Texas driver's license renewal costs between $16 and $97, depending on whether you renew in person or by mail, and how long you want your license to last

The Texas Department of Public Safety sets these fees, and they do not change based on your age, driving record, or how many times you have renewed before. The main cost difference comes down to two choices: the length of your renewal (4 years or 8 years) and the method you use (mail, online, or in person at a DPS office).

If you renew by mail, you will pay the lowest fee. If you renew in person, the cost is higher because you are paying for the new photo and the office visit. Online renewal is not available in Texas — you can only renew by mail or in person.

Key Takeaways

  • A 4-year renewal by mail costs $16; an 8-year renewal by mail costs $32.
  • A 4-year renewal in person costs $41; an 8-year renewal in person costs $97.
  • You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you need a new photo or address change.
  • Mail renewal takes about two weeks; in-person renewal is usually same-day or within a few days.
  • You pay the fee when you submit your process, whether by mail or at the office.

Mail renewal fees: $16 or $32

If your license is current or expired less than two years, you can renew by mail. The Texas DPS will send you a renewal packet in the mail before your license expires. Inside that packet is a form, instructions, and an envelope with prepaid postage.

You fill out the form, sign it, and mail it back with a check or money order. The fee is $16 for a 4-year license or $32 for an 8-year license. You do not need to include a new photo — the DPS will use your existing photo from your current license.

Mail renewal is the cheapest option because you are not paying for a new photograph or an office visit. The tradeoff is that your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks, and you cannot choose when that happens.

In-person renewal fees: $41 or $97

If you renew at a DPS office, you will pay more because you are paying for a new photo and the cost of the office transaction. The fee is $41 for a 4-year license or $97 for an 8-year license.

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your name. You can also choose to renew in person even if you are not required to — some people prefer to get their new license the same day instead of waiting for mail.

When you go to the DPS office, bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and your fee in cash, check, or debit card. The office will take your photo, process your process, and usually hand you a temporary paper license on the spot. Your plastic license arrives by mail in one to two weeks.

How to pay your renewal fee

For mail renewal, you must pay by check or money order. Write the check to "Texas Department of Public Safety" and include it in the envelope with your process form.

For in-person renewal, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most DPS offices. A few offices may accept only certain payment methods, so call ahead if you want to be sure.

Do not send cash by mail. If you are renewing by mail and do not have a check or money order, you can go to a DPS office instead and pay in person.

When you might pay extra fees

The standard renewal fees cover a standard license renewal. You may pay additional fees if you are adding something to your license or if your process requires extra processing.

If you want to add a Real ID designation to your license (which allows you to use it for federal travel), you will pay an extra $16 on top of your renewal fee. Real ID requires additional documents — a passport, birth certificate, or other proof of citizenship — so plan to renew in person if you want it.

If your license was lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must replace it instead, which costs $25 for a 4-year license or $41 for an 8-year license. If your license was damaged but not lost, you can still renew it at the standard renewal price.

Choosing between 4 years and 8 years

Texas offers both 4-year and 8-year licenses. The 8-year license costs twice as much upfront, but you renew less often. Over time, an 8-year license may cost less per year because you are spreading the fee across more years and renewing fewer times.

If you are renewing for the first time and are unsure which length to choose, consider how often you want to deal with renewal. A 4-year license means you renew every four years; an 8-year license means you renew every eight years. Both are equally valid for driving — the only difference is how long you wait before renewing again.

What happens if you do not pay the fee

If you mail in your renewal process without the correct fee, the DPS will return your process and ask you to resubmit it with payment. Your license will continue to expire on its original date, so do not delay.

If you go to a DPS office without enough money to pay the fee, you will not be able to complete your renewal that day. You will need to return with the correct payment amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my renewal fee online?

No. Texas does not offer online renewal. You can only renew by mail (paying by check or money order) or in person (paying by cash, check, or card). If you want to pay online, you would need to go to a DPS office and pay in person.

Do I get a refund if I renew early?

No. Once you pay the renewal fee, it is not refundable. If you renew more than 30 days before your license expires, you are still charged the full fee, and your new license will be valid for the full 4 or 8 years from the date you renew.

Is the renewal fee different if I have a commercial license?

Yes. Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal fees are higher than standard license fees. A 4-year CDL renewal costs $50 in person; an 8-year CDL renewal costs $100 in person. Mail renewal is not available for CDLs — you must renew in person.

What if I renew by mail but my check bounces?

The DPS will return your process and ask you to resubmit it with a valid check or money order. Your license will remain expired until you resubmit with correct payment. If this happens, contact your local DPS office to ask about next steps.

Do military members or seniors get a discount on renewal fees?

No. The Texas DPS does not offer discounts on renewal fees based on age, military service, or other status. Everyone pays the same fee: $16 or $32 for mail renewal, $41 or $97 for in-person renewal.