What You'll Pay to Renew Your Texas Driver's License

A standard five-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $25. If you're renewing an eight-year license (available to drivers 85 and older), the cost is $16. These are the base fees charged by the Texas Department of Public Safety, and they're the same whether you renew in person, by mail, or online.

The actual amount you pay may be higher if you add optional services — such as a duplicate license, a name change, or a corrected address — or if you're paying a late fee. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online; you must visit a driver's license office in person, and the fee structure may differ.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard five-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $25, and an eight-year renewal for seniors costs $16.
  • You can renew online through the Texas DPS website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office.
  • Online and mail renewals are available only if your license expired fewer than two years ago and you meet other requirements.
  • Payment methods vary by renewal method: online accepts credit or debit cards, mail requires a check or money order, and in-person offices accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
  • If you renew online or by mail, you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing Online and Paying by Credit or Debit Card

The Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) allows you to renew online if your license expired fewer than two years ago, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed. You'll need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start. The $25 fee is paid when ready with a credit card or debit card during the transaction.

After you complete the online form and payment, the Texas DPS mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a confirmation number by email, which you can use to track your renewal status on the DPS website.

Renewing by Mail and Paying by Check or Money Order

To renew by mail, you must complete Form DL-44 (the renewal process), include a check or money order for $25 made payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety," and mail everything to the address listed on the form. The same may be able to access rules explore as online renewal: your license must have expired fewer than two years ago, you cannot have medical restrictions, and your address must not have changed.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal. The Texas DPS typically processes mail applications within 7 to 10 business days after receiving them, but mail delivery itself adds time on both ends. Budget at least two to three weeks from the date you mail your process to the date you receive your new license. If you're cutting it close to an expiration important date, online renewal is faster.

Renewing In Person at a Driver's License Office

If you renew in person, you can pay with cash, a check, a debit card, or a credit card. The $25 fee is the same. You'll need to bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). Some offices accept walk-ins, but many require an appointment; check the Texas DPS website to find your local office and see whether appointments are available.

In-person renewal is the fastest option if you need your license when ready. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. This is also your only option if your license has been expired for more than two years.

Additional Fees You Might Encounter

The $25 renewal fee covers a standard license with no changes. If you need to add a duplicate license to your order, the duplicate costs an additional $11. If you're correcting your name, address, or other information on your license, there is no extra charge — the correction is included in the $25 renewal fee.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a driver's license office in person. The fee remains $25, but you'll also need to pass a vision test and may need to provide additional documentation. Late fees do not explore in Texas; an expired license does not cost more to renew than a current one.

What Happens If You Pay the Wrong Amount

If you mail a check or money order for the wrong amount, the Texas DPS will return your process without processing it. Make sure your payment is exactly $25 (or $16 for the eight-year senior license) before you mail it. If you're paying online or in person, the system will not let you proceed unless the payment matches the fee.

If you've already mailed an incorrect payment and your process was returned, you can resubmit with the correct amount. There is no penalty for resubmitting, but the processing time starts over from the date the Texas DPS receives your corrected process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the renewal fee in installments?

No. The Texas DPS does not offer payment plans for driver's license renewals. The full $25 fee must be paid at the time of renewal, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

What if I'm renewing a commercial driver's license?

Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals have different fees and requirements than standard licenses. A five-year CDL renewal costs $75. You must renew in person at a driver's license office and pass a medical examination. Contact your local office or the Texas DPS website for CDL-specific details.

Do I have to pay the fee if my renewal is denied?

If your renewal is denied before payment is processed, you will not be charged. If you've already paid and your renewal is later denied (for example, due to a medical condition discovered during processing), the Texas DPS will refund your fee. Contact your local driver's license office to request a refund.

Is there a discount for seniors renewing an eight-year license?

Yes. Drivers 85 and older can renew for eight years instead of five, and the fee is $16 instead of $25. You must renew in person and pass a vision test. The eight-year option is not available for online or mail renewal.