What you'll pay to renew your Texas driver's license
A standard Texas driver's license renewal costs $25 if you renew by mail or online, or $16 if you renew in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The difference exists because in-person renewals skip the mailing fee. If you're renewing a Real ID-compliant license (the kind with a gold star in the upper right corner), the cost is the same — Real ID doesn't add a fee on top of the standard renewal price.
The fee covers a five-year renewal period for most drivers under 85 years old. Drivers 85 and older can renew for two years at the same cost. If you're renewing early — before your current license expires — you'll still pay the full renewal fee, and your new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew, not from the date your old one would have expired.
Payment methods depend on how you renew. Online and mail renewals accept credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. In-person renewals at a DPS office accept cash, check, credit card, and debit card. Some offices may have additional payment options, so call ahead if you have a specific method in mind.
Key Takeaways
- Online and mail renewals cost $25; in-person renewals at a DPS office cost $16.
- Your new license is valid for five years (or two years if you're 85 or older), regardless of when you renew.
- Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses to renew.
- You can renew online through the Texas DPS website, by mail, or in person at any DPS office.
Renewing online or by mail versus in person
Online renewal is the cheapest option if you're paying the $25 fee, but it's only available if your license is not suspended or revoked, you haven't had a name change since your last renewal, and your current license is not expired by more than two years. You'll need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The process takes about 10 minutes on the Texas DPS website, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal also costs $25 and follows the same may be able to access rules as online renewal. You'll fill out Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License), include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes 15 to 20 business days from the date DPS receives it, plus mailing time both ways. This method is slower but doesn't require internet access or a credit card.
In-person renewal at a DPS office costs $16 and works even if your license is expired by more than two years or if you've had a name change. You'll need to bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099). You'll get your new license the same day or within a few days, depending on the office's workload. Wait times at DPS offices vary widely — some locations have same-day service, others require an appointment weeks in advance.
When you must renew in person instead of online
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked, if you've changed your name since your last renewal, or if your license expired more than two years ago. You also cannot renew online if you need to update your address, though you can update your address in person at the same time you renew.
If you're renewing a Real ID license and your address has changed, you must renew in person. Bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal, plus proof of your current address. If your address hasn't changed, you can renew your Real ID online or by mail at the standard $25 fee.
Drivers who have had a medical condition or vision change since their last renewal may be asked to take a vision test or provide a medical report, even if they're renewing online. DPS will contact you if this is required for your renewal.
How to schedule an appointment at a DPS office
You can schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website or by calling your local DPS office. The website shows available appointment times at offices near your zip code. Appointments are typically available 1 to 4 weeks out, though some offices have walk-in hours with longer waits. If you don't have an appointment, you can still walk in during office hours, but expect to wait 1 to 3 hours depending on the location and time of day.
Bring all required documents to your appointment: your current driver's license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. If you're renewing a Real ID license and your address has changed, bring proof of your new address as well. The office will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Additional fees for special circumstances
If you need a duplicate license (because yours was lost or stolen), the fee is $11 in person or $20 by mail. A duplicate is a replacement of your current license with the same expiration date, so it doesn't extend your license validity. If your license is damaged but not lost, you can exchange it for a duplicate at the same cost.
If you need to change your name on your license due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you'll pay the standard renewal fee ($16 in person or $25 by mail) plus the cost of the name change transaction. Name changes must be done in person at a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency.
If you're upgrading from a standard license to a Real ID license, there is no additional fee — you pay the standard renewal cost. However, you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) along with your other documents.
What happens if you renew late
If your license has expired, you can still renew it at any time. There is no late fee or penalty for renewing after expiration. However, you cannot drive legally on an expired license, even if you've already started the renewal process. Once you submit an online or mail renewal, you can print a temporary extension from the DPS website that allows you to drive for 30 days while your new license is being processed.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must renew in person. You'll still pay the standard $16 in-person fee, and your new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's been expired for over a year?
Yes, but the method depends on how long it's been expired. If it's been expired for two years or less, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. If it's been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office. In either case, there is no late fee — you pay the standard renewal cost.
Do I have to pay extra to renew a Real ID license?
No. A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license to renew: $16 in person or $25 by mail or online. You only pay extra if you're upgrading from a standard license to a Real ID for the first time, and that cost is the same as a standard renewal.
What if I move out of state before my license expires?
You don't have to renew your Texas license if you move. Your Texas license remains valid until its expiration date, even if you're living in another state. However, once you move, you should get a license from your new state within the timeframe that state requires (usually 30 to 60 days). You cannot legally drive in your new state on an out-of-state license.
Is there a discount if I renew multiple years at once?
No. Texas does not offer multi-year renewals or discounts for renewing early. Each renewal, regardless of when you do it, covers five years (or two years if you're 85 or older) and costs the same amount.
Can I renew online if my address has changed?
No. If your address has changed, you must renew in person at a DPS office so you can provide proof of your new address. Bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days showing your new address.