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 Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The in-person fee is lower because you skip the mailing and processing costs. If you're renewing after your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to take the written test and vision test again, which doesn't add a separate fee but does require an in-person visit.

These are the standard fees for a five-year license. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the cost is the same — there's no extra charge. The fee covers the license itself and the processing, but does not include any optional services like name changes or address corrections beyond what's included in a standard renewal.

Payment methods vary by how you renew. Online and mail renewals accept credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. In-person renewals at a DPS office accept cash, check, credit card, and debit card. Some offices may have additional payment options, so call ahead if you have a preference.

Key Takeaways

  • Online or mail renewal costs $25; in-person renewal at a DPS office costs $16.
  • Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses, with no additional fee.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests.
  • Payment methods depend on your renewal route — online accepts cards and e-checks, while in-person offices accept cash, check, and cards.
  • The fee covers processing and mailing (if applicable) but does not include optional services like legal name changes.

When you'll pay more than the standard renewal fee

If you need to change your name, address, or other information beyond a straightforward renewal, you may face additional costs. A name change requires a separate fee of $11 in addition to the renewal fee. Address changes within Texas are usually included in the renewal at no extra cost, but verify this when you start your renewal to avoid surprises.

If you're renewing a license that expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go in person. While the in-person fee is $16 (lower than the $25 online fee), you'll also need to bring documents proving your identity and residency, and you may need to retake the written test and vision test. There's no additional test fee, but the time investment is significant.

Duplicate licenses (if you lost your current one) cost $11 and are separate from renewal. Some people renew and order a duplicate at the same time, which means paying both fees.

How to pay when you renew online

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards, as well as electronic checks. You'll enter your payment information during the renewal process after you've confirmed your personal details and photo. The $25 fee is charged when ready, and you'll receive a confirmation number.

If you're paying by electronic check, you'll need your checking account number and routing number. The payment is processed the same day, so there's no delay. Keep your confirmation number — you'll need it if you have questions about your renewal or if your license doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe.

How to pay when you renew by mail

Mail renewal requires you to send a check or money order for $25 to the DPS address listed on the renewal form. Do not send cash through the mail. Write your driver's license number on the check or money order so the payment can be matched to your process.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically four to six weeks from the time DPS receives your process. The payment clears when your process is processed, not when it arrives. If you're concerned about timing, online renewal is faster and gives you when ready confirmation that payment was received.

How to pay when you renew in person

In-person renewal at a DPS office costs $16 and can be paid with cash, check, credit card, or debit card at the time of your visit. Bring your payment method with you — you cannot pay online or by mail if you're renewing in person. The payment is processed when ready, and you'll receive a receipt.

Some DPS offices have limited hours or are closed on certain days, so check the office locator on the Texas DPS website before you go. You'll also need to bring your current license, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity if your license is expired. Bring originals, not copies — DPS staff will verify them before processing your renewal.

What happens if you don't pay the renewal fee

If you submit a renewal process without payment, DPS will not process it. Your current license remains valid until its expiration date, but you won't receive a renewed license. If your license expires before you pay and resubmit, you'll be driving with an expired license, which is illegal in Texas.

If your check or money order bounces during mail renewal, DPS will contact you. You'll need to resubmit payment before your process can be processed. Online and in-person payments are processed when ready, so there's no risk of a payment failure after you've completed the transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay for my renewal with a debit card?

Yes. Online renewal accepts debit cards, and in-person renewal at a DPS office accepts debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order, so debit cards are not an option for that method.

Is there a fee if I renew early?

No. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, and the fee is the same $25 (online/mail) or $16 (in-person). Renewing early does not cost more, and it extends your license validity by five years from the renewal date.

Do I have to pay the full $25 if I renew online but my license is about to expire?

Yes. The renewal fee is the same regardless of when you renew — whether your license expires next month or next year. The fee does not change based on how much time remains on your current license.

What if I paid for renewal but never received my license?

Contact the Texas DPS with your confirmation number or process reference number. They can track your renewal and tell you whether it's still in process or if there was an issue. If your payment was received but your process was rejected for another reason, DPS will explain what's needed to resubmit.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind about renewing?

Refund policies depend on how you paid. Online and in-person payments may be refundable if you request a cancellation before processing is complete, but once your process is submitted and processed, the fee is non-refundable. Contact DPS directly to ask about your specific situation.