What you'll pay to renew your driver's license
The cost to renew your driver's license ranges from $20 to $200 depending on where you live, how long the renewal lasts, and whether you renew in person or by mail. Most states charge between $40 and $100 for a standard renewal. The fee covers the cost of producing the new card, processing your process, and maintaining the state's licensing system.
Some states charge different amounts based on how many years the renewal covers. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal in the same state. A few states also charge extra if you want a REAL ID-compliant license, which is required for domestic air travel starting in 2025, though most states now include REAL ID compliance in the standard renewal fee.
You may also face additional charges if you need to change your name, address, or photo during renewal, or if you're renewing after your license has been expired for a long time. Some states waive renewal fees for drivers over a certain age, usually 65 or older.
Key Takeaways
- Standard driver's license renewal costs between $40 and $100 in most states, though the range across all states is $20 to $200.
- Longer renewal periods (eight years instead of four) cost more in states that offer them, but the per-year cost is usually lower.
- REAL ID compliance is now included in the standard renewal fee in most states, though a handful still charge a small surcharge.
- Mail-in renewals typically cost the same as in-person renewals, but some states charge extra for expedited processing or document verification.
- Drivers over 65 often renew for free or at a reduced rate in their state, and some states waive fees for active military members.
Renewal costs by state
Every state sets its own renewal fee. The following table shows the standard cost for a basic renewal in each state. These are the fees as of 2024, but states update them periodically, so confirm the current amount on your state's DMV website before you pay.
| State | Standard Renewal Cost | Renewal Period |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $32.50 | 4 years |
| Alaska | $89 | 5 years |
| Arizona | $45 | 5 years |
| Arkansas | $22.50 | 4 years |
| California | $44 | 5 years |
| Colorado | $36 | 5 years |
| Connecticut | $72 | 8 years |
| Delaware | $70 | 8 years |
| Florida | $87.50 | 8 years |
| Georgia | $32 | 8 years |
| Hawaii | $56 | 4 years |
| Idaho | $41.50 | 4 years |
| Illinois | $149 | 4 years |
| Indiana | $24 | 4 years |
| Iowa | $40 | 4 years |
| Kansas | $99 | 6 years |
| Kentucky | $38 | 4 years |
| Louisiana | $45 | 4 years |
| Maine | $65 | 6 years |
| Maryland | $109 | 8 years |
| Massachusetts | $50 | 5 years |
| Michigan | $35 | 4 years |
| Minnesota | $48 | 4 years |
| Mississippi | $42 | 4 years |
| Missouri | $42 | 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 | $40 | 4 years |
| New York | $120 | 8 years |
| North Carolina | $60 | 8 years |
| North Dakota | $40 | 4 years |
| Ohio | $38.50 | 4 years |
| Oklahoma | $55 | 4 years |
| Oregon | $70 | 8 years |
| Pennsylvania | $42 | 4 years |
| Rhode Island | $75 | 5 years |
| South Carolina | $88 | 10 years |
| South Dakota | $40 | 5 years |
| Tennessee | $27.50 | 4 years |
| Texas | $96 | 6 years |
| Utah | $53 | 5 years |
| Vermont | $91 | 4 years |
| Virginia | $74 | 8 years |
| Washington | $72 | 5 years |
| West Virginia | $20 | 5 years |
| Wisconsin | $44 | 8 years |
| Wyoming | $40 | 4 years |
Illinois, New Jersey, and New York charge the most, while West Virginia, Arkansas, and Tennessee charge the least. However, states with higher fees often offer longer renewal periods, so the cost per year may be lower than it appears. For example, New Jersey charges $131 for a 10-year renewal, which works out to $13.10 per year, while Illinois charges $149 for a 4-year renewal, which is $37.25 per year.
REAL ID compliance and additional charges
A REAL ID-compliant license meets federal standards for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or a passport to board a domestic flight. Most states now include REAL ID compliance in their standard renewal fee at no extra charge.
