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 renewal period you choose. A four-year renewal is the standard option and costs $16. If you want your license to remain valid for eight years instead, you'll pay $32. Both prices are set by the Texas Department of Public Safety and do not vary by location within the state.
These are the only fees charged for a standard renewal by mail or online. If you renew in person at a driver's license office, the cost is the same — there is no additional office fee. However, if you need a replacement license (because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged), that costs $11 and is a separate transaction from renewal.
Key Takeaways
- A four-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $16; an eight-year renewal costs $32.
- You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a driver's license office for the same fee.
- If you need a replacement license instead of a renewal, the cost is $11.
- Payment methods accepted include credit card, debit card, and check (by mail), depending on your renewal method.
- Senior drivers age 85 and older can renew for free, though they must renew in person every two years.
How to pay when you renew online or by mail
Online renewal through the Texas Department of Public Safety website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You'll enter your card information during the renewal process, and the charge posts when ready. Keep your confirmation number for your records.
If you renew by mail, you can pay by check or money order. Make it payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety and include it with your renewal process. Mail processing takes longer than online renewal — typically two to three weeks after the department receives your materials — so factor in postal delivery time on both ends.
In-person renewal at a driver's license office
When you renew in person, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The office will process your payment when ready and you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. This is the fastest way to have proof of a valid license if yours has already expired.
Texas driver's license offices are run by the Department of Public Safety. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the DPS website. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can vary significantly by location and time of day.
When renewal costs less or nothing
Texas residents age 85 and older do not pay a renewal fee. However, they must renew in person every two years rather than every four or eight years. This is a state law designed to may support that older drivers have regular in-person contact with the licensing office.
If you are a member of the military on active duty, you may be able to renew your license without paying a fee under certain circumstances. Contact your local driver's license office or the Texas Department of Public Safety to confirm whether you meet the requirements.
What happens if you renew late
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must explore for a new license in person, which costs $32 for an eight-year license or $16 for a four-year license — the same as renewal. However, you will also need to pass a written test and vision test, which adds time to the process.
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still renew by mail or online at the standard renewal price. There is no late fee or penalty added to the renewal cost itself, though you should not drive with an expired license.
Additional costs you might encounter
If you need a duplicate license (a second copy of your current valid license), that costs $11 and is processed separately from renewal. You can request a duplicate by mail, online, or in person.
If you want to change your name, address, or other information on your license, that change is included in the renewal cost at no extra charge. However, if you need to add or remove a commercial driver's license (CDL) endorsement, there may be additional testing and fees depending on the endorsement type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my renewal fee over the phone?
No. You can pay online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website, by mail with a check or money order, or in person at a driver's license office. The state does not process payments by phone.
What if my credit card is declined when I renew online?
Your renewal will not be submitted. Try again with a different card, or choose to renew by mail with a check instead. If you have questions about why the card was declined, contact your bank before attempting renewal again.
Do I have to pay the full renewal fee if my license expires before I receive the new one?
Yes. The renewal fee is charged when you submit your process, not when you receive your new license. If you renew online or by mail, your new license will be mailed to you, and you should receive it within two to three weeks of processing.
Is there a fee to renew my license if I'm a Texas resident living out of state?
No. The renewal cost is the same whether you live in Texas or out of state. You can renew by mail or online from anywhere. You do not need to return to Texas in person unless your license has been expired for more than two years.