Texas driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last

A standard Texas driver's license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. If you are 85 or older, your license is free and lasts for two years. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cost more — $97 for four years or $194 for eight years — because they require additional testing and medical certification.

These are the fees charged by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). You pay them when you visit a DPS office to get your license or renew it. If you are renewing by mail or online, the fee remains the same, though you may have limited options depending on how much time is left on your current license.

The cost does not include any optional items, such as a Real ID endorsement (which costs an additional $16) or a duplicate license if you lose yours before renewal (which costs $11). Some DPS offices may charge a service fee on top of the license fee, though this varies by location.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard four-year Texas driver's license costs $16; an eight-year license costs $32.
  • Commercial driver's licenses cost $97 for four years or $194 for eight years and require a medical certificate.
  • Drivers 85 and older receive a free two-year license.
  • A Real ID endorsement adds $16 to your license fee and requires additional documents at the DPS office.
  • You pay the fee in person at a DPS office, by mail for certain renewals, or online if you renew through the DPS website.

What documents and fees you need to bring to a DPS office

When you visit a DPS office for a new license or renewal, bring your current license or ID, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). You will also need to bring payment — cash, check, or debit/credit card, depending on the office.

The DPS office will collect the license fee at the time of your visit. Some offices add a service fee of $1 to $5 on top of the state fee; this goes to the individual DPS office, not to the state. Call ahead or check the DPS website to find out whether your local office charges a service fee.

If you are getting a Real ID endorsement (which allows you to use your license for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight), you will need additional documents: a passport, passport card, birth certificate, or naturalization papers. The Real ID endorsement costs an extra $16 and is optional — a standard license works for driving and most everyday purposes.

How to renew your license without visiting an office

Texas allows online renewal for some drivers. You can renew online through the DPS website if your license is not expired, you have not had more than one license suspension in the past five years, and you do not need to change your address or add a Real ID endorsement. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal — $16 for four years or $32 for eight years — and takes about 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal is also available for certain drivers. If you meet the online renewal requirements but prefer to use the mail, you can request a renewal form from the DPS website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order. Mail renewal typically takes 15 to 20 business days.

If you do not meet the requirements for online or mail renewal, you must visit a DPS office in person. This includes anyone whose license is expired, who has had a suspension, or who needs to update their address or add a Real ID endorsement.

Additional costs for special license types

A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required if you drive a truck or bus for work. A CDL costs $97 for four years or $194 for eight years. You must pass a written test, a skills test, and a medical examination. The medical examination is performed by a certified medical examiner and costs extra — typically $50 to $150, depending on the examiner — but is separate from the DPS license fee.

A motorcycle endorsement adds $20 to your license fee if you are getting a new license, or $10 if you are renewing an existing license. You must pass a written test and a riding skills test to get the endorsement.

A duplicate license costs $11 if you lose your license before it expires and need a replacement. You can order a duplicate online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.

When your license expires and renewal important date

Your Texas driver's license expires on your birthday in the year shown on the card. If you chose a four-year license, it expires four years after you received it; if you chose eight years, it expires eight years later. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires.

If your license has expired, you cannot legally drive. You must renew it in person at a DPS office — you cannot use online or mail renewal for an expired license. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, along with payment.

There is no late fee or penalty for renewing after your license expires, but you must visit an office in person. If you are close to your expiration date, renewing early by mail or online can save you a trip.

Where to pay and accepted payment methods

You pay your license fee at the DPS office where you explore or renew. Most offices accept cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. Some offices may accept only certain payment methods, so call ahead to confirm.

If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order with your process. Do not send cash through the mail. Make the check or money order payable to the "Texas Department of Public Safety."

If you renew online, you pay with a debit or credit card on the DPS website. The payment is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

How to find your nearest DPS office and check wait times

The Texas DPS website has an office locator tool where you can search by city or ZIP code. Each office listing shows the address, phone number, and hours of operation. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm hours before you visit.

Wait times at DPS offices vary widely depending on location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or on a weekday typically means shorter waits than visiting in the afternoon or on a Friday. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling through the DPS website, which can reduce your wait time significantly.

If your local office has a long wait or limited hours, you can visit any DPS office in Texas — you do not have to go to the office in your city. Some drivers choose to visit a less busy office in a nearby town to avoid waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Texas requires proof of a valid Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, though the DPS does not accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number for a standard license. You may be able to get a license without a Social Security number only if you are a documented immigrant with a work visa; contact your local DPS office for details.

What if I lose my license before it expires?

A duplicate license costs $11 and can be ordered online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. You do not need to take a new photo or retake any tests — the DPS will issue a replacement with the same information as your original. A duplicate typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days if ordered online or by mail.

Do I have to choose between a four-year and eight-year license?

Yes. When you renew, you must choose one or the other. The four-year license costs half as much ($16 versus $32), so if you are not sure you will stay in Texas or want to update your photo sooner, the four-year option may be better. The eight-year license is cheaper per year and means fewer trips to the DPS office.

Is a Real ID required to drive in Texas?

No. A Real ID endorsement is only required if you want to use your driver's license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. For driving, a standard Texas license is sufficient. The Real ID endorsement costs an extra $16 and requires additional documents like a passport or birth certificate.

Can I renew my license online if I changed my address?

No. Online renewal is only available if you are not changing your address. If you moved, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease. Bring your current license, proof of residency at your new address, and proof of Social Security number.