What you'll pay to renew your Texas driver's license

A standard Texas driver's license renewal costs $25 if you renew by mail or online, or $16 if you renew in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The in-person fee is lower because you skip the mailing and processing costs. If you need your license faster than standard processing, you can pay an additional $25 expedited fee when you renew online or by mail.

These fees cover a five-year renewal period for most drivers. If you're over 85 years old, your renewal is valid for two years instead, and the cost is the same. The fee you pay depends entirely on which method you choose — there's no hidden charge added later, and DPS won't bill you separately.

A few situations cost more. If you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license during renewal, there's no extra charge. But if you're renewing after your license has been expired for more than two years, DPS treats it as a new license process rather than a renewal, and the fee jumps to $45 for online or mail, or $27 in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard renewal costs $25 online or by mail, and $16 in person at a DPS office.
  • Expedited processing adds $25 to your renewal fee and is only available online or by mail.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you'll pay the new license fee ($45 online/mail, $27 in person) instead of the renewal fee.
  • Drivers over 85 pay the same renewal fee but receive a license valid for two years instead of five.

Online renewal costs

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website costs $25 for standard processing. You'll pay this fee at checkout when you complete your renewal process. The site accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances.

If you choose expedited processing during online renewal, add $25 to your total, bringing the cost to $50. Expedited licenses arrive in 3 to 5 business days. You pay both fees together at the same checkout screen — there's no separate transaction.

In-person renewal costs

Walking into a DPS office to renew costs $16 and is the cheapest option available. You pay this fee when you check in or at the counter, depending on the office. Most DPS offices accept cash, check, credit card, and debit card, though a few locations may have different payment methods — call ahead if you want to confirm.

In-person renewal is also the fastest: you typically receive your new license the same day or within a few days. You don't have the 7 to 10 day mail wait. However, you need to make an appointment at most DPS offices, and appointment availability varies by location and time of year. During busy periods, you may wait weeks for an opening.

Mail renewal costs

Renewing by mail costs $25, the same as online renewal. You send your process and fee to the DPS address listed on the renewal form. You can pay by check or money order — cash is not recommended through the mail. Your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days after DPS receives and processes your process.

Mail processing takes longer than online because DPS has to receive your envelope, open it, verify your documents, and process the payment. If you mail your renewal and don't hear back within two weeks, contact DPS to confirm they received it. Expedited processing is not available for mail renewals.

When you'll pay more than the standard fee

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license. New license applications cost $45 online or by mail, or $27 in person. You'll also need to provide more documents, including proof of identity and proof of residency, which you don't need for a standard renewal.

If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), there is no additional fee during renewal. Your new license will be Real ID-compliant automatically if you meet the requirements and provide the necessary documents. However, if you're explore for a new license rather than renewing, you must bring original or certified documents to prove your identity and Texas residency.

Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals have different fees. A CDL renewal costs $60 in person or online, and expedited processing adds another $25. These fees are higher because CDL renewals require a medical examination and additional processing.

Payment methods and what happens after you pay

Online and mail renewals accept credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks. In-person renewals accept cash, check, credit card, and debit card at most locations. DPS does not accept PayPal, cryptocurrency, or other digital payment methods. When you pay online, your transaction processes when ready and you receive a confirmation number.

After you pay, you cannot get a refund if you change your mind or make a mistake on your process. If your renewal is denied for any reason — such as a medical condition or unpaid traffic tickets — DPS will contact you, but the fee is not returned. If you need to cancel before your process is processed, contact DPS directly as soon as possible to ask about your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the full fee if I renew early?

Yes. Texas charges the same renewal fee whether you renew 30 days before expiration or on the day it expires. There's no discount for renewing early, but renewing early gives you more time to receive your new license by mail before your current one expires.

What if I'm a military member stationed outside Texas?

Military members can renew online or by mail from anywhere. The fee remains $25 online or by mail. You cannot renew in person at a DPS office outside Texas, but you can use any DPS office in Texas if you're on leave or stationed at a Texas base.

Is there a fee to replace a lost or stolen license?

Yes. A replacement license (not a renewal) costs $11 in person or $20 online or by mail. This is different from renewal and is used when your license is lost, stolen, or damaged before expiration. You can order a replacement online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.

Can I get a refund if my renewal process is rejected?

No. DPS does not refund renewal fees if your process is denied. If your renewal is rejected, you'll need to resolve the issue (such as paying outstanding tickets or providing missing documents) and reapply, which means paying the fee again.

Do senior drivers pay a different renewal fee?

Drivers over 85 pay the same renewal fee as everyone else ($25 online/mail, $16 in person), but their license is valid for two years instead of five. Drivers aged 70 to 84 pay the standard fee and receive a five-year license like other adults.