Texas driver's license renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license
The fee you pay depends on which license type you choose. A standard four-year renewal costs $16. If you want an eight-year license instead, you'll pay $32. Texas also offers a Real ID-compliant license, which costs the same as the standard license but requires additional documents at renewal.
These are the only fees charged by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for a standard renewal by mail or in person. If you renew online through the DPS website, the cost is identical — there's no discount for choosing that method. Some counties may charge a small county fee on top of the state fee, typically between $1 and $5, but this varies by location.
If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the cost is higher: $100 for a four-year renewal or $200 for an eight-year renewal. Hazmat endorsements add $97.50 to any CDL renewal.
Key Takeaways
- A standard four-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $16; an eight-year renewal costs $32.
- Real ID-compliant licenses cost the same as standard licenses but require a passport, birth certificate, or other federal documents.
- Online renewal through the DPS website costs the same as renewing by mail or in person.
- Some counties add a small fee ($1 to $5) on top of the state fee, depending on where you live.
- Commercial driver's license renewals cost $100 for four years or $200 for eight years, plus $97.50 if you need a Hazmat endorsement.
When you can renew online and save time
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available if your license is not expired and you meet a few basic requirements. You must have a valid Social Security number on file, a current mailing address in Texas, and no medical or vision restrictions that require a new photo. The online process takes about 10 minutes and you pay the same $16 or $32 fee by credit card or debit card.
Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives, so there's no gap in your ability to drive. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access, because you avoid a trip to a DPS office and the wait times that come with it.
Renewing by mail or at a DPS office
If you can't renew online, you can renew by mail or visit a DPS office in person. By mail, you'll send your current license, a completed process form (DL-44), and payment to the DPS. Processing takes 15 to 20 business days, and your new license arrives by mail. The fee is still $16 or $32 — there's no extra charge for the mail option.
At a DPS office, you'll bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease works), and payment. You'll have your photo taken and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day; early mornings and weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded than late afternoons or Saturdays.
Real ID compliance and what it costs
A Real ID-compliant license costs the same as a standard license ($16 for four years or $32 for eight years), but it requires additional documents. At renewal, you'll need to bring your Social Security card, a birth certificate or passport, and proof of your current Texas address. If you're renewing in person, bring the originals; if you're renewing by mail, send certified copies.
Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025. If you don't have a Real ID and plan to fly domestically, you'll need either a Real ID license, a passport, or a military ID. Many Texans renew to a Real ID at the same time they renew their license, since the cost is identical and the documents are often easier to gather during a renewal anyway.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a DPS office in person and take the written test and driving test again. This is treated as a new license process rather than a renewal, and the cost is higher: $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. You'll also need to bring proof of residency, your Social Security card, and a birth certificate or passport.
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the standard renewal fee. The DPS considers this a renewal rather than a new process, even though your license is technically expired.
County fees and payment methods
Most Texas counties charge a small county fee when you renew your license, typically $1 to $5. This fee goes to the county, not to the state, and the amount varies by county. When you renew online, by mail, or in person, the county fee (if your county charges one) will be added to your total bill. Ask the DPS office or check your county's website to find out what your county charges.
Payment methods depend on how you renew. Online, you can pay by credit card or debit card. By mail, you can pay by check or money order made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety. In person at a DPS office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some offices may have restrictions on which payment methods they accept, so call ahead if you're unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early doesn't cost extra — you still pay $16 or $32 depending on the license length you choose. Early renewal is useful if you're about to travel or want to avoid a last-minute rush.
Do I have to pay the renewal fee if I'm renewing for a Real ID?
No, the fee is the same whether you renew to a standard license or a Real ID. Both cost $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. The only difference is the documents you need to bring and the gold star on the Real ID.
What if I renew online but my license arrives damaged?
Contact the Texas DPS and request a replacement. Replacement licenses cost $11 for a four-year license or $22 for an eight-year license. You can request a replacement by mail or in person at a DPS office.
Is there a discount if I renew multiple licenses at once?
No. Each license renewal is charged separately at the standard rate. If you're renewing two licenses in your household, you'll pay $16 or $32 for each one, depending on the license length.
What if I move to Texas and need to transfer my out-of-state license?
A transfer is not a renewal — it's a new license process. You'll pay $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license, and you must visit a DPS office in person to take the written and driving tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, your Social Security card, and a birth certificate or passport.