Texas drivers license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid

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, a five-year license costs $16. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cost more: $20 for four years or $40 for eight years. These are the base fees charged by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Some counties add a local fee on top of the state fee, typically between $2 and $10, so your total cost varies by where you renew.

You pay the fee when you visit a DPS office or an authorized county tax assessor-collector to renew, replace, or obtain your license. The fee covers the cost of producing the card and processing your process. If you renew online through the Texas DPS website, you still pay the same state fee, though you may avoid county fees depending on your county's rules.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard four-year Texas driver's license costs $16 at the state level, and an eight-year license costs $32.
  • Your county may add a local fee of $2 to $10 on top of the state fee, so call ahead to learn your total cost.
  • Commercial driver's licenses cost $20 for four years or $40 for eight years, plus any county fees.
  • You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if you meet the requirements, which may let you avoid county fees.

Where to pay and what documents you need

You can pay your driver's license fee at any Texas DPS office or at your county tax assessor-collector's office. Both locations accept the same fee and process the same process. DPS offices are typically in larger cities; tax assessor-collector offices are in every county seat and often in smaller towns. You can find the nearest office and check hours on the Texas DPS website.

Bring your current license or ID, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing by mail or online, you will not need to visit an office, but you must meet the renewal requirements: your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must not have certain medical conditions that require in-person testing, and you must not have had a name change since your last license.

Online renewal and when you must visit in person

Texas allows online renewal for many drivers, which means you do not have to visit an office. You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no address changes, and you have no medical conditions that require a vision test or doctor's certification. The online fee is the same as the in-person fee.

You must visit an office in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, you need to change your address, you are renewing a CDL, you are under 18, you have a medical condition that requires testing, or you are renewing for the first time after moving to Texas. If you are unsure whether you can renew online, the Texas DPS website has a tool that checks your status before you start the process.

Replacement fees for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it for $11 at the state level. This is less than the cost of a full renewal. You must visit a DPS office or tax assessor-collector in person to replace a license; online replacement is not available. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number, just as you would for a renewal.

A replacement license is valid for the remainder of your current license's expiration date. For example, if your license was set to expire in three years and you replace it after one year, the replacement license will also expire in two years. You do not pay for a new expiration date when you replace a license.

Fees for name changes and address updates

If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update your driver's license. A name change costs $11 and requires an in-person visit to a DPS office or tax assessor-collector. Bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency.

An address change alone does not cost extra if you renew your license at the same time. However, if you want to change your address without renewing your license, you can do so online for free through the Texas DPS website, or you can visit an office in person at no charge. You cannot change your address by mail.

Duplicate licenses and correcting errors

A duplicate license is a second copy of your current valid license with the same expiration date. It costs $11 and is useful if you want a backup or need to carry one while traveling. You can order a duplicate online through the Texas DPS website for $11, and it will be mailed to you. You can also visit an office in person to request a duplicate.

If there is an error on your license—such as a misspelled name, wrong address, or incorrect date of birth—you can correct it for free if you catch it before you leave the DPS office or tax assessor-collector's office on the day you renew or replace your license. If you discover an error later, you must visit an office in person to correct it, and the correction is free if the error was made by the DPS. If the error was caused by information you provided, you may be charged a replacement fee.

Senior licenses and reduced fees for drivers 85 and older

Texas offers a reduced-fee license for drivers 85 and older. This license is valid for five years and costs $16, the same price as a four-year standard license. To get a senior license, you must visit a DPS office or tax assessor-collector in person and bring your current license, proof of age, and proof of residency.

Senior licenses have the same driving privileges as standard licenses. You do not have to renew as often, which can save you money and trips to the office over time. If you turn 85 before your current license expires, you can renew early as a senior license without penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my driver's license fee online without visiting an office?

You can renew your license entirely online if you meet the requirements, and you pay the fee as part of the online process. However, if you need to replace a lost license, change your name, or handle other transactions, you must visit an office in person and pay the fee there.

Does my county add a fee on top of the state fee?

Most Texas counties add a local fee between $2 and $10. Contact your county tax assessor-collector's office or check the Texas DPS website to find out what your county charges. The total fee varies by location.

What if I renew my license but it arrives with an error?

If the error was made by the DPS, you can get a corrected license for free by visiting an office in person. Bring your incorrect license and proof of what the correct information should be. If the error was caused by information you provided, you may be charged a replacement fee.

Is a senior license cheaper than a standard license?

A five-year senior license costs $16, the same as a four-year standard license. Over time, seniors save money because they renew less often. If you are 85 or older, the senior license is the better value.

Can I get a refund if I paid the wrong fee?

Contact the Texas DPS or your county tax assessor-collector's office when ready if you were charged incorrectly. Bring your receipt and license. The office can issue a refund or credit for overpayment, though the process varies by location.