Renewal costs vary by state, from $20 to $300 depending on license type and how long you renew for
The cost to renew your driver's license depends entirely on which state issued it. Most states charge between $20 and $100 for a standard renewal, but some charge significantly more. A few states offer cheaper online renewals than in-person ones. Some states bundle the renewal fee with other charges — vehicle registration, organ donor registry updates, or road safety fees — so your total bill at the DMV may be higher than the renewal fee alone.
The length of your renewal period also affects cost. Most states renew licenses for four or eight years. A few states offer shorter renewal periods (two or three years) at lower cost, or longer periods (ten years) at higher cost. If you're renewing early because you changed your name, address, or photo, some states charge a replacement fee on top of the renewal fee.
Key Takeaways
- Standard renewal fees range from $20 to $100 in most states, but some states charge $150 or more for longer renewal periods.
- Online renewals are usually cheaper than in-person renewals, and some states offer online-only discounts of $10 to $20.
- If you need a new photo, change your name or address, or renew early, you may pay an additional replacement or amendment fee.
- Your state's DMV website lists the exact fee for your license type and renewal period before you pay.
Standard renewal fees by state
The following table shows typical renewal costs for a standard adult driver's license in each state. Costs are current as of 2024 but may change; check your state DMV website for the exact amount you will pay.
| State | Standard Renewal Fee | Renewal Period |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $25 | 4 years |
| Alaska | $95 | 5 years |
| Arizona | $25 | 5 years |
| Arkansas | $22.50 | 4 years |
| California | $38 | 5 years |
| Colorado | $31.50 | 5 years |
| Connecticut | $72 | 8 years |
| Delaware | $70 | 8 years |
| Florida | $87.50 | 8 years |
| Georgia | $32 | 8 years |
| Hawaii | $50 | 4 years |
| Idaho | $35.75 | 4 years |
| Illinois | $149 | 4 years |
| Indiana | $25 | 4 years |
| Iowa | $24 | 4 years |
| Kansas | $99 | 6 years |
| Kentucky | $38 | 4 years |
| Louisiana | $35 | 4 years |
| Maine | $35 | 4 years |
| Maryland | $109 | 8 years |
| Massachusetts | $50 | 5 years |
| Michigan | $20 | 4 years |
| Minnesota | $24.50 | 4 years |
| Mississippi | $24 | 4 years |
| Missouri | $31.50 | 6 years |
| Montana | $85 | 8 years |
| Nebraska | $39 | 5 years |
| Nevada | $60 | 8 years |
| New Hampshire | $100 | 5 years |
| New Jersey | $131 | 10 years |
| New Mexico | $25 | 4 years |
| New York | $65 | 8 years |
| North Carolina | $60 | 8 years |
| North Dakota | $40 | 4 years |
| Ohio | $28.50 | 4 years |
| Oklahoma | $38 | 4 years |
| Oregon | $60 | 8 years |
| Pennsylvania | $38.25 | 4 years |
| Rhode Island | $75 | 5 years |
| South Carolina | $25 | 4 years |
| South Dakota | $24.50 | 5 years |
| Tennessee | $27 | 4 years |
| Texas | $33 | 6 years |
| Utah | $38 | 5 years |
| Vermont | $70 | 4 years |
| Virginia | $36 | 5 years |
| Washington | $72 | 5 years |
| West Virginia | $21.50 | 5 years |
| Wisconsin | $44 | 8 years |
| Wyoming | $30 | 5 years |
Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, and New Jersey charge the most for standard renewals. Illinois charges $149 for a four-year renewal, while New Jersey charges $131 for a ten-year renewal. States with the lowest fees include Michigan ($20), West Virginia ($21.50), and Arkansas ($22.50). The variation reflects different state budgets, renewal periods, and what services are bundled into the fee.
Online versus in-person renewal costs
Many states offer cheaper online renewals than in-person ones. If your state allows online renewal and you meet the requirements — usually meaning your license is not expired, you have no address change, and you don't need a new photo — you may save $10 to $20 by renewing online instead of visiting the DMV.
States that offer online discounts include California (saves $4), Colorado (saves $1.50), Florida (saves $12.50), Georgia (saves $2), Illinois (saves $20), New York (saves $5), and Texas (saves $3). Some states charge the same fee online and in person. A few states do not offer online renewal at all, so you must visit a DMV office and pay the standard fee.
