Texas driver's license renewal costs between $16 and $97, depending on whether you renew by mail, online, or in person, and how long you want your license to last.
The Texas Department of Public Safety sets these fees, and they do not vary by county or by how old you are. The main cost difference comes down to your renewal method and the validity period you choose. A standard five-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal, and renewing online or by mail costs less than renewing at a DPS office in person.
You will also pay extra if you need a duplicate license, want to change your name or address, or are renewing after your license has expired for more than two years. These add-on fees are small — usually $10 to $20 — but they stack on top of your base renewal cost.
Key Takeaways
- Online and mail renewals cost $16 for a five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license in Texas.
- In-person renewals at a DPS office cost $97 for a five-year license or $97 for an eight-year license.
- You pay extra fees if you need a duplicate, change your name or address, or renew after expiration.
- Payment methods vary by renewal method: online renewals take debit or credit card, mail renewals require a check or money order, and in-person renewals accept cash, check, or card.
Online and Mail Renewal Costs
If you renew online through the Texas DPS website or by mail, you pay the lowest fees. A five-year renewal costs $16, and an eight-year renewal costs $32. These are the only two options for online and mail renewals — you cannot choose a shorter validity period.
For online renewal, you pay by debit card or credit card at the time you submit your process. For mail renewal, you include a check or money order with your process packet. Neither method charges a processing fee on top of the base renewal cost, so what you see is what you pay.
In-Person Renewal at a DPS Office
Renewing in person at a Texas DPS office costs $97 regardless of whether you choose a five-year or eight-year license. This is significantly higher than online or mail renewal, but in-person renewal is the only option if you need to take a new photo, change your address, or correct information on your license.
At the DPS office, you can pay with cash, check, or debit or credit card. Some offices may have limits on which payment methods they accept, so call ahead if you want to confirm. The $97 fee covers the license itself; there is no separate processing fee.
Extra Fees for Changes and Duplicates
If you need a duplicate license during renewal, add $10 to your total cost. If you are changing your name or address as part of your renewal, you may need to provide additional documents, but the renewal fee itself does not increase — you still pay $16, $32, or $97 depending on your method.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DPS office, and you will pay the full $97 fee. Some DPS offices may also require you to retake the written test or vision test if your license has been expired for a very long time, though this is less common for straightforward renewals.
When You Might Pay More Than the Base Fee
A few situations add cost to your renewal. If you are renewing after your license expired and you need a new photo, you pay the in-person fee of $97. If you want to add a Real ID designation to your license (which allows you to use it for federal purposes like flying), you pay an additional $16 on top of your renewal fee — this is only available in person.
If you lose your license after renewing and need a duplicate, you pay $10 for the duplicate itself, but you do not pay the full renewal fee again. Duplicates are a separate transaction from renewal.
How to Know Which Renewal Method Costs Less for You
Start by checking whether you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal. If your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photo, you can renew by mail or online for $16 or $32. If any of those conditions do not explore — your license is expired, you moved, or you need a new photo — you must renew in person for $97.
Once you know you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal, choose based on how long you want your license to last. Five years costs $16; eight years costs $32. The eight-year option means you will not need to renew again for longer, but you pay twice as much upfront. Most people choose five years to keep the cost down.
Payment Methods by Renewal Type
| Renewal Method | Five-Year Cost | Eight-Year Cost | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $16 | $32 | Debit or credit card |
| $16 | $32 | Check or money order | |
| In person at DPS office | $97 | $97 | Cash, check, or debit/credit card |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the full $97 if I renew in person?
Yes. In-person renewal at a DPS office costs $97 whether you choose a five-year or eight-year license. You cannot pay the lower $16 or $32 rate in person — those rates are only for mail and online renewal.
What if I want to add Real ID to my license during renewal?
Real ID costs an extra $16 on top of your renewal fee and is only available when you renew in person. So a five-year Real ID renewal would cost $97 (in-person fee) plus $16 (Real ID fee) for a total of $113. You must bring specific documents to prove your identity and residency.
Can I renew online if my license expired more than two years ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office and pay the $97 fee. Online and mail renewal are only for licenses that are current or expired less than two years.
Do I pay extra if I change my address during renewal?
No. Changing your address does not add a fee to your renewal cost. However, if you change your address, you must renew in person at a DPS office, so you will pay the $97 in-person fee instead of the $16 or $32 mail or online rate.
What happens if I send a check for the wrong amount?
If you mail your renewal with a check for less than the correct amount, the DPS will return your process and ask you to resubmit with the correct payment. If you send more than the required amount, the DPS will not refund the difference — they will keep the extra as payment toward any future fees you owe.