Texas driver's license fees by document type

Texas charges different fees depending on which document you're getting and how long you want it to last. A standard driver's license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. If you want a Real ID-compliant license — which you'll need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025 — add $16 to either price, making it $32 for four years or $48 for eight years.

A Texas identification card (ID card), which is not a driver's license but serves as proof of identity, costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. Real ID ID cards cost the same as Real ID driver's licenses: $32 for four years or $48 for eight years.

If you're renewing by mail or online, the fee is the same as renewing in person. If you need to replace a lost or stolen license, you'll pay the standard fee for whichever type of document you want.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard four-year Texas driver's license costs $16; an eight-year license costs $32.
  • Real ID driver's licenses cost $32 for four years or $48 for eight years, and are required for domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.
  • Texas ID cards cost the same as driver's licenses but do not permit you to drive.
  • Replacement licenses for lost or stolen documents cost the same as a new license of that type.
  • You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Texas DPS office, and the fee does not change based on method.

When you need to pay the full fee versus a renewal fee

Texas does not charge a separate "renewal fee" that is lower than the fee for a new license. When your license expires, you pay the same amount you would pay for a new one. The difference is in what documents you bring and what the DPS office does with your process.

If you renew before your license expires, you pay the standard fee. If you renew after it has expired, you still pay the standard fee — there is no penalty or late fee added. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, the DPS may require you to retake the written test and vision test, even though you are renewing rather than getting a first license.

If you lose your license and need a replacement, you pay the same fee as a renewal. If you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license, you may be able to do so by mail or online for the standard fee, depending on what changed.

Real ID fees and what Real ID covers

A Real ID is a driver's license or ID card that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID to board a domestic airplane or enter certain federal buildings, military bases, and nuclear power plants. A Texas Real ID driver's license costs $32 for four years or $48 for eight years — that is $16 more than a standard license.

To get a Real ID, you must bring documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency. The DPS website lists which documents are acceptable — for example, a birth certificate or passport for identity, a Social Security card or tax return for your SSN, and a utility bill or lease for residency. You cannot get a Real ID by mail; you must explore in person at a DPS office.

If you already have a standard driver's license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so when you renew or at any time before the May 2025 important date. You will pay the Real ID fee, not the standard fee, but you do not have to wait for your current license to expire.

Commercial driver's license and motorcycle endorsement fees

If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL) to operate a truck or bus, the fee structure is different. A CDL costs $60 for a four-year license or $120 for an eight-year license. A Real ID CDL costs $76 for four years or $136 for eight years.

If you want to add a motorcycle endorsement to a standard driver's license, the endorsement itself costs $20. If you are getting a new license and adding a motorcycle endorsement at the same time, you pay both the license fee and the endorsement fee.

Duplicate license and correction fees

If you need a duplicate of your current license — for example, because you want a backup copy — Texas charges $10 for a duplicate. This is less than the cost of a replacement, because a duplicate is an exact copy of your existing license and does not require a new photo or process.

If you need to correct information on your license — such as fixing a misspelled name — the DPS may charge a correction fee depending on the type of error and whether it was the DPS's mistake or yours. Contact your local DPS office or check the DPS website to confirm the fee for your specific situation.

Payment methods and where to pay

Texas DPS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you renew online through the DPS website, you can pay with a debit or credit card. If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order — do not send cash.

You can pay your fee at any Texas DPS office when you explore in person. Some offices may have different hours or may require you to make an appointment, so check the DPS website for your local office's hours and policies before you go.

Fee waivers and discounts

Texas does not offer fee waivers for driver's licenses based on income or hardship. The fee is the same for everyone, regardless of age or financial situation.

Some Texas counties or cities may offer discounts or information programs for specific groups — for example, seniors or people with disabilities — but these are not run by the DPS and are not may provide. Contact your local county clerk's office or city government to ask whether any information is available in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the Real ID fee if I don't fly or go to federal buildings?

No. You can keep a standard driver's license if you do not need Real ID. However, if you want to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025, you will need either a Real ID or a passport. A standard license will no longer work for those purposes.

What if I renew my license online and then change my mind about Real ID?

If you renew online, you must choose at the time of renewal whether you want a standard or Real ID license. You cannot change your choice after you have paid. If you need to switch, you would have to explore for a new license in person at a DPS office and pay the fee again.

Is there a fee to change my address on my license?

If you change your address and your license is not expiring soon, you can update your address by mail or online for the standard renewal fee. If you want to update your address in person at a DPS office without renewing, there is typically no separate fee, but policies vary by office — call ahead to confirm.

Can I get a refund if I don't use my license?

No. Once you have paid for a driver's license, the fee is not refundable, even if you do not use the license or if you move out of state before it expires.