Texas driver's license renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license
The price you pay depends on which renewal period you choose. A four-year license costs $16. An eight-year license costs $32. You cannot renew for a shorter period — Texas offers only these two options. You pay this fee when you submit your renewal, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
The fee covers the license itself and the processing of your renewal. There are no additional hidden charges added by the state, though some DPS offices may charge a small service fee if you pay by credit card or debit card in person — typically $1 to $3. Online and mail renewals do not add extra fees beyond the base renewal cost.
Key Takeaways
- A four-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $16, and an eight-year renewal costs $32.
- You choose the renewal period when you submit your process — you cannot renew for a shorter timeframe.
- Payment methods vary by renewal route: online renewals accept credit and debit cards, mail renewals require a check or money order, and in-person renewals accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
- If you renew in person and pay by card, some DPS offices charge a $1 to $3 processing fee that is not part of the state fee.
How the renewal fee breaks down by method
The $16 or $32 fee is the only charge from the state of Texas. How you pay that fee depends on which renewal method you use. If you renew online through the Texas DPS website, you pay by credit or debit card and the fee is charged when ready. If you renew by mail, you send a check or money order for the exact amount along with your process. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you can pay cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
When you pay in person with a card, some DPS offices add a separate processing fee — usually $1 to $3 — because they use a third-party payment processor. This fee is not part of the state renewal cost and varies by location. Call your local DPS office before you go if you want to know whether they charge this fee and how much it is. Online and mail renewals do not include any processing fees beyond the base renewal cost.
What happens if you renew online versus by mail or in person
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest and most straightforward way to pay. You enter your information, choose your renewal period (four or eight years), and pay the fee by card. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You need an existing Texas driver's license and a valid email address to renew online.
Mail renewal takes longer but works the same way: you send in the process form, a check or money order for $16 or $32, and supporting documents. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time DPS receives your process. In-person renewal at a DPS office is when ready — you pay, take a new photo, and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
When you might pay more than the base renewal fee
The $16 or $32 renewal fee is all you owe to the state. However, you may face additional costs depending on your situation. If you need a duplicate license (because yours was lost or stolen), you pay $11 in addition to the renewal fee. If you are renewing and changing your name at the same time, there is no extra charge, but you must provide a certified copy of the document that shows the name change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
If you renew in person and the DPS office charges a card processing fee, that is added to your total. Some offices also charge a small fee if you request a paper copy of your driving record at the same time you renew, though this is separate from the renewal fee itself. Ask the DPS office what documents you need to bring and whether any additional fees explore to your specific situation before you go.
Payment methods accepted for each renewal route
| Renewal Method | Payment Methods | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online (DPS website) | Credit card, debit card | 7–10 business days |
| By mail | Check, money order | 4–6 weeks |
| In person at DPS office | Cash, check, debit card, credit card | when ready (temporary license on-site) |
How to find your local DPS office and confirm the fee
To renew in person, find your nearest DPS office on the Texas Department of Public Safety website. Enter your zip code or city name in the office locator tool. The website lists hours, address, and phone number for each location. Call ahead if you want to confirm the exact fee, whether they charge a card processing fee, and how long the wait typically is on the day you plan to visit.
If you prefer to renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and look for the online renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid email address. The system will tell you whether you are may be able to access to renew online — some people must renew in person if their license has been suspended, revoked, or if they have certain medical conditions. If you are not may be able to access online, the system will direct you to mail or in-person renewal instead.
What to expect after you pay the renewal fee
Once you pay the $16 or $32 fee, your renewal is submitted to the Texas DPS system. If you renewed online or in person, you will receive a confirmation number or receipt. Keep this for your records. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days for online and in-person renewals, or 4 to 6 weeks for mail renewals.
If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 45 days. This temporary license allows you to drive while you wait for your plastic card. If you renewed online or by mail, you do not receive a temporary license — you can continue using your current license until the new one arrives. If your renewal is delayed beyond the expected timeframe, contact the DPS office where you renewed to check the status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay the renewal fee with a check if I renew in person?
Yes. In-person renewals accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you pay by check, bring a valid form of identification and write the check to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Some offices may ask you to write the check amount on the process form as well.
Is there a discount if I renew for four years instead of eight?
No. The four-year license costs $16 and the eight-year license costs $32 — the price per year is the same. Choose based on how long you want the license to be valid, not on cost. The eight-year option means you renew less often.
What if I cannot pay the renewal fee right now?
You must pay the fee to complete your renewal. Texas DPS does not offer payment plans or fee waivers for standard driver's license renewals. If you are experiencing financial hardship, contact your local DPS office to ask whether any information programs are available in your area, though this is not common.
Do I have to pay the renewal fee again if my process is rejected?
If your process is rejected because of missing documents or incorrect information, you will need to resubmit and pay the fee again. To avoid this, double-check that all documents are included and information is correct before you submit. If you renew online, the system will flag missing information before you pay.
What if the DPS office charged me a processing fee I did not expect?
Processing fees charged by individual DPS offices are separate from the state renewal fee and vary by location. If you believe you were overcharged, ask for an itemized receipt showing the state fee and the processing fee separately. If the fee seems incorrect, contact the DPS office manager or the Texas DPS customer service line to report it.