The cost to renew your Texas driver's license online is $16 if you renew for one year, or $48 if you renew for five years

Texas charges a flat renewal fee regardless of whether you renew in person or online. The one-year renewal costs $16, and the five-year renewal costs $48. You pay this fee directly through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website when you complete your renewal transaction. No additional processing fees are added for online renewal.

The fee covers the cost of issuing your new license and mailing it to you. Texas does not charge a separate shipping fee. If you choose to add a Real ID endorsement to your license during renewal, there is no extra charge — the Real ID feature is included in the standard renewal fee.

Key Takeaways

  • A one-year online renewal costs $16, and a five-year renewal costs $48, paid directly to the Texas DPS through their website.
  • You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check during the online renewal process.
  • The renewal fee includes mailing your new license to you — there is no separate shipping cost.
  • If you renew online, you must have a valid email address and a Social Security number to complete the transaction.

Payment methods accepted during online renewal

When you renew online through the Texas DPS website, you can pay with a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The payment is processed when ready, and you receive a confirmation number on screen. Keep this confirmation number — you will need it to track your license or contact DPS about your renewal.

The website does not accept PayPal, money orders, or cash. If you do not have a credit card or debit card, you can pay by electronic check using your bank account number and routing number. This method takes the same amount of time to process as a card payment.

What happens after you pay

After your payment is processed, the Texas DPS mails your new license to the address on file. Standard mailing takes about 7 to 10 business days from the date your renewal is approved. You do not receive a temporary license or paper receipt in the mail — your old license remains valid until your new one arrives.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can print a temporary license from the Texas DPS website using your confirmation number. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be shown to law enforcement if you are stopped. Print it and carry it with your old license until the new one arrives.

Who cannot renew online and what to do instead

You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You also cannot renew online if you have certain medical conditions that require a vision test or if your license expired more than two years ago. If any of these situations explore to you, you must renew in person at a Texas DPS office.

To find a DPS office near you and check their hours, visit the Texas DPS website and use their office locator tool. In-person renewal at a DPS office costs the same as online renewal — $16 for one year or $48 for five years — but you will need to bring documents like your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

Renewing before your license expires versus after

Texas allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you renew early online, you still pay the same fee — $16 or $48 depending on the term you choose. Early renewal does not cost extra and does not change your expiration date; your new license will expire one or five years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew online as long as it expired less than two years ago. The fee remains the same. However, if your license expired more than two years ago, the Texas DPS requires you to renew in person and may require you to retake the written test and vision test.

Adding a Real ID endorsement during online renewal

A Real ID endorsement is a federal security feature that allows you to use your Texas driver's license for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you want to add a Real ID endorsement when you renew online, there is no additional fee — it is included in your $16 or $48 renewal cost.

To add Real ID during online renewal, you will need to upload documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency. The Texas DPS website walks you through which documents are acceptable. Common documents include a birth certificate, passport, utility bill, or lease agreement. If your documents do not meet the requirements, you will be notified during the online process and can choose to renew without Real ID or schedule an in-person appointment instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it is suspended?

No. If your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled, you cannot renew online. You must visit a Texas DPS office in person. The office staff can tell you why your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it before you can renew.

What if I pay the renewal fee but my renewal is denied?

If your renewal is denied after you pay, the Texas DPS will refund your fee. This can happen if you do not meet the requirements during the online review process. The refund is issued to the card or account you used to pay and typically appears within 5 to 7 business days.

Do I have to renew for five years, or can I choose one year?

You can choose either option. When you start your online renewal, the Texas DPS website lets you select whether you want to renew for one year or five years. The one-year option costs $16 and the five-year option costs $48. Choose whichever term works best for your situation.

Is the $16 or $48 the only cost, or are there hidden fees?

The $16 or $48 is the only cost. There are no hidden fees, processing fees, or shipping fees added to your renewal. The amount you see on the Texas DPS website is the total amount you will pay.