Texas driver's license renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license
The fee you pay depends on which renewal period you choose. A four-year license costs $16 and is the standard option for most drivers. An eight-year license costs $32 and is available to drivers aged 18 to 84. Drivers 85 and older can renew for $16 and receive a four-year license regardless of preference.
These are the only fees charged by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for a standard renewal. If you renew online or by mail, you pay only the license fee—there are no additional processing charges. If you renew in person at a DPS office, the fee remains the same.
The fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license to you. You do not pay extra for shipping or handling when you renew through any method.
Key Takeaways
- A four-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $16, and an eight-year renewal costs $32.
- Drivers aged 85 and older pay $16 for a four-year license only, regardless of which option they select.
- The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
- You do not pay separate fees for mailing, processing, or handling when you renew your license.
When you must pay the renewal fee
You pay the renewal fee at the time you submit your renewal request, not when you receive your license in the mail. If you renew online through the Texas DPS website, you pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check at the moment you complete your process. If you renew by mail, you include a check or money order with your process packet.
If you renew in person at a DPS office, you pay the fee when you hand in your documents and have your photo taken. The office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Payment is required before your process is processed.
Do not send cash by mail. If you are renewing by mail, use a check or money order only.
Renewal methods and what each costs
| Renewal Method | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online (DPS website) | $16 (4-year) or $32 (8-year) | 7–10 business days |
| By mail | $16 (4-year) or $32 (8-year) | 2–3 weeks |
| In person at DPS office | $16 (4-year) or $32 (8-year) | Same day (temporary license issued) |
Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you are renewing a standard license and do not need a new photo. You can renew online at any time, including nights and weekends, and you receive your new license within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to a DPS office. You read the process form from the DPS website, fill it out, include your payment, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DPS receives your packet.
In-person renewal at a DPS office is necessary if you need a new photo, are changing your address, or are renewing a commercial driver's license. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Who qualifies for online or mail renewal
Not every driver can renew online or by mail. You are may be able to access for online or mail renewal only if all of the following are true: your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no address changes to report, you do not need a new photo, and you are not renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL).
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. If you are changing your address, need a new photo, or hold a CDL, you must also renew in person. The fee remains $16 or $32 depending on the license length you choose.
If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements for online or mail renewal, you can check your may be able to access on the Texas DPS website before you begin the process.
What happens if you renew late
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must go to a DPS office in person and pay the standard $16 or $32 renewal fee. You will also need to pass a vision test and may be required to retake the written test, depending on how long your license has been expired.
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Texas. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited and fined. The fine for driving with an expired license is separate from the cost of renewing your license.
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still renew online or by mail at the standard fee. There is no penalty fee for renewing a license that is expired but within the two-year window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the full renewal fee if I lost my license?
No. If your license was lost or stolen, you pay a replacement fee of $11 instead of the renewal fee. You must report the loss to DPS and request a replacement at a DPS office in person. The replacement license is valid for the remainder of your original license's expiration date.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind about the eight-year license?
No. Once you have paid the renewal fee and submitted your process, the fee is not refundable. If you selected an eight-year license and later wish you had chosen four years, you would need to renew again and pay the full fee a second time.
What if I renew my license but it arrives damaged in the mail?
Contact the Texas DPS and report the damage. DPS will send you a replacement license at no additional charge. Keep the damaged license and any mailing materials until DPS confirms receipt of your report.
Is there an extra fee if I renew my license before the expiration date?
No. You pay the same $16 or $32 fee whether you renew early or wait until your license is about to expire. Renewing early does not cost more and does not extend your total license validity beyond the four or eight years from your renewal date.