Payment and process happen together.
After you pay, the DPS processes your process, which usually takes one to two weeks if you applied in person. If you applied by mail, processing takes longer — typically three to four weeks from the date DPS receives your packet. During this time, you can check the status of your process on the DPS website using your driver license number or process number.
Once your license is approved, the DPS mails it to the address you provided on your process. You do not pick it up at the office unless you paid for expedited service, which costs extra and is available only at certain locations.
Additional fees you may encounter
A duplicate license costs $11 if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. You pay this fee in addition to any renewal fee if your license has also expired.
A corrected license — issued when your name, address, or other information on the card is wrong — also costs $11. This is separate from the original license fee.
A replacement license due to a name change (marriage, divorce, or legal change) costs $11 and requires proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
An ID card (for people who do not drive) costs $16 for six years and follows the same payment process as a driver license.
Expedited service, available at select DPS offices, costs an additional $25 to $30 and allows you to receive your license within a few business days instead of waiting for mail delivery. This option is not available at all locations, and you must ask about it when you explore.
What happens if you do not pay the fee
If you do not pay the fee, the DPS will not process your process or issue a license. Your process will remain incomplete until payment is received. If you applied in person and left without paying, you will need to return to the office and complete the transaction.
If you applied by mail and did not include payment, the DPS will return your process packet to you. You can then resubmit it with the correct payment method.
There is no grace period or payment plan for driver license fees. The full amount is due at the time of process.
Fee waivers and reduced-cost options
Texas does not offer fee waivers for driver licenses based on income or financial hardship. The fee applies to all applicants equally.
However, if you are renewing your license and it has not yet expired, you can renew up to one year before the expiration date. This does not reduce the fee, but it allows you to spread out the cost over time by renewing early rather than waiting until the last moment.
Some employers and organizations offer reimbursement for driver license fees as part of their benefits or information programs, but this is not a Texas DPS program — it depends on your employer or organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my driver license fee online before I go to the office?
No. You pay the fee when you submit your process, either in person at the office or by mail with your renewal packet. The DPS does not accept advance payments. If you are renewing online, you pay the fee as part of the online process.
What if I paid the wrong amount?
If you paid less than the required fee, the DPS will contact you to collect the difference before processing your process. If you paid more, the DPS will issue a refund by check, which takes several weeks. Contact the DPS to confirm the amount owed or to request a refund.
Does the fee change if I renew early?
No. The fee is the same whether you renew early or wait until your license expires. The four-year and six-year options cost the same amount regardless of when you renew.
Is there a fee to replace a license that was suspended or revoked?
You cannot get a replacement license while it is suspended or revoked. Once the suspension or revocation period ends, you must explore for a new license and pay the standard fee. The DPS will tell you when you are may be able to access to reapply.
Do I have to pay the full fee if I only need an address change?
An address change alone does not require a new license fee if your license is still valid. You can update your address online through the DPS website at no cost. If you need a physical card with the new address printed on it, you pay the $11 correction fee.