What You'll Pay to Renew Your Driver's License
The cost of renewing your driver's license depends on which state you live in, what type of license you hold, and how long the renewal period is. Most states charge between $20 and $100 for a standard passenger vehicle license renewal. Some states bundle the license fee with vehicle registration or other services, which changes the total amount you owe. A few states offer reduced rates for seniors or military members.
The fee you pay covers the cost of producing the physical license card, processing your renewal process, and maintaining the state's driver records system. It does not cover testing fees if you need to retake a written or driving exam, or fees for additional services like name changes or address corrections.
Key Takeaways
- Standard driver's license renewal costs range from $20 to $100 depending on your state and the length of your renewal period.
- Some states charge different fees for different license types — commercial licenses, motorcycle endorsements, and hazmat endorsements typically cost more.
- Most states allow you to pay by credit card, debit card, check, or money order, either online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.
- Senior citizens and active military members often receive discounts in their state, sometimes reducing the renewal fee by 25 to 50 percent.
- If you renew online or by mail, you may pay a lower fee than if you renew in person, though this varies by state.
Renewal Fees by State
States set their own renewal fees, and they change periodically. The following table shows approximate current fees for a standard passenger vehicle license renewal. Check your state's DMV website for the exact amount, because fees may have increased since this was written.
| State | Standard Renewal Fee | Renewal Period |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $25 | 4 years |
| Alaska | $85 | 5 years |
| Arizona | $25 | 5 years |
| Arkansas | $21.50 | 4 years |
| California | $38 | 5 years |
| Colorado | $28.20 | 5 years |
| Connecticut | $130 | 8 years |
| Delaware | $48 | 5 years |
| Florida | $75 | 6 years |
| Georgia | $32 | 8 years |
| Hawaii | $50 | 4 years |
| Idaho | $38 | 4 years |
| Illinois | $30 | 4 years |
| Indiana | $25 | 4 years |
| Iowa | $24 | 4 years |
| Kansas | $20 | 4 years |
| Kentucky | $30 | 4 years |
| Louisiana | $35 | 4 years |
| Maine | $35 | 4 years |
| Maryland | $109 | 8 years |
| Massachusetts | $50 | 5 years |
| Michigan | $18 | 4 years |
| Minnesota | $24.75 | 4 years |
| Mississippi | $28 | 4 years |
| Missouri | $25 | 6 years |
| Montana | $39 | 4 years |
| Nebraska | $39 | 5 years |
| Nevada | $60 | 4 years |
| New Hampshire | $34 | 5 years |
| New Jersey | $24 | 4 years |
| New Mexico | $25 | 4 years |
| New York | $65 | 8 years |
| North Carolina | $30 | 8 years |
| North Dakota | $20 | 4 years |
| Ohio | $28.50 | 4 years |
| Oklahoma | $38 | 4 years |
| Oregon | $60 | 4 years |
| Pennsylvania | $35.50 | 4 years |
| Rhode Island | $75 | 5 years |
| South Carolina | $24 | 4 years |
| South Dakota | $24.50 | 4 years |
| Tennessee | $27 | 4 years |
| Texas | $33 | 4 years |
| Utah | $33 | 5 years |
| Vermont | $70 | 4 years |
| Virginia | $36 | 5 years |
| Washington | $72 | 5 years |
| West Virginia | $21.50 | 5 years |
| Wisconsin | $30 | 5 years |
| Wyoming | $20 | 4 years |
These fees are current as of early 2024, but states adjust them regularly. Before you renew, visit your state's DMV website to confirm the exact fee and check whether any discounts explore to you.
Higher Fees for Commercial and Specialty Licenses
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement, or a hazmat endorsement, your renewal fee will be higher than the standard passenger license fee. A CDL renewal typically costs $50 to $150 depending on your state and which endorsements you carry. Motorcycle endorsements add $10 to $30 to your renewal cost. Hazmat endorsements require a federal background check and cost an additional $85 to $100 in most states.
Some states charge a single combined fee for all endorsements, while others charge a base fee plus a separate fee for each endorsement. If you are unsure whether your license includes endorsements, check the front and back of your current license card — endorsements are listed as letters or codes (for example, "M" for motorcycle, "H" for hazmat).
Discounts for Seniors and Military Members
Many states offer reduced renewal fees for people age 65 and older. The discount ranges from 25 to 50 percent off the standard fee, though a few states waive the fee entirely for seniors. Active-duty military members and veterans also receive discounts in most states, typically 25 to 50 percent off.
To claim a senior or military discount, you usually need to provide proof of age or military status when you renew. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, passport, military ID, or discharge papers. Some states allow you to claim the discount online if you renew through their website; others require you to renew in person or by mail and include a copy of your proof document with your process.
Online Renewal vs. In-Person and Mail Renewal Costs
Most states charge the same renewal fee regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. However, some states offer a small discount — usually $2 to $5 — if you renew online rather than in person. A few states charge a higher fee if you renew in person at a DMV office, because the in-person service includes a new photo and additional processing time.
If you renew by mail, you may pay an additional postage or handling fee of $5 to $10, depending on your state. This fee covers the cost of mailing your renewal materials to you and processing your process. Online renewal typically has no additional fees beyond the base renewal cost, making it the cheapest option in most states.
Payment Methods and Processing Fees
Most states accept credit cards, debit cards, checks, and money orders for driver's license renewal. If you pay by credit or debit card online or by phone, some states charge a convenience fee of 2 to 3 percent of the renewal cost. This fee goes to the payment processor, not to the state, and is added to your total bill.
If you pay by check or money order by mail, there is no convenience fee. In-person payments at a DMV office usually accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card, though some offices have restrictions on which payment methods they take. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm what payment methods they accept.
What Happens If You Renew Late
If your license expires before you renew it, most states charge a late renewal fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. This penalty fee ranges from $10 to $50 depending on how long your license has been expired. Some states waive the late fee if you renew within 30 days of expiration, but others charge it when ready once your license expires.
A few states do not charge a late fee at all, but they may require you to retake the written test or vision test if your license has been expired for more than a certain period — usually one to two years. Retaking a test costs $10 to $30 and takes time, so renewing before your license expires is cheaper and faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I renew my license and then move to another state?
No. Once you pay the renewal fee and your new license is issued, the fee is not refundable. If you move to another state shortly after renewing, you will need to get a new license from your new state and pay their renewal fee. Some states allow you to transfer your license without paying a full renewal fee if you move within a certain time frame — check your new state's DMV website for details.
Do I have to pay the full renewal fee if I renew early?
Yes. Most states charge the full renewal fee regardless of whether you renew early or on your expiration date. A few states allow you to renew up to six months before your license expires without paying an extra fee, but the renewal fee itself does not change. Renewing early just means your new license will be valid for longer.
What if I need to change my name or address when I renew?
A name or address change is usually included in the renewal fee at no extra cost. However, if you change your name due to marriage or court order, some states require you to provide a certified copy of the marriage certificate or court document. If you are changing your address only, you typically just need to provide the new address on your renewal form.
Are there any states where driver's license renewal is free?
No state offers completely free renewal for all drivers. However, some states waive or significantly reduce the fee for seniors age 70 and older, and a few states offer free renewal for certain military members. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you may have access to for a waived or reduced fee.
Do I have to pay for a new photo when I renew?
The photo is included in your renewal fee. You do not pay separately for it. If you renew online or by mail in most states, your new license will use your previous photo unless you request a new one. If you renew in person at a DMV office, a new photo is taken automatically as part of the renewal process.