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

A standard five-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $25. If you renew by mail or online, you pay the same $25 fee. A ten-year license — available only to people 85 and older — costs $25 as well. These are the base fees set by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). No additional state fees explore to a straightforward renewal.

The total you actually pay depends on how you renew. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you pay $25 and nothing more. If you renew online through the DPS website, you pay $25 plus a convenience fee charged by the payment processor — typically between $1 and $3, though the exact amount varies. If you renew by mail, you send a check or money order for $25 to the DPS address listed on the renewal form.

Some people pay more because they need a replacement document or have other changes. If you need a new photo because your appearance has changed significantly, or if you're changing your name or address, you may be required to renew in person at a DPS office instead of online or by mail. In-person renewal still costs $25, but it takes longer than online renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard five-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $25, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
  • Online renewal adds a convenience fee of $1 to $3 charged by the payment processor, so your total is $26 to $28.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send a check or money order for $25 to the DPS address on your renewal notice.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office costs $25 and is required if you need a new photo or are making certain changes to your license information.

Online renewal and the convenience fee

When you renew online through the official DPS website, the state charges $25, but the payment processor adds a separate convenience fee. This fee is not set by Texas — it comes from the company that handles the credit card transaction. The convenience fee typically ranges from $1 to $3, though you see the exact amount before you complete payment.

You can avoid the convenience fee by renewing by mail instead. Mail renewal takes longer — usually 7 to 10 business days for processing, plus mail delivery time — but costs exactly $25 with no additional charges. You send a check or money order to the address listed on your renewal notice.

In-person renewal at a DPS office

Renewing in person at a DPS office costs $25 and is the fastest option if you need a new photo or are making changes to your license. You bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.

In-person renewal takes about 30 to 45 minutes from arrival to receiving your temporary paper license. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to renew urgently — for example, because your license expires soon — in-person renewal is faster than waiting for mail processing.

Mail renewal and payment by check

To renew by mail, you receive a renewal notice from the DPS about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form to complete and instructions for payment. You send a check or money order for $25 along with the completed form to the address listed on the notice.

Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days for the DPS to process your renewal, plus time for mail to reach them and for your new license to reach you. Total time is usually 2 to 3 weeks. You receive a temporary paper license by mail that you can use while waiting for your permanent license. This method costs exactly $25 with no hidden fees.

When you pay more than $25

You pay more than the standard $25 renewal fee if you need a duplicate license, a corrected license, or a license with a different class or endorsement. A duplicate license costs $11. A corrected license (to fix an error on your current license) costs $11. Upgrading to a commercial driver's license or adding an endorsement involves separate fees that vary by type.

If your renewal notice says you must renew in person because of a name change, address change, or other update, you still pay only $25 at the DPS office. The in-person requirement does not add to the cost — it just means you cannot use the online or mail option.

Payment methods accepted

At a DPS office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order — you cannot pay by card when renewing by mail.

If you pay by check or money order by mail, make it payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Do not send cash by mail. If you pay online, the payment processor may charge a small fee for using a credit card, but debit cards sometimes have lower or no convenience fees — check before you submit payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the convenience fee if I renew online?

Yes, the convenience fee is charged by the payment processor when you pay online. You see the exact amount before completing payment. If you want to avoid it, renew by mail instead, though that takes 2 to 3 weeks total.

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, you can renew an expired license by mail or online. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office and may need to pass a vision test. The renewal cost is still $25.

What if I lose my renewal notice?

You can still renew online or by mail without the notice. For online renewal, go to the DPS website and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. For mail renewal, contact the DPS to request a renewal form, or visit a DPS office in person.

Does the $25 fee include a new photo?

No. If you renew by mail or online, your new license uses your current photo from your existing license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office. The cost is still $25, but you sit for a new photo during your visit.

Can I pay with a debit card online?

Yes, debit cards are accepted for online renewal. The convenience fee may be lower for debit cards than for credit cards, depending on the payment processor. Check the fee amount before you complete the transaction.