A few states still charge a small surcharge for REAL ID, usually between $5 and $15. Check your state's DMV website to see whether REAL ID is included in your renewal fee or costs extra. If you renew without REAL ID compliance, you can usually upgrade to REAL ID at your next renewal or by visiting a DMV office in person.
Other charges that may explore during renewal include a name change fee (usually $10 to $30), a photo update fee if you're renewing early for a new photo, or a fee to correct an error on your license. Some states charge extra if you need to renew by mail instead of in person, though most states offer mail renewal at the same cost.
Mail renewal versus in-person renewal costs
Most states charge the same fee whether you renew by mail or in person. However, some states charge extra for mail renewal to cover processing and verification costs. A few states offer mail renewal only if you meet certain conditions, such as renewing within a certain number of years of your last renewal or being over a certain age.
If your state charges extra for mail renewal, the surcharge is typically $5 to $15. Some states also charge extra for expedited mail processing, which speeds up the time it takes to receive your new license. Expedited processing usually costs $10 to $25 and reduces the wait time from two to three weeks to five to seven business days.
In-person renewal at a DMV office always costs the same as the standard renewal fee, with no additional charges unless you need extra services like a name change or REAL ID upgrade.
Fee waivers and discounts for certain drivers
Many states waive or reduce renewal fees for drivers over 65. Some states offer free renewal for seniors, while others charge a reduced rate, usually 50 percent of the standard fee. A few states offer free renewal only for drivers over a certain age, such as 75 or 80.
Some states also waive renewal fees for active military members and veterans. The may be able to access rules vary by state — some require proof of active duty status, while others accept a military ID or discharge papers. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you may have access to for a fee waiver or discount.
A small number of states offer fee reductions for low-income drivers, though this is less common than age-based or military waivers. If you believe you may have access to for a fee waiver or discount, contact your state's DMV directly or visit their website to confirm your may be able to access and the documents you need to bring.
What happens if your license has been expired for a long time
If your license has been expired for more than a certain period — usually one to three years, depending on your state — you may not be able to renew by mail. Instead, you will need to renew in person at a DMV office and may need to retake the written test, vision test, or both.
Some states charge an additional fee if your license has been expired for a long time, treating it as a new license rather than a renewal. This fee can be significantly higher than a standard renewal fee, sometimes $50 to $100 more. A few states waive the additional fee if you renew within a grace period after expiration, usually 30 to 90 days.
If you are unsure whether you can renew by mail or whether you will face additional fees, contact your state's DMV before you attempt to renew. They can tell you exactly what you need to do and what it will cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online, and does it cost the same?
Some states offer online renewal for drivers who meet certain conditions, such as renewing within a certain number of years of their last renewal or being under a certain age. Online renewal typically costs the same as mail renewal. Check your state's DMV website to see whether online renewal is available and what the requirements are.
What if I need to change my name or address during renewal?
You can change your address during renewal in most states at no extra cost. A name change usually costs $10 to $30 and may require additional documents, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Some states allow name changes by mail, while others require you to visit a DMV office in person.
Do I have to pay the full renewal fee if my license expires before I can renew?
No. Most states allow you to renew your license up to six months before it expires, so you can renew early and avoid paying a late fee or being unable to drive. If your license has already expired, you still pay the standard renewal fee, though some states charge extra if it has been expired for more than a year.
Is there a fee to get a duplicate license if I lose mine before renewal?
Yes. A duplicate or replacement license costs $10 to $50 depending on your state, and it is separate from your renewal fee. When you renew, you will pay the full renewal fee again, not a reduced amount because you already paid for a duplicate.
Do I pay the renewal fee even if my process is denied?
This depends on your state and the reason for denial. If your process is denied because of a medical condition or a legal issue, some states refund the fee, while others do not. Contact your state's DMV to ask about their refund policy before you submit your renewal.