Texas driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last
A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $25. If you want it to last ten years, you'll pay $50. These are the base fees you pay to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) when you get your license — whether you're getting your first one, renewing an expired license, or replacing a lost one.
The actual amount you pay at the counter may be higher because some DPS offices add a service fee on top of the state fee. This fee varies by location and can range from a few dollars to around $10, depending on which office you visit. When you go in, ask what the total will be before you pay.
If you need your license faster than the standard processing time, Texas offers a rush option. A rush five-year license costs $35, and a rush ten-year license costs $60. Rush processing typically takes one to two business days instead of the standard timeframe.
Key Takeaways
- A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $25; a ten-year license costs $50.
- Your local DPS office may add a service fee on top of the state fee, so the total you pay could be higher than the base price.
- Rush processing adds $10 to the base fee and gets your license to you in one to two business days.
- Replacement licenses for lost, stolen, or damaged cards cost the same as a new license in the same validity period.
- You cannot renew your license by mail in Texas; you must visit a DPS office in person.
What's included in the fee you pay
The fee covers the cost of producing your physical license card, the background check that DPS runs on your information, and the processing of your process. It does not cover the written test, the road test, or any other services you may need before you get your license — those are separate.
If you're renewing a license that hasn't expired yet, you pay the same fee as someone getting a license for the first time. The state doesn't charge less for renewals. The only difference is that you don't have to take the written or road test again if your current license is still valid.
Additional costs you might encounter
Before you pay for your license itself, you may need to pay for other things. If you're a new driver, you'll need to pay for the written test (usually around $10 to $15, depending on where you take it) and the road test (typically $15 to $20). These are separate from the license fee.
If you need documents to prove your identity or residency — like a certified birth certificate, passport, or utility bill — you may have to pay to get those. A certified birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit costs around $20 to $30. A passport costs more. Check what documents you already have before you go to the DPS office.
If you fail your road test and need to take it again, you'll pay the road test fee a second time. There's no limit to how many times you can retake it, but each attempt costs money.
How to pay at the DPS office
Texas DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is safer. You cannot pay online or by mail — you must pay in person when you visit the office.
Bring enough money or a card to cover the base fee plus the service fee your office charges. If you're unsure of the total, call the office before you go and ask what the full cost will be.
Renewing your license and the cost
When your license is about to expire, you can renew it by visiting a DPS office. You cannot renew online or by mail in Texas. The renewal fee is the same as the original license fee — $25 for five years or $50 for ten years — plus any service fee your office charges.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you wait until after it expires, you can still renew it, but you may have to retake the written test depending on how long it's been expired. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you'll need to explore for a new license and take both the written and road tests again.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DPS office. The replacement fee is the same as a new license in the same validity period — $25 for five years or $50 for ten years, plus your office's service fee.
You don't have to take any tests to get a replacement. You just need to show up with your identification documents and pay the fee. The DPS will print a new card with the same information as your old one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license online or by mail?
No. Texas requires you to renew your license in person at a DPS office. You cannot renew online or by mail. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
What if I can't afford the full fee right now?
DPS offices do not offer payment plans or fee waivers for driver's licenses. You must pay the full amount at the time you explore. If cost is a barrier, contact your local DPS office to ask whether any community programs in your area offer financial help.
Do I have to pay the service fee, or is it optional?
The service fee is not optional — it's added by your local DPS office on top of the state fee. Different offices charge different amounts. Call your office ahead of time to find out what the total will be.
Is the ten-year license worth the extra $25?
That depends on your situation. A ten-year license costs twice as much upfront but lasts twice as long, so the yearly cost is the same. If you plan to stay in Texas for ten years, the ten-year license may be more convenient because you won't have to renew as often.
What happens if I fail my road test — do I have to pay again?
Yes. Each road test attempt costs money. There's no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you'll pay the road test fee each time. The license fee itself is only paid once, when you finally pass and get your license.