What you'll pay for a Texas driver license

A standard five-year driver license in Texas costs $25 as of 2024. If you want an eight-year license instead, you'll pay $40. These are the base fees the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) charges when you renew or get your first license.

The actual amount you pay at the counter may be higher because DPS adds a $5 technology fee to every license transaction. This means a five-year license typically costs $30 total, and an eight-year license costs $45 total. Some driver license offices also charge a small service fee if you're paying by credit card or debit card — usually $1 to $3 — but this varies by location.

If you're replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license, you'll pay the same base fee as a renewal, plus the technology fee. Getting a duplicate or corrected license costs the same as getting a new one.

Key Takeaways

  • A five-year Texas driver license costs $25 plus a $5 technology fee, totaling $30 at most offices.
  • An eight-year license costs $40 plus the $5 technology fee, totaling $45.
  • Replacement licenses for lost, stolen, or damaged cards cost the same as a renewal.
  • Some driver license offices charge an additional $1 to $3 service fee if you pay by card, depending on location.
  • Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) have different fees that vary based on the type and number of endorsements you need.

Why the eight-year license costs more

Texas offers two license lengths because different drivers have different needs. The five-year license is cheaper upfront and works well if you expect your address, name, or other information to change soon. The eight-year license costs more but means you renew less often — only once every eight years instead of every five.

Neither license is "better" than the other; it depends on your situation. If you plan to stay in the same place and keep the same information for a while, the eight-year license saves you a trip to the driver license office in three years. If you're likely to move or change your name, the five-year license means you'll be renewing anyway, so you might as well pay less now.

Commercial driver license fees

If you need a commercial driver license (CDL) to drive a truck, bus, or other commercial vehicle, the fees are different. A five-year CDL costs $60, and an eight-year CDL costs $100. Both include the $5 technology fee.

CDL fees can go higher if you add endorsements — these are special qualifications for hauling hazardous materials, driving a school bus, or operating other specialized vehicles. Each endorsement adds $10 to your license fee. If you need multiple endorsements, the cost adds up quickly.

When you pay and how to pay

You pay the license fee when you complete your transaction at a Texas driver license office. Most offices take cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some locations also accept checks, but this varies — call ahead if you plan to pay by check.

If you're renewing by mail (available in some cases), you'll need to include payment with your process. The DPS website shows which renewal types can be done by mail and which require an in-person visit. Payment by mail must be by check or money order; you cannot pay by card through the mail.

Online renewal is not available for driver licenses in Texas, even though some other states offer it. You must either go to a driver license office in person or use the mail option if you're may be able to access.

Additional costs you might encounter

The license fee itself is straightforward, but other costs can add up depending on your situation. If you need to take the written test or road test, there are separate fees for those — the written test costs $10 and the road test costs $10. These are in addition to the license fee.

If you need a corrected license because DPS made an error on your original one, you don't pay again — the correction is free. However, if you need to change information because you got married, divorced, or changed your name, you'll need to bring the proper documents and may need to pay for a new license if your current one isn't close to expiring.

Some people also pay for REAL ID-compliant licenses, which cost the same as a standard license but require additional documents to prove your identity and residency. The fee is the same; the difference is in what you bring to the office.

How to find the exact fee at your local office

While the base fees are set by the state, a few driver license offices in Texas add their own local service fees. The best way to know the exact amount you'll pay is to call the office where you plan to go or check the DPS website for your county.

The Texas DPS website has a driver license office locator tool that shows hours, location, and sometimes fee information for offices near you. You can also call the DPS customer service line at 1-888-589-6556 to ask about fees at a specific location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my license fee online before I go to the office?

No. Texas does not allow you to pay the license fee online in advance. You must pay in person at the driver license office or by mail if you're renewing by mail. Payment is due when you complete your transaction.

Do I have to pay the technology fee?

Yes. The $5 technology fee is added to every driver license transaction in Texas. It is not optional and applies whether you're getting your first license, renewing, or replacing a lost license.

What if I can't afford the license fee right now?

Texas does not offer payment plans or fee waivers for driver licenses based on income. The fee must be paid in full at the time of your transaction. If cost is a barrier, contact your local DPS office to discuss your situation.

Is the fee the same if I renew early?

Yes. Whether you renew early or wait until your license expires, you pay the same base fee. Early renewal does not cost more or less — you straightforward get a new license with a new expiration date.

Do I pay a fee to take the written test or road test?

Yes. The written test costs $10 and the road test costs $10. These are separate from the license fee. You pay the test fee when you take the test, and the license fee when you pick up your license.