Texas Driver's License Fees: What You'll Pay for Each Type and Renewal

Texas driver's license fees depend on the license type, how long you want it valid, and whether you're renewing or getting one for the first time

A standard Texas driver's license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. If you're under 21, the fee is $10 for a four-year license. An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), which lets you cross into Mexico and Canada by land without a passport, costs $32 for four years or $64 for eight years. These are the base fees charged by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). If you renew by mail or online, you pay only the license fee itself. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you may also pay a $5 service fee, though this is waived if you renew online or by mail.

First-time applicants pay the license fee plus a $20 process fee, which covers the background check and processing. If you need a duplicate license (because yours was lost or stolen), the fee is $11. Replacement licenses issued due to name change cost $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, with no separate process fee. Correcting information on your license—such as address or medical conditions—costs $11 if done in person, but is free if you update your address online through the Texas DPS website.

Key Takeaways

A standard four-year Texas driver's license costs $16; an eight-year license costs $32.
First-time applicants pay an additional $20 process fee on top of the license fee.
Renewing online or by mail saves you the $5 in-person service fee and is available if your license is not suspended and you meet other may be able to access requirements.
An Enhanced Driver's License costs twice as much as a standard license but allows land border crossing into Mexico and Canada without a passport.
Duplicate licenses, address corrections, and name-change replacements each have their own separate fees ranging from $11 to $32.

Fees for first-time applicants and new licenses

When you get your first Texas driver's license, you pay two separate charges: the $20 process fee and the license fee itself. The process fee covers the DPS processing, background check, and issuance. The license fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Applicants under 21 pay $10 instead of $16 for the four-year option. You cannot avoid the process fee by renewing early or choosing a shorter validity period—it applies to all first-time licenses.

If you are getting your first license after turning 18 or older, you still pay the full process fee. There is no reduced rate for adult first-time applicants. You must explore in person at a DPS office; you cannot explore by mail or online for an initial license. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence in the United States. The DPS website lists all required documents by category.

Renewal fees and how to save money

Renewing a standard Texas driver's license costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. If you renew in person at a DPS office, add a $5 service fee. If you renew online or by mail, you pay only the license fee—no service fee. Online renewal is the cheapest option and takes about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is when ready but costs more.

You are may be able to access to renew online or by mail if your license is not suspended, you have not had a name change since your last license, and your license is not expired by more than two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test. If you renew early—up to 12 months before expiration—the new license validity period starts from your current expiration date, not from the renewal date, so you do not lose time on your license.

Enhanced Driver's License and specialty license costs

An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) is a standard driver's license with added security features that allows you to enter the United States from Mexico or Canada by land without a passport. The EDL costs $32 for four years or $64 for eight years. Applicants under 21 pay $22 for four years. You must explore in person; there is no online or mail option for EDL. The process fee is the same $20 charged for any first-time license, so a first-time EDL costs $52 (four-year) or $84 (eight-year) total.

Texas does not issue a separate Real ID license. Instead, all standard driver's licenses issued after January 22, 2018, are Real ID-compliant by default. You do not pay extra for Real ID compliance. If you need to verify that your license is Real ID-compliant, look for a gold star in the upper right corner of your license. If your license does not have the star and was issued before 2018, you can renew it to get a Real ID-compliant version at the standard renewal fee.

Duplicate and replacement license fees

A duplicate license—issued when your license is lost, stolen, or damaged—costs $11. You can order a duplicate online through the Texas DPS website, by mail, or in person. Online ordering takes about 7 to 10 business days. Mail takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person issuance is when ready but costs the same $11 fee. You do not need to retake any tests for a duplicate; the DPS straightforward prints a new card with the same information and a new card number.

If you need a replacement license due to a name change (marriage, divorce, or legal name change), the fee is $16 for four years or $32 for eight years—the same as a renewal. You must explore in person and bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. There is no separate process fee for a name-change replacement. If you are also changing your address at the same time, the address change is included at no extra cost.

Address changes and corrections

Updating your address on your Texas driver's license is free if you do it online through the Texas DPS website. You can update your address without renewing your license; the DPS will mail you a new card with the updated address at no cost. Online address changes take about 7 to 10 business days. If you update your address in person at a DPS office, the fee is $11. Updating your address by mail costs $11 as well.

Correcting other information on your license—such as gender marker, medical conditions, or organ donor status—also costs $11 if done in person or by mail, but is free online. You cannot correct your name online; name changes require an in-person visit and a replacement license fee. If you discover an error on your license that the DPS made (not an error you reported), contact the DPS to request a correction; some corrections are issued at no cost if the error was the DPS's responsibility.

Payment methods and where to pay

The Texas DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at DPS offices. Online renewals and address changes must be paid by debit or credit card. Mail renewals can be paid by check or money order; include the payment with your process materials. Some DPS offices may accept additional payment methods, so call ahead if you have a preference. There is no additional fee for paying by card versus cash.

You pay fees directly to the Texas DPS, not to a third-party vendor or service. If you use a DPS-authorized third-party vendor (such as a county tax assessor's office that processes licenses), you pay the same DPS fees; the vendor does not add a surcharge. Some vendors may charge a separate service fee for their own processing, so ask before you explore. The DPS website lists all authorized vendors by county.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the $5 service fee if I renew in person?

Yes, the $5 service fee applies to all in-person renewals at a DPS office. You avoid this fee by renewing online or by mail. Online renewal costs only the license fee ($16 or $32) and takes 7 to 10 business days.

What if my license has been expired for more than two years?

You must renew in person and will likely need to retake the written test and vision test. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is expired by more than two years. Contact your local DPS office to schedule an appointment and confirm what documents you need to bring.

Is there a fee to change my address without renewing my license?

No, changing your address online is free. If you change your address in person or by mail, the fee is $11. The DPS will mail you a new card with the updated address at no cost when you update online.

Can I get an Enhanced Driver's License by mail or online?

No, you must explore for an Enhanced Driver's License in person at a DPS office. Standard driver's licenses can be renewed online or by mail, but EDL requires an in-person visit and additional identity verification.

What is the difference between a duplicate license and a replacement license?

A duplicate is issued when your license is lost, stolen, or damaged and costs $11. A replacement is issued for a name change and costs $16 (four years) or $32 (eight years). Both are new cards, but replacements reflect updated information while duplicates are exact copies of your current license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.