Texas driver's license renewal costs $25 for a standard five-year license

A standard Texas driver's license renewal costs $25 if you renew by mail or online. This is the base fee for a five-year license. If you renew in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, the fee is the same — $25.

The $25 fee covers the license itself. You do not pay extra to renew online or by mail, and you do not pay extra to renew in person. The cost is fixed regardless of which method you choose.

If you need a Real ID-compliant license — one that meets federal standards for air travel and federal building entry — the cost is also $25. Texas does not charge a separate Real ID fee on top of the renewal cost.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard five-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $25, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses cost the same $25 and do not carry an additional fee.
  • If you renew early (more than 12 months before expiration), you may pay a prorated fee, which varies based on how early you renew.
  • Duplicate licenses, name changes, and address corrections may have different fees or require in-person renewal.
  • Payment methods vary by renewal method: online renewals accept credit and debit cards, while mail renewals require a check or money order.

When you pay less: early renewal and prorated fees

If you renew your license more than 12 months before it expires, Texas charges a prorated fee instead of the full $25. The prorated amount depends on how many months early you renew. The exact calculation varies, so contact the DPS or check your renewal notice to see what you will owe.

Renewing within 12 months of expiration costs the full $25. This is the most common scenario and applies to most people who renew on schedule.

When you pay more: special circumstances and additional fees

A duplicate license (if yours is lost or stolen) costs $11 and can be ordered online or requested in person. This is less than a renewal but is a separate transaction.

If you need to change your name on your license due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person at a DPS office. The renewal fee is still $25, but you will need to bring documents proving the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. No additional fee applies for the name change itself.

If you are renewing a license that has been suspended or revoked, you may face reinstatement fees in addition to the renewal fee. These fees vary depending on why your license was suspended. Contact your local DPS office or check your suspension notice for the exact amount.

How to pay based on your renewal method

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You pay the $25 fee at the time you submit your process. The transaction is processed when ready, and you receive a confirmation number.

Mail renewal requires a check or money order for $25 made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Include it with your renewal process and mail both to the address listed on your renewal notice. Do not send cash by mail.

In-person renewal at a DPS office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Accepted credit cards are Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You pay at the time you complete your process.

Renewal by mail versus online: no difference in cost

Mail renewal and online renewal both cost $25 with no hidden fees. The difference is convenience and speed, not price. Online renewal is faster — you can complete it in minutes from home — but mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your process.

In-person renewal also costs $25 and is the fastest option if you need your license quickly. You can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within one to two weeks.

Choose the method based on your timeline and whether you have all required documents ready, not based on cost.

What happens if you renew late or let your license expire

If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can still renew by mail or online for $25. The process is the same as a standard renewal.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You will pay $25 for the renewal, but you may also need to retake the written test and vision test. Some offices waive the written test if you have a clean driving record, but this varies. Call your local DPS office before you go to find out what to expect.

If your license expired while you were out of state or out of the country, bring proof of your absence (such as military orders or a passport showing travel dates) to your in-person renewal appointment. This may help you avoid retesting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay sales tax on top of the $25 renewal fee?

No. The $25 is the total cost. Texas does not add sales tax to driver's license renewals.

Can I get a refund if I renew online but then decide to renew in person instead?

Contact the Texas DPS directly to request a refund. If you have already submitted an online renewal process and paid, you may be able to cancel it and get your money back, but you must do this before your process is processed. Call the DPS or visit your local office as soon as possible.

What if I renew my license and then move to a different address?

You can update your address online through the Texas DPS website at no cost. You do not need to pay another $25 or renew your license early. Address changes are separate from license renewals.

Is there a fee to renew my license if I am active military or a veteran?

No military or veteran discount applies to the $25 renewal fee in Texas. However, active military members stationed outside Texas may be able to renew by mail without the standard expiration important date. Bring military orders to a DPS office or call ahead to confirm what documents you need.

What if I need a Real ID and a standard license at the same time?

You cannot have both active at once. When you renew, you choose one or the other. Both cost $25. If you currently have a standard license and want to switch to Real ID, renew your license and request the Real ID version during the renewal process.