Texas driver's license fees by type and renewal method

A Texas driver's license costs between $16 and $75 depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost card. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) sets these fees, and they do not vary by county or region within Texas.

A standard five-year driver's license costs $16 if you renew by mail or online, or $25 if you renew in person at a DPS office. An eight-year license (available only to drivers 85 and older) costs $16 online or by mail, or $25 in person. A first-time license or a replacement for a lost or damaged card costs $25 in person; you cannot get a first license by mail or online.

If you need a Real ID-compliant license — required for federal buildings and domestic flights — the cost is the same as a standard license, but you must bring additional documents to verify your identity and Texas residency. The Real ID itself does not add a fee; it is straightforward a security standard that DPS applies to your license.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard Texas driver's license renewal costs $16 online or by mail, or $25 if you go to a DPS office in person.
  • First-time licenses and replacements for lost cards cost $25 and must be done in person at a DPS office.
  • Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses but require you to bring proof of identity and Texas residency.
  • DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at office locations; online and mail renewals accept credit and debit cards only.

How to renew your license online or by mail to save money

Renewing online or by mail costs $16 instead of $25, but you can only use these methods if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes since your last renewal. You also cannot renew online or by mail if you need to update your photo, change your name, or correct information on your license.

To renew online, go to the DPS website and use the online renewal system. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

To renew by mail, read the DL-44 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. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — because DPS must receive and process your form before printing and mailing your new license.

Getting a first license or replacement in person

If you are getting your first Texas driver's license or replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card, you must visit a DPS office in person and pay $25. You cannot do this by mail or online under any circumstances.

For a first license, bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and two documents showing your current Texas address (such as a utility bill or lease). You will also take a written test, vision test, and photo at the office.

For a replacement, bring your current license or ID card if you still have it, or a birth certificate or passport if you do not. If your license was stolen, you may need to file a police report. Bring proof of your current address as well. The replacement process is faster than a first license — usually 20 to 30 minutes — because you do not take tests.

Real ID requirements and what documents you need

A Real ID license meets federal standards for entering federal buildings, military bases, and domestic flights. It costs the same as a standard license ($16 online or by mail, $25 in person), but you must bring specific documents to prove your identity and Texas residency.

For identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or certificate of naturalization. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. For Texas residency, bring two documents from this list: utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank statement, or government check.

You cannot get a Real ID by mail or online. You must go to a DPS office in person, even if you are renewing an existing Real ID license. DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have extended hours on certain days. Check the DPS website to find the office nearest you and see its hours before you go.

Payment methods and where to pay

At a DPS office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you renew online, you must use a credit or debit card. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order — DPS does not accept credit cards by mail.

The fee is the same regardless of payment method. DPS does not charge a processing fee or convenience fee for any payment type. If you pay by check and the check bounces, DPS will contact you to collect the fee plus a returned-check fee set by your bank.

Timeline for receiving your new license

If you renew in person at a DPS office, you can get a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days with no temporary license issued. If you renew by mail, expect two to three weeks total because DPS must receive and process your form first.

If you need your license sooner than the standard timeline, DPS does not offer expedited processing or rush shipping. Your only option is to renew in person at an office, which gives you a temporary license when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my license fee over the phone?

No. DPS does not take payments by phone. You can pay in person at a DPS office, online through the renewal system, or by check or money order if you renew by mail. There is no phone payment option.

What if I cannot afford the $25 fee right now?

DPS does not offer payment plans or fee waivers for driver's licenses. The fee is set by state law and applies to everyone. If you are renewing, the online or mail option costs $16 instead of $25 and may be more affordable if your license is not expired and you do not need to update your photo or address.

Do I have to pay the fee even if I fail the written or vision test?

Yes. You pay the $25 fee when you explore in person, before you take any tests. If you fail a test, you can retake it at a later visit, but you do not get a refund of the original fee. You will need to pay another $25 fee for the retake appointment.

Is the Real ID fee different from a regular license fee?

No. A Real ID license costs exactly the same as a standard license: $16 online or by mail, or $25 in person. The difference is in the documents you must bring and the fact that you cannot get a Real ID by mail or online — you must go to an office in person.

What if my license expired more than two years ago?

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must explore for a new license in person at a DPS office, pay $25, and take the written and vision tests again. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of Texas residency.