Texas driver's license renewal costs $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license
The fee you pay depends on which type of license you choose. A standard five-year renewal costs $25. If you want an eight-year license instead, you'll pay $50. Texas also offers a Real ID-compliant license, which costs the same as the standard license for the same term — $25 for five years or $50 for eight years — but Real ID requires additional documents at the time of renewal.
These are the only fees the Texas Department of Public Safety charges for a standard renewal by mail or in person. If you renew online through the DPS website, the cost is identical. There are no hidden processing fees or surcharges added at checkout.
Key Takeaways
- A five-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $25; an eight-year renewal costs $50.
- Real ID-compliant licenses cost the same amount but require proof of citizenship or legal residency at renewal.
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website costs the same as in-person or mail renewal.
- If you renew by mail, include a check or money order payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
- Renewal fees do not change based on your age, driving record, or how long it has been since your last renewal.
Payment methods for mail, online, and in-person renewal
If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Do not send cash. Include your renewal process form and any required documents in the same envelope.
Online renewal through the DPS website accepts credit and debit cards. You'll enter your card information during the process process, and the fee is charged when ready when you submit.
If you renew in person at a DPS office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some offices may have additional payment options, so call ahead if you have a preference.
When you'll pay more: Real ID and other add-ons
A Real ID-compliant license costs the same as a standard license — $25 for five years or $50 for eight years. The difference is not in price but in what you must bring. Real ID requires proof of citizenship or legal residency, which means you'll need to bring a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization document along with your other renewal documents. If you don't have these documents ready, you may need to order them first, which can add time and cost to the process.
If you need a replacement license before your renewal is due — for example, because yours was lost or stolen — that costs $11 for a duplicate. A duplicate is not the same as a renewal and does not extend your expiration date.
If you change your name, address, or other information during renewal, there is no additional fee beyond the standard renewal cost. These updates are included in the renewal process.
How to pay when you renew online
The Texas DPS website allows you to renew online if your license is not suspended, you have no medical conditions that require a new photo, and you meet other may be able to access requirements. During the online process, you'll reach a payment screen where you enter your credit or debit card information. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
After you pay, you'll receive a confirmation number. Keep this number — you'll need it to track your renewal status. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if you renew late or your license has been suspended
If your license has expired, you can still renew it by mail or in person, and the cost remains $25 or $50 depending on the term you choose. There is no late fee or penalty added to the renewal cost in Texas.
If your license has been suspended — for example, due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or a DUI conviction — you cannot renew it until the suspension is lifted. You'll need to resolve the underlying issue with the court or the agency that suspended your license before the DPS will process a renewal. Once the suspension is cleared, the renewal fee is still the standard $25 or $50.
Paying by mail: step-by-step
Request a renewal process form from the Texas DPS website or call 1-888-589-6789. Fill out the form completely and include a check or money order for $25 (five-year) or $50 (eight-year) made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Include your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and any other documents required for your situation. Mail everything to the address listed on the process form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DPS receives your process.
Do not mail cash. If your check or money order is lost in the mail, the DPS will not process your process, and you'll need to resubmit with a new payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the full renewal fee if my license expires soon?
Yes. Texas does not offer prorated renewal fees. Whether your license expires in one month or eleven months, you pay the full $25 or $50 for the term you choose. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.
What if I want to change from a five-year to an eight-year license?
You can choose the eight-year license at renewal and pay $50 instead of $25. There is no additional fee for upgrading the term length — you straightforward pay the full price for the eight-year option.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind after paying?
Refund policies depend on how you paid and when you request it. If you paid online and haven't submitted your process yet, contact the DPS when ready. If you paid by mail and the process hasn't been processed, you may be able to stop payment on your check through your bank. Once processing begins, refunds are not issued.
Is there an extra charge for Real ID?
No. Real ID costs the same as a standard license: $25 for five years or $50 for eight years. The only difference is that you must bring additional documents proving citizenship or legal residency.
What if I'm renewing from out of state?
If you're moving to Texas or renewing a Texas license from another state, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You cannot renew by mail or online. The fee is still $25 or $50, but you'll need to bring your out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, and other required documents.