Texas driver license and ID card fees in 2024

A Texas driver license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. An ID card (for people who don't drive) costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. These are the base fees charged by the Texas Department of Public Safety. If you renew by mail or online, you pay only the license fee. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you may pay an additional service fee depending on the office location—some charge $0, others charge up to $5.

The cost does not change based on your age, driving record, or how many times you've held a license before. First-time applicants pay the same base fee as people renewing. However, if you need a duplicate license (because yours was lost or stolen), you'll pay $11 instead of the full license fee.

Replacement licenses due to name change, address change, or correcting information on your current license also cost $11. If you need your license faster than standard processing, you can request expedited service at some DPS offices for an additional fee, though this varies by location.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard Texas driver license costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, with no variation based on age or driving history.
  • Renewing online or by mail costs only the license fee; renewing in person may include a service fee of $0 to $5 depending on the office.
  • A duplicate license (for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses) costs $11 instead of the full license fee.
  • Corrections to your name, address, or other information on an existing license cost $11 for a replacement card.
  • Some DPS offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee, but this is not available at all locations.

How to pay when you renew online or by mail

If you renew your Texas driver license online through the DPS website, you pay only the base license fee ($16 or $32) by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The payment is processed when ready, and you do not visit a DPS office. Mail renewal works the same way—you send your payment with your renewal process, and the DPS processes it without an additional service charge.

Online renewal is available if your license is not expired more than two years, you have no medical conditions that need to be reviewed, and you have no outstanding warrants or suspensions. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

In-person renewal fees at DPS offices

When you renew in person at a Texas DPS office, you pay the base license fee plus a service fee. The service fee ranges from $0 to $5 depending on which office you visit. Some DPS offices charge no service fee at all, while others charge the full $5. There is no way to know the exact fee before you arrive, because the DPS does not publish a list of which offices charge what amount.

You can call the DPS office in your area before you go to ask what service fee they charge. The office will accept cash, check, credit card, or debit card. If you need a duplicate license or a replacement due to name or address change, the total cost is $11 plus any service fee the office charges.

First-time driver license applicants

If you are getting a Texas driver license for the first time, you pay the same base fee as someone renewing: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. You cannot explore online; you must go to a DPS office in person. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and pass a written test and driving test.

The license fee itself does not cover the cost of the tests or the office visit—those are included in the base fee. However, if you fail the driving test and need to retake it, you may be charged a retest fee by some offices. Call ahead to ask whether your local DPS office charges for retests.

Commercial driver license (CDL) costs

A commercial driver license in Texas costs $60 for a four-year license or $120 for an eight-year license. This is significantly higher than a standard driver license because a CDL requires additional testing and medical certification. You must pass a written test, a skills test, and a Department of Transportation medical exam before you can get a CDL.

The medical exam is not included in the CDL fee—you pay a doctor or certified medical examiner separately for that exam, usually between $50 and $150. Some employers cover this cost for their drivers. Renewal of a CDL also requires a current medical certificate, so you will need to pay for another medical exam every time you renew.

Texas ID card for non-drivers

If you do not drive but need a state ID card for identification purposes, a Texas ID card costs the same as a driver license: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. You can renew by mail or in person. The same service fees explore—$0 to $5 if you renew in person at a DPS office.

An ID card is useful if you need a government-issued photo ID but do not want or need a driver license. You can use it for air travel, banking, and other situations where ID is required. The process process is simpler than for a driver license because you do not need to pass any tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay for my Texas driver license renewal with a check?

Yes. If you renew by mail, you can send a check with your process. If you renew in person at a DPS office, they accept checks, cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Online renewal requires a credit card, debit card, or electronic check.

What happens if I choose the eight-year license instead of the four-year?

You pay double the fee ($32 instead of $16) but do not have to renew as often. The eight-year license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. Some people choose the four-year option to avoid paying a larger amount upfront.

Is there a fee to change my address on my Texas driver license?

Yes. Changing your address requires a replacement license, which costs $11. You can do this by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office. If you renew in person, you may also pay a service fee of $0 to $5.

Do I have to pay the service fee at a DPS office, or can I avoid it by renewing online?

You can avoid the service fee by renewing online or by mail. Only in-person renewals at a DPS office include the service fee. If you are not may be able to access for online renewal (because your license is expired more than two years or you have medical restrictions), you must renew in person and pay the service fee.

What is the cost of a duplicate Texas driver license if mine was stolen?

A duplicate license costs $11. You can request it by mail, online, or in person. If you go in person, add the DPS office service fee of $0 to $5. The duplicate will have the same expiration date as your original license.