Texas Renewal Fees by License Type
A standard Texas driver's license renewal costs $25 if you renew by mail or online. If you renew in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, the fee is the same: $25. This covers a five-year renewal for most adults.
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), renewal costs $97 and requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. You cannot renew a CDL by mail or online, and the fee does not change based on how you renew.
Motorcycle endorsements add $15 to your renewal fee, whether you are renewing a standard license or a CDL. If you are adding a new endorsement during renewal—such as a motorcycle or hazmat endorsement—you will pay the endorsement fee in addition to the base renewal fee.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Texas driver's license renewal costs $25 and is valid for five years, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
- Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal costs $97 and must be done in person at a DPS office.
- Motorcycle endorsements cost an additional $15 when added during renewal.
- You can pay by cash, check, or debit/credit card at DPS offices; online and mail renewals accept credit and debit cards only.
Payment Methods and Where to Pay
If you renew online through the Texas DPS website, you will pay by credit card or debit card at the time you submit your renewal request. The system processes payment when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number.
If you renew by mail, include a check or money order payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety" with your process. Do not send cash through the mail. Mail your payment and documents to the address listed on the renewal form you receive.
If you renew in person at a DPS office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some offices may have ATMs on-site, but it is safer to bring the exact payment method you plan to use.
When You Pay Extra Fees
If you renew in person and need a duplicate or replacement license on the same day, you will pay an additional $11 for the duplicate. This is separate from your renewal fee.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, Texas treats it as a new license rather than a renewal. A new license costs $30 instead of $25, and you will need to pass a vision test and written exam. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years—you must explore in person.
If you change your name, address, or other information during renewal, there is no additional fee. These updates are included in the standard renewal cost.
Renewal Fees for Seniors and Disabled Drivers
Texas offers a reduced renewal fee for drivers aged 85 and older. If you are 85 or older, your renewal fee is $13 instead of $25. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at this reduced rate.
Drivers with certain disabilities may be issued a license valid for longer than five years. If your license is valid for eight or ten years due to a disability exemption, your renewal fee remains $25—it does not increase based on the longer validity period.
Timeline and When Fees Are Due
You can renew your Texas license up to one year before it expires. If you renew early, you still pay the standard $25 fee, and your new license will be valid for five years from the date of renewal—not from the date your old license expired.
The fee is due at the time you submit your renewal request, whether online, by mail, or in person. If you renew by mail, your payment must arrive with your process; the DPS will not process your renewal without it.
If your renewal is rejected or incomplete, the DPS will return your payment. You will need to resubmit with corrected documents and payment if you want to proceed.
Comparing Renewal Methods and Total Cost
| Renewal Method | License Type | Fee | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Standard | $25 | Credit or debit card |
| By mail | Standard | $25 | Check or money order |
| In person | Standard | $25 | Cash, check, debit, or credit card |
| In person | CDL | $97 | Cash, check, debit, or credit card |
| In person | Age 85+ | $13 | Cash, check, debit, or credit card |
What Happens If You Do Not Pay
If you submit a renewal process without payment, the DPS will not process it. If you pay by check and the check bounces, the DPS will contact you and may charge an additional fee for the returned check. You will need to resubmit with valid payment.
If you let your license expire without renewing, you cannot legally drive in Texas. Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fines. The longer your license remains expired, the more complicated the renewal process becomes—after two years, you must explore for a new license rather than renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license if I do not have a credit card?
Yes. If you renew by mail, you can send a check or money order. If you renew in person at a DPS office, you can pay with cash or a check. Online renewal requires a credit or debit card, so that method is not available without one.
Do I have to pay the renewal fee if my process is denied?
No. If the DPS denies your renewal process, they will return your payment. You will not be charged if your process is rejected before processing.
Is there a fee to renew my license early?
No. The renewal fee is $25 regardless of whether you renew early or close to your expiration date. Your new license will be valid for five years from the renewal date.
What if I need to add a motorcycle endorsement during renewal?
You will pay the standard $25 renewal fee plus $15 for the motorcycle endorsement, for a total of $40. You must renew in person to add a new endorsement; you cannot add endorsements by mail or online.
Do military members stationed outside Texas pay a different renewal fee?
No. The renewal fee is $25 for all standard licenses, regardless of where you live or are stationed. You may be able to renew by mail if you are stationed outside Texas; contact the DPS to confirm what documents you need to submit.