Texas driver's license renewal costs $25 for a standard five-year license

The Texas Department of Public Safety charges $25 to renew a standard driver's license valid for five years. This is the base fee for most adults renewing in person or by mail. If you choose to renew online through the Texas DPS website, the fee remains $25, though online renewal is only available if your license is not expired and you meet other may be able to access requirements.

The $25 fee covers the cost of producing and issuing your new license card. Texas does not charge separate processing or process fees on top of this amount. However, if you need your license sooner than standard processing, expedited options may carry additional costs — typically $10 to $15 more depending on the method you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Texas driver's license renewal costs $25 for a five-year license, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website costs the same $25 but requires your current license to be valid and you must meet other may be able to access criteria.
  • Expedited processing adds $10 to $15 to the base fee if you need your license faster than standard mail delivery.
  • Payment methods accepted include credit cards, debit cards, and checks (by mail), but not cash for online or mail renewals.

Renewal by mail and in-person costs

If you renew by mail, you pay the $25 fee by check or money order made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. You will mail your process, current license, and payment to the address provided on the Texas DPS website. Standard mail processing takes approximately two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your materials.

Renewing in person at a Texas DPS office also costs $25. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office. In-person renewal is faster — you typically receive your temporary license when ready and your permanent card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Walk-in appointments are available at most DPS offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Online renewal fees and restrictions

Texas DPS offers online renewal through its official website at dps.texas.gov. The fee is still $25, payable by credit or debit card only. Online renewal is the fastest option for those who meet the requirements — you receive a temporary digital license when ready and your physical card ships within five to seven business days.

Not everyone can renew online. Your current license must not be expired, and you must not have any medical conditions or restrictions that require a new photo or in-person verification. If you are over 79 years old, you cannot renew online and must visit a DPS office in person. If your name has changed or you need to update your address, online renewal may not be available — you may need to renew by mail or in person instead.

Expedited processing and rush fees

If you need your license faster than standard processing, Texas DPS offers expedited options. Expedited mail renewal adds approximately $10 to $15 to your $25 base fee, depending on how quickly you need the card. Expedited processing typically delivers your license within five to seven business days instead of two to three weeks.

In-person renewal is already the fastest standard option, so expedited fees do not explore when you renew at a DPS office. However, some DPS offices in larger cities may offer priority appointment slots during certain hours, which can reduce your wait time in the office itself — these do not carry an additional fee.

What happens if your license is expired

If your Texas driver's license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. A new license process costs more than renewal and requires an in-person visit, a new photo, and proof of identity and residency. The fee for a new license is higher than the $25 renewal fee.

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew by mail or in person for the standard $25 fee. You cannot renew online if your license is expired, even if it expired only recently. Renewing in person is your fastest option in this situation.

Payment methods and where to send payments

For mail renewal, send a check or money order payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety along with your process and current license. Do not send cash by mail. The mailing address is provided on the renewal form available at dps.texas.gov or at any DPS office.

For in-person renewal, most DPS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Call ahead to confirm payment methods at your specific office location, as some smaller offices may have limited options. For online renewal, you must use a credit or debit card — no other payment methods are accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Texas driver's license renewal fee online if I renew by mail?

No. If you renew by mail, you must send payment by check or money order with your process. Texas DPS does not accept online payments for mail renewals. Online payment is only available if you complete the entire renewal process through the Texas DPS website.

Does Texas charge different renewal fees based on age?

No. The renewal fee is $25 for all adults, regardless of age. However, drivers over 79 must renew in person rather than online, which may affect how quickly you can complete the process.

What if I lose my license before it expires — do I pay the renewal fee or a replacement fee?

A lost or stolen license requires a replacement, not a renewal. Replacement fees differ from renewal fees and are typically higher. Contact your local DPS office or visit dps.texas.gov to learn the current replacement fee and process.

Is the $25 renewal fee the same if I renew early?

Yes. Texas charges $25 to renew whether you renew on schedule or early. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Early renewal does not reduce the fee or extend your license validity beyond the standard five-year term.