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 cost is $11 for a four-year license. These are the base fees charged by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) when you pass your road test and receive your license.
The total amount you pay at the DPS office may be higher than the license fee alone. You may also pay a fee to take the written test (if required), a road test fee, or a fee to replace a lost or damaged license. Some DPS offices accept payment by card or check, while others require cash.
If you renew your license by mail or online instead of in person, the fee structure is the same, but you avoid a trip to the office. Renewal by mail is available if your license is not suspended and you meet other DPS requirements.
Key Takeaways
- A standard four-year Texas driver's license costs $16; an eight-year license costs $32.
- Drivers under 18 pay $11 for a four-year license, which must be renewed when they turn 18.
- The total fee at the DPS office may include test fees, road test fees, or other charges in addition to the license fee itself.
- You can renew your license by mail or online for the same fee, without visiting an office in person.
Written test and road test fees
If you are taking your written test for the first time, the DPS charges a separate fee. The written test fee is $10. You pay this fee when you sit for the test at a DPS office or an approved testing location.
The road test fee is $7. You pay this when you schedule and take your road test with a DPS examiner. If you fail the road test, you must pay the $7 fee again to retake it.
These test fees are in addition to the license fee itself. So a first-time driver who passes both the written and road tests will pay $10 (written test) + $7 (road test) + $16 (four-year license) = $33 total, before any other charges.
Replacement and duplicate license fees
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement or duplicate at a DPS office. A replacement license costs $11. A duplicate (an extra copy of your current license) also costs $11.
You can request a replacement or duplicate in person at any DPS office. Some offices allow you to request one by mail, though this takes longer. You will need to bring proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a new license.
Commercial driver's license (CDL) fees
A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more than a standard license because it allows you to drive large trucks or buses for work. A four-year CDL costs $50; an eight-year CDL costs $100.
You must also pay for a CDL written test ($10) and a CDL road test ($7), the same as for a standard license. Some CDL applicants must also pay for a medical certificate exam, which is not a DPS fee but a cost you cover separately with a doctor or clinic.
CDL renewal follows the same fee structure as initial issuance. If you downgrade from a CDL to a standard license, you pay the standard license fee ($16 or $32) and do not pay the CDL rate.
Endorsement and restriction fees
An endorsement is a special permission added to your license — for example, a motorcycle endorsement or a hazmat endorsement for commercial drivers. Adding an endorsement costs $10.
A restriction is a limitation on your driving — for example, corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only. Restrictions are noted on your license at no extra charge when you first receive it. If you need to add or remove a restriction later, you may need to visit a DPS office, and some changes carry a small fee.
Payment methods and where to pay
Texas DPS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most locations. Some offices may have different payment options, so call ahead if you have a preference. You can find the DPS office nearest you on the Texas DPS website.
If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order with your process. If you renew online through the Texas DPS website, you can pay by debit or credit card. Online renewal is available only if your license is not suspended and you meet other requirements.
Discounts and fee waivers
Texas does not offer discounts on driver's license fees based on age, income, or other factors. The fee is the same for all applicants in the same category (standard, CDL, under 18, etc.).
If you believe you have a hardship that prevents you from paying the fee, contact your local DPS office to ask about options. Some offices may work with you on payment timing, but this is not may provide and varies by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my license fee online before I go to the DPS office?
No. You pay the fee at the DPS office when you explore or take your test. If you renew by mail or online, you pay when you submit your renewal process. You cannot prepay fees online for in-person visits.
Do I have to pay the full license fee if I only want to renew my endorsements?
No. If you are only adding or renewing an endorsement without renewing your license itself, you pay the endorsement fee ($10) but not the full license fee. However, if your license is expiring soon, it is usually cheaper to renew the whole license at once.
What happens if I fail my road test — do I have to pay the fee again?
Yes. The road test fee ($7) applies each time you take the test. If you fail and retake it, you pay $7 again. You do not pay the written test fee again unless you failed that test too.
Is there a fee to change my address on my license?
No. You can update your address at a DPS office, by mail, or online at no charge. You do not need to pay a fee unless you are also renewing your license or requesting a replacement.
Do military members or veterans get a discount on their license fee?
Texas does not offer a military or veteran discount on driver's license fees. All applicants pay the same fee based on license type and duration. Some other states offer discounts, but Texas does not.