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 under 18, the fee is $11 for a four-year license. These are the base fees charged by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) when you renew or get your first license. Additional fees explore if you need a replacement card, a duplicate, or if you are upgrading your license type — for example, adding a commercial endorsement or a motorcycle endorsement.

The total cost you pay at the DPS office may be higher than the license fee alone. Many driver's license offices charge a service fee on top of the state fee, and this varies by location. Some offices charge $5 to $10 extra, while others may charge more. You will also pay separately if you need a new photo or if you are taking a written test or road test as part of the licensing process.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard four-year Texas driver's license costs $16; an eight-year license costs $32.
  • Teenagers under 18 pay $11 for a four-year license instead of the adult rate.
  • Your local DPS office may add a service fee of $5 to $10 or more on top of the state fee.
  • Replacement cards, duplicates, and license upgrades (such as adding a motorcycle endorsement) each carry their own separate fees.
  • Written tests and road tests are not included in the license fee and cost extra.

Breakdown of common Texas driver's license fees

Beyond the base license fee, you may encounter other charges depending on your situation. A replacement license (if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged) costs $11. A duplicate license (an extra copy of your current license) also costs $11. If you need a new photo because your appearance has changed significantly or your current photo is damaged, that is an additional $5.

If you want to add a motorcycle endorsement to your license, the fee is $10. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more: $60 for a four-year license or $120 for an eight-year license. If you are adding a hazmat endorsement to a CDL, that is another $15. Renewal fees are the same as initial license fees, so you will pay $16 or $32 depending on the length you choose.

Some DPS offices also charge a document handling fee or service fee that is separate from the state fee. This fee goes to the local office, not to the state, and ranges from about $5 to $15 depending on which office you visit. Call your local DPS office before you go to find out what service fee, if any, they charge.

What is included in the license fee and what costs extra

The license fee covers the card itself and the processing of your process. It does not cover the written test, the road test, or a new photograph if you need one. If you are taking your written test for the first time, there is no separate fee — the test is free. However, if you fail the written test and need to retake it, you may have to pay a retest fee of around $5 to $10, depending on your local office.

The road test is also free the first time you take it. If you fail and need to retake it, some offices charge a retest fee of $5 to $10. A new photograph costs $5 if you request one. If you need your license renewed early — for example, because you changed your name or address — you will pay the full renewal fee, not a reduced amount.

How to pay and what payment methods are accepted

Most Texas DPS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices may accept only certain payment methods, so call ahead to confirm. You cannot pay online for a license fee; you must pay in person at a DPS office or at an authorized license service center.

If you are renewing your license by mail (available in some cases), you will need to include a check or money order with your process. Do not send cash through the mail. The DPS will not process your renewal until payment is received.

Senior driver license renewals and reduced fees

Texas offers a five-year license for drivers age 85 and older, which costs $16. This is shorter than the standard eight-year license but costs the same as a four-year license. Drivers in this age group must renew more frequently, but the fee structure does not change based on age alone.

There are no income-based discounts or fee waivers for driver's licenses in Texas. Military members on active duty may be able to renew by mail without visiting an office, but the fee remains the same. If you have a disability and need accommodations during your visit to the DPS office, those accommodations are provided at no extra cost.

License service centers and whether they charge different fees

Texas allows private businesses called license service centers to issue driver's licenses on behalf of the DPS. These centers charge the same state fee as DPS offices — $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license — but they often add a convenience fee on top. This fee can range from $10 to $25 or more, depending on the center.

Using a license service center is faster than going to a DPS office in many cases, especially if your local DPS office has long wait times. However, you will pay extra for that convenience. If you want to avoid the additional fee, you can go directly to a DPS office instead. Not all services are available at every license service center, so check their website or call before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver's license without paying the full fee?

No. Texas does not offer fee reductions or waivers based on income or hardship. You must pay the full state fee plus any local service fee. The only variation is the age-based fee for drivers under 18, who pay $11 instead of $16 for a four-year license.

What happens if I renew my license early?

You will pay the full renewal fee, not a prorated amount. There is no discount for renewing before your current license expires. However, renewing early can be useful if you need a new photo or if your address or name has changed.

Do I have to pay for a written test or road test?

No. Your first written test and first road test are free. If you fail and need to retake either test, some DPS offices charge a retest fee of $5 to $10. Call your local office to ask about their retest policy.

Is there a difference in cost between renewing at a DPS office and a license service center?

The state fee is the same at both, but license service centers typically charge an additional convenience fee of $10 to $25 or more. DPS offices do not charge this extra fee, though some may charge a smaller local service fee. Going to a DPS office is usually cheaper.

What if I need to replace a lost or stolen license?

A replacement license costs $11. You will also pay any local service fee charged by your DPS office or license service center. Bring a police report if your license was stolen, though it is not always required.