Texas driver's license fees by license type
A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $25 if you're renewing by mail or online, or $16 if you're renewing in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. If you're getting your first license or replacing a lost one, the cost is $25 for a five-year license. A ten-year license—available only to people 85 and older—costs $25 as well.
These prices have held steady for several years. However, you may pay more if you need a duplicate license the same day you explore, add a Real ID endorsement, or request a commercial driver's license (CDL). Real ID costs an additional $5 and requires specific documents proving your identity and Texas residency. A CDL for a standard passenger vehicle runs $60 for five years, though the cost varies if you need air brake or hazmat endorsements.
If you're under 18, a minor's license costs $25 for five years. Motorcycle endorsements add $10 to any license type. The DPS does not charge a fee to correct errors on your license if the mistake was theirs—you pay only the standard renewal fee.
Key Takeaways
- A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $25 to renew by mail or online, or $16 in person at a DPS office.
- First-time licenses and replacements for lost or stolen licenses also cost $25 for five years.
- Real ID endorsement adds $5 and requires documents proving identity and Texas residency.
- Commercial driver's licenses cost $60 for five years, and motorcycle endorsements add $10 to any license type.
Where to pay and payment methods accepted
You can pay your driver's license fee at any DPS office in Texas. The DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card in person. If you're renewing by mail, you must include a check or money order—the DPS does not accept credit cards for mail renewals. Online renewals through the Texas DPS website accept debit and credit cards only.
Some DPS offices offer appointment scheduling through the DPS website, which can reduce wait times. Walk-ins are also accepted, but offices can have lines during peak hours, especially early in the month or near renewal important date. If you're mailing your renewal, include your payment and all required documents in the envelope; the DPS will not process incomplete applications.
When your license expires and renewal windows
Your Texas driver's license expiration date is printed on the front. You can renew your license up to two years before it expires—the DPS calls this the "early renewal window." Renewing early does not cost more; you still pay the standard fee, and your new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew, not from the date your old one expired.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it by mail, online, or in person. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office and may need to retake the written test and vision test. The DPS website shows your expiration date if you log into your account.
Real ID requirements and the extra $5 cost
Texas offers a Real ID-compliant driver's license, which is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. A Real ID license costs $5 more than a standard license—so $30 total for a five-year renewal, or $21 in person. You do not have to get Real ID; a standard Texas driver's license remains valid for driving within the state.
To get Real ID, you must provide documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or foreign passport with a valid visa. For residency, the DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. You can bring these documents to a DPS office when you renew, or mail them with your renewal process.
The federal government has not set a hard important date for Real ID, though it has been required for domestic flights since May 2025. If you do not have Real ID and want to fly domestically, you will need to bring a passport or other federal ID instead of your driver's license.
Replacement licenses for lost, stolen, or damaged cards
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DPS office for $25. The replacement is a standard five-year license. You do not need to retake the written or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than two years. Bring your Social Security number and proof of identity—a passport, birth certificate, or other state ID will work.
If you need your replacement the same day you explore, some DPS offices offer a same-day service for an additional fee, though not all locations provide this. Call your local DPS office to ask whether they offer same-day replacement and what the extra cost is. Otherwise, expect your replacement license to arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Commercial driver's license costs and endorsements
A commercial driver's license (CDL) in Texas costs $60 for five years. You must pass a written test and a skills test (driving test) to get a CDL, and you must be at least 18 years old to drive a commercial vehicle intrastate or 21 to drive interstate. The $60 fee covers the license itself; the DPS does not charge separately for the tests.
Endorsements—such as air brake, hazmat, or passenger—add to the cost. An air brake endorsement costs $10. A hazmat endorsement costs $10 and requires a background check and fingerprinting through the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). A passenger endorsement costs $10. If you need multiple endorsements, each one adds $10 to your total fee. Motorcycle endorsements on a standard license cost $10 and do not require a separate test if you already hold a valid driver's license.
How to renew without visiting an office
Texas allows online renewal for most drivers. You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license is not expired, you have not had a license suspension or denial, and you do not need to change your address or add Real ID. Online renewal costs $25 and takes about 7 to 10 business days. You pay by debit or credit card, and your new license arrives by mail.
Mail renewal is also an option. Send your renewal process (Form DL-43, available on the DPS website), your current license, and a check or money order to the DPS address listed on the form. Mail renewal also costs $25 and takes 7 to 10 business days. If you are changing your address, adding Real ID, or your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I live out of state?
Yes. If you live outside Texas but hold a Texas license, you can renew by mail or online. Mail renewal requires sending your process, current license, and payment to the DPS address on the renewal form. Online renewal is available through the Texas DPS website and takes 7 to 10 business days.
What if I turn 18 and need to upgrade from a minor's license?
You can renew your minor's license as a standard adult license at any time after you turn 18. The cost is $25 for a five-year license. You do not need to retake the written or vision test. Visit a DPS office, renew by mail, or renew online if you meet the online renewal requirements.
Do I have to pay the full $25 if I renew early?
Yes. Early renewal costs the same as a standard renewal—$25 for five years. Your new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired. There is no discount for renewing early.
What happens if I mail my payment but the DPS loses it?
The DPS recommends sending payment by check or money order so you have a record. If your payment is lost, you can contact the DPS to verify whether your renewal was processed. If it was not, you can resubmit your payment. Keep a copy of your process and a record of when you mailed it.
Is there a fee to change my address on my license without renewing?
You cannot change your address without renewing your license. Address changes must be made during renewal. If you need to update your address before your renewal date, you must renew your license early, which costs the standard $25 fee.