Texas driver's license renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) charges a flat fee based on how long you want your license to be valid. You cannot choose a shorter renewal period to save money — the options are four years or eight years, and the price difference is exactly double. If you renew online or by mail, you pay only the license fee. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you pay the same fee plus a $5 service charge for the office visit, bringing the total to $21 or $37.
The eight-year license is the standard option for most people. The four-year option exists mainly for people whose immigration status or other circumstances make a longer license impractical. Unless you have a specific reason to choose four years, you will be offered the eight-year renewal by default.
Key Takeaways
- A standard eight-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $16 online or by mail, or $21 if you renew in person at a DPS office.
- A four-year license costs $16 for the license itself, plus $5 if renewed in person, for a total of $21 at an office or $16 by mail or online.
- You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal.
- Renewing by mail takes longer than online renewal but costs the same and requires no office visit.
- If you renew in person, you must bring proof of residency, your current license, and proof of Social Security number or a document showing your number.
When you can renew online and save the office visit fee
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website costs only the $16 or $32 license fee — no additional service charge. You are may be able to access to renew online if your current license is valid (not suspended or revoked), you have no medical restrictions noted on your license, your name and address have not changed since your last renewal, and you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, review your information, choose your renewal period, pay by debit or credit card, and receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
If any of those conditions do not explore — for example, if your address has changed or your license has a medical restriction — you must renew in person or by mail instead.
Renewing by mail if you cannot go to a DPS office
Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal: $16 or $32, with no additional fee. You fill out Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), include a copy of your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number, then mail everything to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your packet.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but useful if you do not have internet access, prefer not to use a website, or need to renew a license with medical restrictions or a name change. The same may be able to access rules explore: your license cannot be suspended, and you cannot have changed your address since your last renewal.
Use certified mail or a tracked service so you have proof the DPS received your process. Keep your confirmation number or receipt in case you need to follow up.
In-person renewal at a DPS office and what to bring
Renewing in person at a DPS office costs $21 for a four-year license or $37 for an eight-year license (the $16 or $32 license fee plus a $5 office service charge). You must bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or a document issued by a government agency showing your number).
Walk-in appointments are available at most DPS offices, but wait times vary widely. You can also schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website, which often reduces your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes. Appointments typically fill up several weeks in advance, especially in urban areas.
In-person renewal is necessary if your license is suspended, you have medical restrictions, your name or address has changed, or you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. It is also the fastest way to get a new license if you need it urgently — you can receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Additional costs if your license is suspended or expired
If your license has been suspended, you cannot renew it. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension (usually unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or a lapsed insurance report) with the DPS or the relevant court. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew normally and pay only the standard renewal fee.
If your 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 $32 for an eight-year license and requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. You will also need to pass a vision test and provide additional documentation such as proof of citizenship or lawful presence.
Replacing a lost or damaged license during renewal
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at the same time you renew. The replacement fee is $11, and you pay it in addition to your renewal fee. So replacing and renewing together costs $27 for a four-year license ($16 renewal plus $11 replacement) or $43 for an eight-year license ($32 renewal plus $11 replacement) if you do it online or by mail. In person, add the $5 office fee.
You do not have to replace and renew at the same time. If your license is lost or damaged before your renewal date, you can replace it alone for $11. Then renew normally when your current license expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail as long as you meet the other may be able to access requirements (no suspension, no address change, no medical restrictions). If you must renew in person, you will need to visit a DPS office in Texas or use a DPS office in another state if Texas has a reciprocal agreement there, though this is rare. Contact the DPS to confirm options for your situation.
What happens if I renew online but my information was wrong?
If you discover an error after you have submitted your online renewal, contact the DPS when ready. Depending on what was wrong and how far along your renewal is, you may be able to cancel and start over, or you may need to visit a DPS office in person to correct it before your new license is printed.
Do I have to renew for eight years, or can I choose four?
You can choose four years if you need to, but most people renew for eight. The four-year option is typically used by people whose immigration status or other circumstances make a longer license impractical. You select your renewal period during the online or in-person process.
How long can I drive on my expired license while waiting for my new one?
Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you renew online or by mail before your license expires, you can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person and can receive a temporary paper license to drive while your permanent license is mailed to you.