Texas driver's license renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license
The fee you pay depends on which license type you choose. A four-year standard license costs $16, while an eight-year standard license costs $32. If you're 85 or older, renewal is free. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) sets these fees, and they have not changed in recent years, though you should confirm the current amount when you renew since fees can shift.
You pay this fee regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Some DPS offices may charge a small additional fee if you pay by credit card or debit card — typically $1 to $2 — but the base renewal fee itself stays the same across all renewal methods.
Key Takeaways
- A four-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $16; an eight-year renewal costs $32.
- Renewal fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
- If you are 85 or older, you do not pay a renewal fee.
- Some DPS offices charge a small payment processing fee (usually $1 to $2) if you pay by card, but this is separate from the renewal fee itself.
When you pay the renewal fee
You pay the renewal fee at the moment you submit your renewal request. If you renew online through the Texas DPS website, you enter your payment information as part of the online form and pay before your new license is processed. If you renew by mail, you include a check or money order with your process packet. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you pay at the counter when you hand in your paperwork.
The fee is non-refundable once you have submitted your renewal request, even if you change your mind or if your renewal is delayed for any reason.
Four-year versus eight-year licenses: which costs more sense
The choice between a four-year and eight-year license is yours to make. The eight-year license costs twice as much upfront ($32 instead of $16), but you renew half as often. If you plan to keep your Texas license for at least eight years, the eight-year option spreads the cost over a longer period and means fewer trips to renew. If you expect to move out of state or change your license status within four years, the four-year license may be the better choice.
Both licenses are valid for their full term and carry the same driving privileges. The only real difference is how long you wait before renewing again.
Additional costs you might encounter
The renewal fee itself is $16 or $32, but a few other charges may explore depending on your situation. If you need a replacement license photo or your address has changed and you need to update it, there are no extra fees — those updates are included in the renewal. However, if you need to add a commercial driver's license (CDL) endorsement or a motorcycle endorsement during renewal, you will pay additional fees beyond the base renewal cost.
If you renew by mail and use a credit card or debit card instead of a check, the DPS may charge a payment processing fee. If you renew in person and pay by card, some DPS offices charge a small fee as well. These processing fees are not part of the official renewal fee; they are charged by the payment processor and vary by location.
How to pay when you renew
Texas offers three ways to pay your renewal fee, and each has different payment options. Online renewal through the DPS website accepts credit cards and debit cards. Mail-in renewal requires a check or money order made out to the Texas Department of Public Safety. In-person renewal at a DPS office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
If you choose to pay by card in person or online, keep in mind that some locations may add a processing fee. Paying by check or cash avoids this extra charge. The DPS website lists all accepted payment methods for each renewal method before you begin, so you can choose the option that works best for your budget.
What happens if you do not pay the renewal fee
If you submit a renewal request without paying the fee, your renewal will not be processed. Your current license remains valid until its expiration date. You will need to submit a new renewal request with payment before your license expires, or your license will become expired and you will not be able to drive legally.
If your license has already expired and you did not pay the renewal fee in time, you will have to renew it as an expired license rather than a standard renewal. This may involve additional steps or fees, so it is important to pay the renewal fee when you submit your request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the renewal fee if I renew online?
Yes. The $16 or $32 renewal fee applies to all renewal methods — online, by mail, and in person. You enter your payment information as part of the online renewal form before your request is processed.
Can I pay the renewal fee with a check if I renew in person?
Yes. DPS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card for in-person renewals. If you pay by card, some offices may charge a small processing fee, but paying by check or cash avoids this extra charge.
What if I choose the eight-year license but move out of Texas before it expires?
You paid for an eight-year license, but you do not have to use the full term. If you move and get a license in another state, your Texas license straightforward expires unused. The fee you paid is not refunded, but you are not required to keep the license active.
Is the renewal fee the same for all Texas drivers?
The fee is the same for most drivers: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years. Drivers 85 and older renew for free. Drivers with certain medical conditions or disabilities may have different renewal rules, so check the DPS website if you think this applies to you.