Texas driver's license renewal costs $25 for a standard five-year license or $40 for an eight-year license

The Texas Department of Public Safety charges a flat renewal fee based on how long you want your license to remain valid. A five-year renewal costs $25; an eight-year renewal costs $40. These are the only two options available to most Texas drivers renewing by mail or online. If you renew in person at a DPS office, the fee is the same — the location does not change the price.

The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license to you. Texas does not charge separate processing or process fees on top of the renewal cost. What you see listed is what you pay, though some payment methods (like credit card processing through the online portal) may add a small convenience fee depending on your bank.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you need to change your name, address, or other information beyond a straightforward renewal, you may be classified as a new process rather than a renewal. New applications cost more and require in-person processing at a DPS office. The DPS website will tell you which category you fall into when you start the renewal process.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard five-year Texas driver's license renewals cost $25; eight-year renewals cost $40.
  • You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office for the same fee.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may owe a higher fee for a new process instead of a renewal.
  • The renewal fee is the only charge; there are no separate processing or process fees added by the state.

When your renewal fee might be higher

If your Texas driver's license has been expired for more than two years, the DPS treats your request as a new process, not a renewal. New applications cost $45 for a five-year license or $70 for an eight-year license — significantly more than the renewal rate. You must also renew in person at a DPS office; you cannot use the mail or online portal.

The same higher fee applies if you are renewing for the first time after turning 18, or if you need to change your name, gender marker, or address during the renewal process. Some of these changes require additional documentation and in-person verification, which is why the DPS charges the new process rate.

If you are unsure whether you may have access to for the standard renewal rate, you can check your status on the DPS website or call your local DPS office before paying. Paying the wrong fee means your transaction may be rejected, and you will have to resubmit with the correct amount.

How to pay your renewal fee

Online renewal through the DPS website accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks. The state charges a convenience fee for credit and debit card payments — typically $1.25 to $2.50 depending on your card issuer — but e-check payments have no additional fee. You can see the exact convenience fee before you confirm payment.

Mail-in renewal requires a check or money order payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash. Include your check with the renewal process form and any required documents, and mail everything to the address listed on the DPS website for your county.

In-person renewal at a DPS office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Credit card payments may include a convenience fee at some locations. Call ahead to confirm which payment methods your local office accepts.

Timeline and when to renew

You can renew your Texas driver's license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not cost more, and your new license will be valid for five or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired. Many drivers renew early to avoid the rush near their expiration date.

Online and mail-in renewals typically take two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your process. In-person renewals are usually processed the same day, though you may receive a temporary paper license and the plastic card by mail within one to two weeks. During high-volume periods (often in summer), processing times can extend to four weeks.

If your license is already expired, you can still renew, but you must do so in person at a DPS office. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, so do not wait until your license expires to start the renewal process.

What documents you need to renew

For a standard online or mail-in renewal, you need your current Texas driver's license number and your Social Security number. You do not need to submit physical documents unless you are changing your name, address, or other information beyond a straightforward renewal.

If you are renewing in person, bring your current license and one form of identification that matches your current address (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The DPS website lists the full set of acceptable documents for each type of change. Having the wrong documents will delay your renewal, so check the list before you go to the office.

Renewing after a suspension or revocation

If your Texas driver's license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation — usually by paying outstanding fines, completing a defensive driving course, or satisfying other court or DPS requirements. Once you have cleared the suspension, you can renew your license for the standard $25 or $40 fee.

The DPS website includes a tool to check whether your license is currently suspended or revoked. If it is, the tool will tell you what you need to do to clear it. Do not attempt to renew until the suspension is lifted; the DPS will reject your process and keep your fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license online if I live out of state?

No. Online renewal is only for Texas residents. If you have moved out of Texas, you must renew in person at a DPS office in Texas or surrender your license and obtain a license from your new state. Some states have reciprocal agreements that allow you to renew a Texas license by mail even if you live elsewhere, but this is rare and requires contacting the DPS directly.

What if I want to change my address during renewal?

You can change your address online or by mail during renewal without paying the higher new process fee, as long as your license is not expired. If your license is expired, you must renew in person and may owe the new process fee. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days.

Do I have to pay the renewal fee again if my license arrives damaged?

No. If your license arrives damaged or unreadable, contact the DPS and request a replacement. The DPS will reissue your license at no additional cost. Keep your receipt and the damaged license as proof of your original renewal payment.

Is there a discount for seniors or military members?

Texas does not offer a reduced renewal fee for seniors or military members. All drivers pay the same $25 or $40 renewal fee regardless of age or military status. Some other states offer discounts, but Texas does not.