Texas driver's license renewal costs $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license
The Texas Department of Public Safety charges a flat renewal fee with no variation based on age, driving record, or county. You choose the length when you renew: five years costs $25, and eight years costs $50. If you renew online or by mail, you pay only the license fee. If you renew in person at a DPS office, some offices charge a small additional service fee, though most do not — call ahead to confirm.
The renewal fee itself does not change. What changes is whether you need to add costs for other documents or services. If you need a new photo, a name change, or an address correction, those are included in the renewal fee. If you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, you may owe a reinstatement fee on top of the renewal fee, and that fee varies by the reason for suspension.
You cannot renew a license that has been suspended or revoked. You must clear the suspension or revocation first, pay any reinstatement fee the state requires, and then renew the license itself.
Key Takeaways
- A five-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $25; an eight-year renewal costs $50, and you choose which length when you renew.
- Online and mail renewal cost only the license fee; some in-person DPS offices charge a small service fee on top, so call your local office first.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you must pay a reinstatement fee before you can renew, and that fee depends on why the suspension happened.
- A new photo, name change, or address correction are all included in the renewal fee and do not cost extra.
How to pay when you renew online or by mail
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-checks. You pay the $25 or $50 license fee only — no service fee. The transaction is processed when ready, and your new license ships to your address within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal requires a check or money order for the license fee, made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Mail your renewal process and payment to the address listed on the DPS website. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date DPS receives your envelope, so mail early if your license expires soon.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
When you renew in person, you bring cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Most DPS offices charge only the $25 or $50 license fee. However, some offices in high-traffic areas charge a $5 to $10 service fee on top of the license fee. Call your local DPS office before you go to confirm whether they charge a service fee.
In-person renewal is fastest: you walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, and your plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If your license expires before you can renew in person, you can still drive legally on an expired license for up to 60 days after expiration, though you cannot renew online or by mail once it has expired — you must go in person.
Extra costs if your license was suspended or revoked
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first clear the suspension or revocation by paying a reinstatement fee to the Texas DPS. The reinstatement fee depends on why the suspension happened.
A suspension for unpaid traffic fines or child support arrears costs $100 to reinstate. A suspension for a drug conviction costs $100. A suspension for driving without insurance costs $100. A suspension for too many points on your driving record costs $100. A revocation for a DWI or felony conviction costs $125 to reinstate. Once you pay the reinstatement fee and the suspension or revocation is cleared, you can then renew your license by paying the standard $25 or $50 renewal fee.
You can pay a reinstatement fee online through the Texas DPS website, by phone at 1-888-589-6900, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Once the fee is processed and the suspension is lifted, you receive written confirmation. You then have 60 days to renew your license before it expires.
Costs for a replacement license instead of renewal
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you order a replacement rather than a renewal. A replacement costs $25 and does not extend your expiration date — it keeps the same expiration as your current license. You can order a replacement online, by mail, or in person.
If you need a replacement and your license has also expired, you must renew at the same time. In that case, you pay both the $25 replacement fee and the $25 or $50 renewal fee, for a total of $50 to $75 depending on which renewal length you choose.
Costs if you need a Real ID or a commercial license
A standard Texas driver's license renewal costs $25 or $50. A Real ID-compliant license costs the same — there is no extra fee. However, Real ID requires you to bring original documents to prove your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency. You cannot renew Real ID online or by mail; you must go in person to a DPS office.
A commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal costs more. A five-year CDL renewal costs $75, and an eight-year CDL renewal costs $120. You must renew a CDL in person at a DPS office and pass a knowledge test and skills test unless you meet certain exemptions. If you hold both a standard license and a CDL, you renew them separately and pay both fees.
What happens if you renew late
If your license expires and you do not renew within 60 days, you cannot legally drive. You must renew in person at a DPS office — online and mail renewal are not available for licenses expired more than 60 days. The renewal fee remains $25 or $50; there is no late fee or penalty added by the DPS.
However, if you drive with an expired license, you can be cited for driving without a valid license, which carries a fine up to $200 and a misdemeanor charge. Renew before your license expires or within 60 days after expiration to avoid this risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license online if I live out of state?
Yes. Online renewal is available to anyone with a valid Texas address on file, even if you now live elsewhere. You must have a Social Security number on file with the DPS and no active suspension or revocation. Your new license ships to the Texas address on your account.
Do I pay the renewal fee twice if I renew early?
No. If you renew before your current license expires, you pay one renewal fee for the new license. Your old license becomes invalid when ready. There is no refund for the remaining time on your old license.
What if I need to change my name or address when I renew?
A name change or address correction is included in the renewal fee — you do not pay extra. For a name change, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For an address change, bring a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
Is there a fee to renew if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?
You can renew your license even with an outstanding ticket. However, if the ticket resulted in a suspension for unpaid fines, you must pay the $100 reinstatement fee before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the ticket to confirm whether your license is suspended.
Do military members pay a different renewal fee?
No. Active-duty military members stationed in Texas pay the same $25 or $50 renewal fee. However, military members can renew by mail without a signature requirement, and their license validity can be extended while deployed. Contact your local DPS office for details on military renewal options.