Texas driver's license renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 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. A four-year renewal costs $16; an eight-year renewal costs $32. These are the only fees you pay to renew by mail or online. If you renew in person at a DPS office, the fee is the same — the location does not change the price.

You cannot choose between four-year and eight-year terms arbitrarily. Texas assigns your renewal term based on your current license type and when it was issued. Most standard driver's licenses renew on an eight-year cycle. Four-year renewals explore to certain populations: drivers over 79 years old, those with medical conditions requiring periodic review, and holders of provisional licenses. Your renewal notice will state which term applies to you.

Payment method depends on how you renew. Online renewal through the Texas DPS website accepts credit and debit cards only — no cash or check. Mail renewal requires a check or money order made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. In-person renewal at a DPS office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas charges $16 for a four-year renewal and $32 for an eight-year renewal, with no additional fees for standard renewals.
  • Your renewal notice specifies whether you renew for four or eight years — you do not choose the term yourself.
  • Online and mail renewal cost the same as in-person renewal; the fee does not vary by method or location.
  • Online renewal requires a credit or debit card; mail renewal requires check or money order; in-person accepts all payment types.

When your renewal fee is higher than the standard amount

If you are renewing a license that was suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years, Texas charges a reinstatement fee in addition to the renewal fee. The reinstatement fee is $100. This applies even if the suspension was administrative (for example, failure to pay a traffic fine or child support obligation) rather than criminal. You cannot renew online if your license was suspended or revoked — you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof that the suspension or revocation has been lifted.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher. A CDL renewal costs $75 for an eight-year term. A four-year CDL renewal costs $50. These fees cover the written and skills tests required for commercial renewal, which differ from standard license testing.

Duplicate license fees also explore if you need a replacement before your renewal is due. A duplicate costs $11 and is issued when ready at a DPS office. This is separate from renewal and does not extend your license expiration date.

How to pay and what happens after you submit payment

If you renew online through the Texas DPS website, you enter your payment information directly into the find renewal portal. The system processes the charge when ready and issues a temporary digital license valid for 30 days while your physical license is printed and mailed. You receive the physical license within 7 to 10 business days. No receipt is mailed separately; your confirmation email serves as proof of payment.

If you renew by mail, include your check or money order with your renewal process and supporting documents in the envelope addressed to the Texas DPS. Mail processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from receipt. The DPS does not send a receipt; keep a copy of your process for your records. If your check is returned for insufficient funds, the DPS will contact you by mail and your renewal will not be processed until payment clears.

If you renew in person, you pay at the counter when you submit your process. The DPS issues a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a receipt at the time of payment.

Refunds and what to do if you overpay

The Texas DPS does not issue refunds for renewal fees once payment is processed, even if you change your mind before your new license arrives. If you pay twice by accident — for example, by submitting both an online renewal and a mail renewal — contact the DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6789 to report the duplicate payment. The DPS will investigate and may issue a refund, but this process takes 4 to 8 weeks.

If you overpay (for example, you send a check for more than the renewal fee), the DPS applies the overage as a credit toward future transactions with the agency, such as a duplicate license or vehicle registration renewal. You do not receive cash back. If you prefer a refund instead, you must request it in writing to the Texas DPS and include proof of overpayment.

Comparing Texas renewal costs to other states

Texas renewal fees are moderate compared to other large states. California charges $64 for an eight-year renewal; Florida charges $87.50 for an eight-year renewal; New York charges $72 for an eight-year renewal. Texas at $32 for eight years is lower than all three. However, some states offer lower costs: Oklahoma charges $38 for an eight-year renewal, and New Mexico charges $25 for an eight-year renewal. Cost alone should not drive a decision to renew in another state — your license must be renewed in the state where you hold a valid driver's license or where you are a resident.

If you hold licenses in multiple states (which is legal but uncommon), you renew each in its own state at that state's fee. You cannot consolidate or transfer a renewal fee between states.

Fee waivers and reduced-cost renewal options

Texas does not offer fee waivers or reduced-cost renewals based on income. The $16 or $32 fee applies to all drivers regardless of financial circumstances. However, if you are renewing while incarcerated in a Texas prison, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice may cover the renewal fee as part of reentry services. Contact the facility's administrative office to determine whether this applies.

Some Texas counties operate community information programs that may help with renewal costs for low-income residents, but these are not run by the DPS and are not may provide. Contact your county social services office or 211 Texas (a statewide referral line) to ask whether your county offers this type of information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay the renewal fee if I renew online versus in person?

No. The renewal fee is $16 or $32 regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. The method does not change the cost. Online renewal is fastest (30-day temporary license issued when ready), but all three methods charge the same fee.

What if my license expired more than two years ago?

You pay the standard renewal fee ($16 or $32) plus a $100 reinstatement fee, for a total of $116 or $132. You cannot renew online; you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof that any suspension or revocation has been cleared. Bring your expired license and a government-issued ID.

Can I get a refund if I pay the renewal fee but do not pick up my license?

No. Once the DPS processes your payment, the fee is not refundable. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you do not want it, you can discard it, but you cannot recover the fee.

Is the renewal fee different if I have a commercial driver's license?

Yes. A CDL renewal costs $75 for eight years or $50 for four years, compared to $32 or $16 for a standard license. The higher fee covers the written and skills tests required for commercial renewal.

Do I have to pay the renewal fee upfront, or can I pay when I pick up my license?

You must pay the fee when you submit your renewal process — either online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. You cannot defer payment until you receive your license.