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 license costs $16. If you want an eight-year license instead, you pay $32. Texas does not charge different amounts based on age, driving record, or how long you've held your current license — the cost is the same for everyone renewing the same type of license.
You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The renewal fee is the same regardless of which method you use. Some offices may charge a small additional fee if you need a replacement card printed on the spot, but the base renewal cost stays at $16 or $32.
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.
- You cannot pay the renewal fee until you've submitted your process through the DPS website or at an office.
- If you renew online or by mail, you'll receive your new license by mail within one to two weeks after approval.
- Paying by credit card, debit card, or electronic check is available for online and in-person renewals; mail renewals require a check or money order.
When you can renew and what that means for cost
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not change the cost — you still pay $16 or $32 depending on which license length you choose. However, renewing early means your new license will expire later, so you're paying for a longer period of validity.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it through the standard process. Texas does not charge a penalty fee for renewing an expired license — the cost remains $16 or $32. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renewing as soon as possible is important.
How to pay when you renew online
If you renew through the Texas DPS website, you'll enter your payment information as part of the process. The site accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit and debit cards. You can also pay by electronic check if you have a U.S. bank account and routing number.
After you submit your payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within one to two weeks. You won't need to pay anything else when it arrives.
How to pay when you renew by mail
To renew by mail, you'll send a check or money order to the Texas DPS address listed on the renewal form. Write your driver's license number on the check or money order so the payment can be matched to your process. Do not send cash through the mail.
Mail renewals take longer than online renewals — typically three to four weeks total from the time the DPS receives your envelope. Include your renewal form, any required documents, and your payment in the same envelope. If your payment doesn't arrive with your form, the DPS will contact you.
How to pay when you renew in person
At a DPS office, you can pay with cash, check, credit card, or debit card. The staff will process your payment when ready after you complete your process. If you need your new license the same day, some offices offer a replacement card printed on site for an additional fee — typically $5 to $10 — though this varies by location.
In-person renewals are the fastest option if you need your license quickly. You'll walk out with a temporary paper license that's valid while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail, usually within one to two weeks.
What happens if you need a duplicate or replacement card
If you lose your license or it's damaged before your renewal date, you can request a duplicate card without renewing. A duplicate costs $11 and can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. This is separate from the renewal fee and does not extend your license's expiration date.
If you're renewing and also need a replacement card because yours is damaged or lost, you'll pay both the $16 or $32 renewal fee and the $11 duplicate fee. Some DPS offices can print a replacement card on site during your renewal appointment, which may speed up the process.
Factors that do not change the renewal cost
Texas does not charge different renewal fees based on your age, whether you have a clean driving record, or how many times you've renewed before. The cost is the same for a first renewal and a tenth renewal. Your address, name change, or vision correction requirements also do not affect the fee.
If you need to update your address, add an organ donor designation, or change other information on your license, you can do this during renewal at no extra cost. These updates are included in the $16 or $32 renewal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay the renewal fee before I submit my process?
No. You must complete your renewal process first, either online, by mail, or in person. The payment is part of the process process, not something you can pay in advance. If you're renewing by mail, you'll send your payment with your completed form.
What if my credit card is declined when I renew online?
The DPS website will show an error message and won't process your process. Try a different payment method — another card, electronic check, or renew in person or by mail instead. If you're having trouble, contact the DPS to troubleshoot before resubmitting.
Do I pay more if I renew in person versus online?
No. The $16 or $32 renewal fee is the same no matter which method you use. The only additional cost is if you request a same-day replacement card printed at the office, which typically costs $5 to $10 and is optional.
Is there a fee to renew if my license expired more than two years ago?
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you'll need to reapply for a new license instead. A new license process costs more than a renewal and requires additional documents and a new photo. Contact the DPS to find out the current cost and requirements for your situation.