License renewal fees vary by state and license type
The cost to renew your driver's license depends on which state issued it, whether you're renewing in person or by mail, and what class of license you hold. There is no national fee — each state sets its own price. A standard passenger license renewal in one state might cost $30, while the same renewal in another state costs $85 or more.
Most states charge between $30 and $100 for a standard passenger license renewal. Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals cost more, typically $50 to $150. Some states charge extra if you renew by mail instead of in person, and some charge less if you renew online. A few states offer reduced rates for seniors or military members, though this varies widely.
The fee you pay also depends on how long the renewal is valid for. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal in the same state. If you're renewing early — before your current license expires — you may pay a different rate than a standard renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Renewal fees range from roughly $30 to $100 for a standard license, depending on your state and the length of validity you choose.
- Commercial driver's licenses cost more to renew than passenger licenses, typically $50 to $150 depending on the state.
- Online renewals are often cheaper than in-person or mail renewals, and some states offer discounts for seniors or military members.
- You should check your state's DMV website for the exact fee before you renew, because rates change and vary by renewal method.
- Most states accept credit cards, debit cards, and checks at the DMV, but online renewals usually accept only cards.
Standard passenger license renewal costs by state
The following table shows typical renewal fees for a standard passenger license in each state. These are the most common fees as of 2024, but rates can change and may vary depending on whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Check your state's DMV website for the current fee before you pay.
| State | In-Person or Mail | Online (if available) | License Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $32.50 | Not available | 4 or 8 years |
| Alaska | $95 | $95 | 5 years |
| Arizona | $45 | $45 | 12 years |
| Arkansas | $22.50 | Not available | 4 or 8 years |
| California | $64 | Not available | 5 years |
| Colorado | $36 | $36 | 5 years |
| Connecticut | $72 | Not available | 8 years |
| Delaware | $74 | Not available | 8 years |
| Florida | $87.50 | $87.50 | 6 or 8 years |
| Georgia | $32 | $32 | 8 years |
| Hawaii | $60 | Not available | 4 or 6 years |
| Idaho | $39.75 | $39.75 | 4 or 8 years |
| Illinois | $149 | $149 | 4 years |
| Indiana | $28 | $28 | 4 or 8 years |
| Iowa | $35 | $35 | 4 or 8 years |
| Kansas | $99 | $99 | 6 years |
| Kentucky | $38 | $38 | 4 or 8 years |
| Louisiana | $48 | Not available | 4 or 6 years |
| Maine | $65 | Not available | 6 years |
| Maryland | $109 | $109 | 8 years |
| Massachusetts | $50 | Not available | 5 years |
| Michigan | $30 | $30 | 4 or 8 years |
| Minnesota | $48 | $48 | 4 or 8 years |
| Mississippi | $31 | Not available | 4 or 8 years |
| Missouri | $42 | $42 | 6 or 8 years |
| Montana | $85 | $85 | 8 years |
| Nebraska | $46.50 | $46.50 | 5 years |
| Nevada | $60 | $60 | 8 years |
| New Hampshire | $120 | Not available | 5 years |
| New Jersey | $144 | Not available | 10 years |
| New Mexico | $40 | $40 | 8 years |
| New York | $77.50 | Not available | 8 years |
| North Carolina | $80 | Not available | 8 years |
| North Dakota | $40 | $40 | 6 years |
| Ohio | $38.50 | $38.50 | 4 or 8 years |
| Oklahoma | $55 | $55 | 4 or 8 years |
| Oregon | $70 | $70 | 8 years |
| Pennsylvania | $42 | Not available | 4 or 8 years |
| Rhode Island | $75 | Not available | 5 years |
| South Carolina | $60 | Not available | 5 years |
| South Dakota | $40 | $40 | 5 years |
| Tennessee | $34.50 | $34.50 | 5 or 8 years |
| Texas | $96 | $96 | 8 years |
| Utah | $53 | $53 | 5 years |
| Vermont | $91 | Not available | 6 years |
| Virginia | $74 | Not available | 8 years |
| Washington | $72 | $72 | 5 or 12 years |
| West Virginia | $39 | $39 | 5 years |
| Wisconsin | $44 | $44 | 8 years |
| Wyoming | $40 | $40 | 4 or 6 years |
Commercial driver's license renewal fees
A commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal costs more than a standard passenger license in every state. Most states charge between $50 and $150 for a CDL renewal, depending on the class of commercial license and whether you're renewing hazmat endorsements or other endorsements at the same time.
If you hold a CDL with multiple endorsements — such as hazmat, tanker, or passenger — each endorsement may carry an additional fee. Some states bundle endorsement fees into the renewal cost; others charge them separately. Check your state's DMV website for the exact breakdown before you renew.
CDL renewals typically cannot be done online or by mail in most states. You will usually need to renew in person at a DMV office and pass a vision test. Some states require a medical examination as well, which may be done at the DMV or by a certified medical examiner.
Payment methods and what happens if you pay late
Most DMV offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card for renewal fees. If you renew online, the DMV usually accepts only debit or credit cards. Some states allow you to pay by phone if you renew by phone, though phone renewal is not available in all states.
If you pay your renewal fee but do not complete the renewal process — for example, you pay but do not submit required documents or do not pass the vision test — the fee is usually not refunded. Check your state's refund policy on the DMV website before you pay.
If your license expires before you renew it, you may owe a late fee in addition to the renewal fee. Late fees vary by state and typically range from $10 to $50. Some states waive the late fee if you renew within a certain number of days after expiration, such as 30 days. If your license has been expired for more than a year, you may have to take the written test and vision test again, even if you're just renewing.
Discounts and reduced fees for specific groups
Some states offer reduced renewal fees for seniors, military members, or people with disabilities. These discounts are not standard across all states — they vary widely. For example, some states reduce the fee by $5 to $10 for seniors over 65, while others offer no discount at all. Military members may receive a discount in states that have military-specific programs, but this is not universal.
To find out whether your state offers a discount, check the DMV website for your state and search for "senior discount," "military discount," or "disability discount." You will usually need to show proof of your status — such as a military ID, proof of age, or a disability certification — when you renew. Some discounts explore only to in-person renewals, not online renewals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I don't have enough money to pay the fee right now?
No. You must pay the full renewal fee before the DMV will issue your renewed license. If you cannot pay the fee, you cannot renew. Some states allow you to set up a payment plan, but this is rare. Contact your state's DMV directly to ask whether a