Texas driver's license renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license
The Texas Department of Public Safety charges a flat fee based on how long you want your renewed license to remain valid. A four-year renewal costs $16. An eight-year renewal costs $32. These are the only two options available to most drivers renewing in Texas — you cannot choose a shorter or longer period.
The fee covers the cost of producing the physical card and processing your renewal process through the state system. It does not include any additional services, such as address changes or name corrections, which may carry separate charges depending on what you need.
If you renew by mail or online, you pay only the renewal fee itself. If you renew in person at a driver's license office, the fee remains the same — there is no additional charge for the in-person transaction.
Key Takeaways
- A four-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $16; an eight-year renewal costs $32.
- The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
- If you need to change your name or address during renewal, you may owe additional fees beyond the base renewal cost.
- Payment methods accepted vary by renewal channel — online renewals accept credit and debit cards, while mail renewals require check or money order.
When you can renew and what triggers the fee
You can renew your Texas driver's license up to one year before it expires. The renewal fee applies whether you renew early or wait until your license is about to expire. Texas does not offer a grace period — once your license expires, you cannot legally drive, and you will need to renew before you can operate a vehicle again.
Your license expiration date appears on the front of your card. If you were born on an even-numbered year, your license expires on your birthday in an even-numbered year. If you were born on an odd-numbered year, your license expires on your birthday in an odd-numbered year. This staggered system spreads renewals throughout the year and reduces wait times at driver's license offices.
The $16 or $32 fee is charged only once per renewal transaction. If you renew online and then decide to renew again in person before your new license arrives, you will owe the fee a second time.
Renewal methods and whether the cost changes
Texas offers three ways to renew: online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office. The renewal fee is identical across all three methods — $16 for four years or $32 for eight years.
Online renewal is the fastest and most common route. You log into your account on the Texas DPS website, verify your information, choose your license term, and pay by credit or debit card. The fee is charged when ready, and your new license ships within one to two weeks.
Mail renewal requires you to complete an process form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail both to the address listed on the form. Processing takes longer — typically three to four weeks — because the state must receive your payment and process, process them, and then mail your new license to you.
In-person renewal at a driver's license office involves the same $16 or $32 fee. You bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment (cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on the office). You receive your new license on the spot or within a few days, depending on whether the office produces licenses on-site.
Additional charges that may explore during renewal
The base renewal fee covers only the license itself. If you need to make changes to your record during renewal, additional fees may explore.
A name change costs $11 and requires a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. An address change is free if you update it during the online or mail renewal process, but if you change your address at a driver's license office, some locations charge a small fee for processing — typically $0 to $5, depending on the office.
If your current license was issued with a Real ID designation (indicated by a gold star in the upper right corner), your renewed license will also carry Real ID status at no extra charge. If your current license does not have Real ID and you want to add it during renewal, you will need to bring additional documents (passport, birth certificate, and proof of residency) and pay an additional $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license — essentially paying for a new Real ID license rather than a straightforward renewal.
Replacement of a lost or stolen license costs $11 and is separate from renewal. If your license is lost or stolen before it expires, you cannot straightforward renew it; you must first report it lost and pay the replacement fee.
How payment works across different renewal channels
Online renewal accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You enter your card information on the find DPS website, and the charge posts when ready. You receive a confirmation number and email receipt.
Mail renewal requires a check or money order made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash through the mail. Write your driver's license number on the check or money order so the state can match your payment to your process. If your check bounces, the DPS will contact you, and you will owe the renewal fee plus any bank fees.
In-person renewal at a driver's license office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Not all offices accept all payment methods, so call ahead if you plan to pay by card. Some offices in rural areas accept cash and check only.
Refunds and what happens if you pay twice
The Texas DPS does not refund renewal fees once payment is processed. If you pay the renewal fee online and then change your mind before submitting your process, you can cancel the transaction and request a refund through your credit card company, but you must do this before the process is submitted to the state system.
If you accidentally renew twice — for example, by renewing online and then renewing again in person before your new license arrives — you will be charged twice. The state will issue two licenses, and you will need to contact the DPS to request a refund for the duplicate renewal. This process can take several weeks, and the DPS may require proof that you paid twice (such as two confirmation numbers or two charge statements).
If you renew and then your license is lost or stolen before it arrives, you do not get a refund on the renewal fee. You will need to pay the $11 replacement fee to report it lost and receive a new card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if it has already expired?
Yes. You can renew an expired license at any time by visiting a driver's license office in person, by mail, or online if your license expired within the last two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license rather than renew, which costs more and requires additional documents.
Do I have to choose the eight-year renewal, or can I renew for four years?
You can choose either option. The four-year renewal costs $16 and the eight-year renewal costs $32. Some people choose the four-year option to keep their license photo current or to avoid a large upfront cost. There is no penalty for choosing the shorter term.
What if I renew online but my payment fails?
The DPS website will notify you when ready if your payment is declined. You can try again with the same card or a different card. Your process is not submitted until payment clears, so you will not be charged multiple times if you retry.
Does the renewal fee change based on my age or driving record?
No. The renewal fee is $16 or $32 for all drivers, regardless of age, driving history, or how long you have held a license. The only exception is commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals, which cost more and are handled separately.
Can I get a refund if I renew and then move out of Texas?
No. Once your renewal fee is processed, it is not refunded. Your Texas license remains valid in other states and can be used for identification and driving. If you move to another state and want a license there, you will need to obtain one from that state's DMV.