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 renewed license to be valid. A four-year renewal costs $16. An eight-year renewal costs $32. These are the only two options available — you cannot choose a different validity period. If you renew online or by mail, you pay the same fee as you would in person at a DPS office.

The fee covers the license itself and the processing. Texas does not charge separate process fees, background check fees, or administrative charges on top of the base renewal cost. What you see is what you pay, unless you need additional services like a duplicate license or a name change, which carry their own separate fees.

Key Takeaways

  • A four-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $16, and an eight-year renewal costs $32 — these are the only two options.
  • You pay the same renewal fee whether you renew in person, by mail, or online through the DPS website.
  • Payment methods vary by renewal method: online renewals accept credit or debit cards, mail renewals require a check or money order, and in-person renewals accept cash, check, or card depending on the office.
  • If you need a duplicate license, a name change, or a corrected address, those services cost extra and are not included in the renewal fee.

How to pay when renewing online

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website accepts credit cards and debit cards only. You cannot pay by check, cash, or electronic bank transfer. The payment is processed when ready when you submit your process, and your renewal fee is non-refundable even if your process is later denied for document issues.

Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired by more than two years, your address has not changed, and you have no medical conditions that require a vision test or in-person review. If any of those conditions explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail instead.

How to pay when renewing by mail

Mail renewal requires a check or money order made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash through the mail. Include your check or money order with your process form and supporting documents in the envelope you mail to the DPS address listed on the process.

Processing time for mail renewals is typically four to six weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope. Your payment is cashed when your process is processed, not when it arrives. If your process is denied, the DPS will return your check or money order uncashed.

How to pay when renewing in person

In-person renewal at a DPS office or an authorized county tax assessor's office accepts cash, check, or debit card at most locations. Some offices also accept credit cards, but this varies by location. Call the specific office where you plan to renew to confirm which payment methods they accept before you go.

Payment is collected at the time you submit your process. You receive a receipt showing the fee paid and your process number. If you are renewing at a county tax assessor's office rather than a DPS office, the assessor's office collects the fee on behalf of the DPS, but the amount you pay is the same.

Additional costs beyond the renewal fee

If you need services beyond a standard renewal, you will pay extra. A duplicate license costs $11. A corrected address without a full renewal costs $11. A name change on your license costs $11. An endorsement or restriction change costs $11. These fees are separate from the renewal fee and explore whether you handle them during renewal or as a standalone transaction.

If your current license is expired by more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must renew in person. This does not add a fee, but it does require a trip to a DPS office or authorized county office. If you need a vision test or medical review as part of your renewal, that is handled at the office at no additional charge.

When your renewal fee is non-refundable

Once you submit your renewal process and pay the fee, the money is non-refundable. This applies even if the DPS denies your process because documents are missing, incomplete, or incorrect. You would need to reapply and pay the fee again to correct the problem.

The one exception is if you pay by check or money order through mail renewal and your process is denied — the DPS returns your uncashed check or money order. If you pay by card online or in person, there is no refund process; you must pay again if you reapply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my renewal fee with a credit card by mail?

No. Mail renewal accepts only checks or money orders. If you want to pay by credit card, you must renew online or in person at a DPS office or county tax assessor's office.

Is there a fee to renew online instead of in person?

No. The renewal fee is $16 for four years or $32 for eight years regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal does not cost more or less than other methods.

What happens if I send cash in the mail for my renewal?

The DPS recommends against mailing cash because it can be lost or stolen in transit. If cash is lost, the DPS has no record of payment and cannot refund it. Use a check or money order instead, which can be tracked and replaced if needed.

Do I have to pay the full renewal fee if my license expires soon?

Yes. You pay the full fee for either a four-year or eight-year renewal regardless of when your current license expires. There is no prorated or reduced fee for licenses expiring within a certain timeframe.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind about renewing?

No. Once you submit your process and pay the fee, the payment is non-refundable. If you decide not to proceed, you cannot recover the fee. The only exception is a mailed check or money order that is returned uncashed if your process is denied.