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 charges a flat fee based on how long you want your new license to be valid. You cannot choose a shorter renewal period — you pick either four years or eight years. Most people renew for eight years because the per-year cost is lower, but four-year renewals exist if you expect your address, name, or other information to change soon.

These are the only fees the state charges for a standard renewal by mail or online. If you renew in person at a DPS office, the fee is the same. You do not pay extra for processing, handling, or any other service charge.

If you need a duplicate license (because yours was lost or stolen), the fee is $11. If you need to change your license class or add endorsements — like a motorcycle endorsement — you will pay the renewal fee plus an additional endorsement fee, which varies by type.

Key Takeaways

  • A four-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $16; an eight-year renewal costs $32.
  • You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office for the same fee.
  • Duplicate licenses cost $11 if yours was lost or stolen.
  • Adding endorsements like a motorcycle license requires an extra fee on top of the renewal cost.
  • Payment methods vary by renewal method — online renewals accept credit or debit cards, while mail renewals require a check or money order.

How to pay when you renew online or by mail

If you renew online through the Texas DPS website, you will enter your payment information directly. The site accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You will see the total fee before you confirm the transaction, and the charge appears on your card when ready.

If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order with your process packet. Make it payable to the "Texas Department of Public Safety." Do not send cash. Include your check or money order in the same envelope as your completed form and any required documents. The DPS processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, so the fee is deducted when your process is processed, not when they receive it.

If you renew in person at a DPS office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card — the specific payment methods accepted may vary by location, so call ahead if you have a preference.

When you might pay more than the standard renewal fee

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DPS or the court that issued it. Once that is cleared, you can renew at the standard rate.

If you are renewing after your license has expired for more than two years, the DPS may require you to take the written test and vision test again, even though you are renewing rather than reapplying. This does not add a fee, but it does add time to the process.

If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel), the fee is the same as a standard renewal. However, you must provide additional documents — a birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address — which you may need to obtain separately if you do not have them on hand.

Renewal by mail versus online versus in person

Online renewal is the fastest and most direct route. You pay the fee when ready, and the DPS mails your new license to the address on file. The process takes about two weeks from submission to delivery. You can renew online if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, name, or other key information in the last two years.

Mail renewal takes longer — typically three to four weeks from the time the DPS receives your packet — but requires no trip to an office. You print the process form, include your fee, and mail everything to the DPS address listed on the form. The fee is the same whether you renew online or by mail.

In-person renewal at a DPS office is the slowest in terms of wait time (you may wait an hour or more depending on the office and time of day), but your new license is processed when ready and you can pick it up the same day or within a few days. This is the only option if your license is expired by more than two years, if you need to change your address or name, or if you are renewing a Real ID license for the first time.

What documents you need to bring or send

For a standard renewal by mail or online, you need only your current Texas driver's license number and your Social Security number. You do not need to send physical documents or visit an office.

If you are renewing in person, bring your current license and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring proof of the new address.

If you are renewing a Real ID license, bring your birth certificate (or passport), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address. These documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

How to renew if your license is expired

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew it by mail or online using the same process and fee as a standard renewal. The DPS does not penalize you for renewing late.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You will be required to pass the written test and vision test again, even though you are renewing rather than reapplying. You do not pay an extra fee for the tests, but you do need to schedule an appointment or arrive early to account for test time. Bring your current (expired) license and proof of your current address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license online if I have moved to another state?

No. If you have moved out of Texas, you must renew in person at a DPS office in Texas or explore for a license in your new state. You cannot renew a Texas license online if your mailing address is outside Texas.

Do I have to pay the renewal fee if my license was lost or stolen?

No. A duplicate license costs $11, not the renewal fee. A duplicate is a replacement of your current license with the same expiration date. A renewal extends your license and costs $16 or $32 depending on the term you choose.

What if I want to change my address when I renew?

If you are renewing online or by mail, you cannot change your address in the same transaction. You must renew first, then update your address separately through the DPS website or in person. If you are renewing in person, you can change your address at the same time for no extra fee.

Is there a discount if I renew early?

No. The renewal fee is the same regardless of when you renew relative to your expiration date. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, but the fee does not change.

Do I need to pay a fee to renew if I am a senior or military member?

Texas does not offer a reduced renewal fee for seniors or military members. However, seniors 85 and older can renew for free if they renew in person at a DPS office and meet certain requirements — contact your local DPS office to confirm you are may be able to access.