What you pay to renew a Texas driver's license
A standard Texas driver's license renewal costs $25 if you renew by mail or online, or $16 if you renew in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The difference exists because in-person renewals use a simpler process — no photograph is taken, and your existing photo stays on file.
If you are renewing a license that has been expired for more than two years, or if you need a new photograph, you must renew in person, and the cost is $25. This also applies if you are changing your name, address, or other information that requires verification.
Texas does not charge separate fees for standard mail or online renewal. The $25 covers the license itself and processing. If you choose to pay by credit or debit card online, there is no additional transaction fee — the state absorbs that cost.
Key Takeaways
- Online or mail renewal costs $25; in-person renewal costs $16 if your photo is still valid and you have not changed your name or address.
- If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and will pay $25.
- Texas accepts payment by check, money order, credit card, or debit card depending on your renewal method.
- The renewal fee covers the physical license and processing; there are no hidden charges or separate photo fees.
- Payment timing depends on your method: online payments are processed when ready, while mail payments take longer to reach DPS.
How payment works for each renewal method
If you renew online through the Texas DPS website, you pay by credit card or debit card at the time you submit your process. Your payment is processed when ready, and you receive a confirmation number. You do not need to send anything by mail after paying online.
If you renew by mail, you send a check or money order with your process form to the DPS address listed on the renewal notice. Do not send cash. The DPS processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, so payment timing affects how long your renewal takes overall. A check or money order should arrive within 7 to 10 business days of mailing.
If you renew in person at a DPS office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the counter. You will receive your new license or a temporary paper license the same day if you pay in person and meet all other requirements.
When you pay more than the standard renewal fee
If you need a duplicate license — a replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged license — the cost is $11 in person or $16 by mail. This is less than a renewal because you keep your existing photo and information.
If you are renewing and also requesting a Real ID-compliant license, there is no additional fee beyond the standard renewal cost. However, you must bring specific documents to prove your identity and residency, and you must renew in person. Real ID licenses look the same but meet federal requirements for air travel and federal building access.
If you need to change your name, address, or other information during renewal, you must renew in person and pay the full $25 fee. Bring documents that support the change — a marriage certificate for a name change, for example, or a utility bill for an address change.
Payment methods by renewal type
| Renewal Method | Cost | Payment Methods | When You Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $25 | Credit card or debit card | During process submission |
| $25 | Check or money order | With mailed process | |
| In person (photo valid) | $16 | Cash, check, debit card, or credit card | At DPS office counter |
| In person (new photo needed) | $25 | Cash, check, debit card, or credit card | At DPS office counter |
| Duplicate license | $11 (in person) or $16 (mail) | Cash, check, debit card, or credit card (in person); check or money order (mail) | At office or with mailed form |
What happens if you pay late or underpay
If you mail your renewal with a check or money order and the amount is incorrect, the DPS will return your process without processing it. You will need to resubmit with the correct payment. This delays your renewal by at least two weeks.
If you pay online but your card is declined, you will see an error message when ready and can try again with a different card. Your process is not submitted until payment succeeds.
If you renew in person and your card is declined, the DPS office will ask you to use a different payment method or return another day. You cannot leave without paying if you want to complete the renewal that day.
Refunds and payment disputes
If you pay for a renewal and then decide not to proceed, or if you believe you were charged incorrectly, contact the DPS directly. Refund requests must be made within a reasonable time after payment — typically within 30 days. The DPS processes refunds to the original payment method, which can take 5 to 10 business days depending on your bank.
If you paid by check and want to cancel, contact the DPS before they cash the check. If the check has already been deposited, you can request a refund in writing. Keep your confirmation number or receipt as proof of payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay for my Texas driver's license renewal in installments?
No. Texas does not offer payment plans for driver's license renewals. The full fee must be paid at the time of renewal — either online, by mail, or in person. If cost is a barrier, the in-person renewal option costs $16 instead of $25 if your photo is still valid.
What if I send a check by mail and it gets lost?
If your check does not arrive or is lost in the mail, the DPS will not process your renewal. You can resubmit with a new check or money order, or switch to online renewal and pay by card instead. Keep a copy of your mailed process for your records.
Do I have to pay the renewal fee if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first clear the suspension or revocation through the DPS or the court system. Once cleared, you can renew and pay the standard fee. Contact the DPS to find out what is required to lift the suspension.
Is there a discount for seniors or military members?
Texas does not offer reduced renewal fees for seniors, military members, or other groups. The cost is $25 for online or mail renewal, or $16 for in-person renewal with a valid photo, regardless of age or service status.
Can I pay online if I am renewing by mail?
No. Online renewal and mail renewal are separate processes. If you renew online, you receive your license by mail after processing. If you choose the mail renewal process, you must send a check or money order with your process form.