Online renewal also saves you time and a trip to the DMV. If you are renewing by mail in a state that offers it, costs are usually the same as in-person renewal, though you may pay an additional postage or processing fee of $2 to $5.
Additional fees for name changes, address changes, and new photos
If you need to change your name or address during renewal, some states charge an additional fee. A few states include name and address changes in the renewal fee at no extra cost. Others charge $5 to $15 for an amendment or replacement card.
If your current license photo is more than ten years old or you want a new photo for any reason, you may need to pay a replacement fee instead of a renewal fee. Replacement fees are typically $10 to $30 higher than renewal fees. Some states offer free photo updates during renewal; others charge the full replacement fee. Check your state DMV website to see whether a photo update is included in your renewal or costs extra.
If you are renewing early — before your license expires — because you changed your name, got married, or changed your address, your state may treat this as a replacement rather than a renewal and charge the higher fee. Plan ahead if you know a change is coming, because waiting until your regular renewal date may save you money.
Fees for different license types
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cost more to renew than standard licenses. CDL renewal fees range from $50 to $200 depending on the state and whether you are renewing a Class A, B, or C license. Some states charge extra for hazmat endorsements or other commercial endorsements.
Motorcycle endorsements usually cost $5 to $25 extra when added during renewal. Duplicate licenses (if you lost your license and need a replacement before your renewal date) typically cost $10 to $30. Temporary licenses or permits cost less than full renewals, usually $5 to $15.
Senior licenses (for drivers over 65 or 70, depending on the state) sometimes cost less than standard licenses or renew for shorter periods at lower cost. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you may have access to for a reduced rate based on age.
What's included in the renewal fee
The renewal fee covers the cost of issuing a new license card and updating your record in the state's database. It does not cover vehicle registration, vehicle inspection, or other DMV services. Some states bundle vehicle registration renewal into the DMV visit, so your total bill may include both the license renewal fee and a registration fee.
A few states add a road safety fee, organ donor registry fee, or other surcharge to the renewal fee. These are separate line items on your bill but are often required. For example, Florida adds a $1.50 road safety fee to all license renewals. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to learn what fees will be charged when you renew.
The renewal fee does not include the cost of a new photo if you need one, a name change, or an address change — those are typically separate charges. It also does not cover any late fees if your license has been expired for more than a certain period (usually 30 to 90 days, depending on the state).
How to find your state's exact renewal cost
The fastest way to find your state's renewal fee is to visit your state DMV's official website and search for "renewal fees" or "license renewal cost." Most state DMV sites have a fee schedule that lists the cost for each license type and renewal period.
You can also call your state DMV's main phone line or visit a local DMV office and ask. When you call, have your license number and current address ready. The DMV staff can tell you the exact fee you will pay based on your license type, whether you are renewing online or in person, and whether you need any amendments or replacements.
Some states let you start a renewal online and see the total cost before you pay. This is the most accurate way to know what you will owe, because it accounts for your specific situation — your license type, renewal period, and any additional services you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the renewal fee if my license expired more than a year ago?
Most states charge the standard renewal fee even if your license has been expired for years. A few states add a late fee or require you to retake the written test if your license has been expired for a very long time (usually five or more years). Check your state DMV website to see whether late fees explore to you.
Can I renew my license by mail, and does it cost less?
Some states offer mail renewal for a fee equal to the in-person renewal fee, sometimes with a small postage or processing charge of $2 to $5. Not all states offer mail renewal. Check your state DMV website to see whether mail renewal is available and what it costs.
What if I renew online but then need to change my address before the new license arrives?
Contact your state DMV as soon as possible to update your address. Some states allow free address changes within a certain period after renewal (usually 30 days). Others charge a replacement fee. The sooner you notify the DMV, the more likely your new license will be mailed to your correct address.
Are there discounts for seniors or people with disabilities?
Some states offer reduced renewal fees for seniors (usually age 65 or older) or waive fees for people with certain disabilities. Check your state DMV website or call to ask whether you may have access to. You may need to provide proof of age or disability when you renew.
What happens if I pay the wrong amount?
If you pay less than the required fee, the DMV will reject your renewal and ask you to pay the difference. If you pay more, most states will refund the overpayment or credit it