What You Pay to Renew in Texas

A standard five-year driver license renewal in Texas costs $25. If you choose to renew for eight years instead, the fee is $40. These are the only two renewal periods the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offers — you cannot renew for a shorter term.

The fee covers the license itself and the processing of your renewal. Texas does not charge separate fees for background checks, photograph updates, or address changes made during renewal. If you renew online or by mail, you pay the same amount as you would in person at a DPS office.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead, which costs more and requires an in-person visit, a new photograph, and a vision test. Renewing within two years of expiration keeps you in the simpler, cheaper renewal process.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard renewal costs $25 for five years or $40 for eight years; Texas does not offer other renewal periods.
  • You can renew online, by mail, or in person for the same fee, but online and mail renewal have may be able to access restrictions based on your age and license history.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew and must explore for a new license instead, which costs $33 and requires an in-person appointment.
  • Payment methods vary by renewal method: online accepts credit and debit cards; mail requires check or money order; in-person accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
  • No additional fees explore for address changes, name changes, or photograph updates during renewal.

Renewal Fee by Method: Online, Mail, or In-Person

The $25 or $40 renewal fee is the same regardless of how you renew, but each method has different payment options and may be able to access rules. Online renewal is the fastest and most common route for drivers who meet the requirements. You pay by credit card or debit card at the time you submit your process through the DPS website. The fee is charged when ready, and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal requires you to send a completed form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License) along with a check or money order to the DPS address listed on the form. You cannot pay by credit card through the mail. Include a copy of your current license and proof of residency. Mail processing takes longer — typically 15 to 20 business days after the DPS receives your packet — so factor in postal delivery time on both ends.

In-person renewal at a DPS office lets you pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the counter. You walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you. In-person renewal also gives you the option to update your photograph on the spot, which is required if your current photo is more than eight years old.

Who Qualifies for Online and Mail Renewal

Not every driver can renew online or by mail. Texas restricts these methods to drivers who meet specific criteria. You are not may be able to access for online or mail renewal if you are under 18 years old, if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or if you have changed your name since your last license was issued.

You are also ineligible if your current license was issued outside the United States or if you have not held a Texas license for at least two years. Drivers who do not meet these requirements must renew in person at a DPS office. The fee remains $25 or $40, but you cannot avoid the in-person visit.

If you are unsure whether you may have access to for online renewal, the DPS website will tell you during the process process. You can start an online renewal and stop at any point before payment if you discover you do not meet the requirements — no fee is charged until you complete the transaction.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired More Than Two Years

If your license expired more than two years ago, the renewal fee no longer applies. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which costs $33 for a five-year license or $52 for an eight-year license. This is a different process entirely and requires an in-person appointment at a DPS office.

A new license process includes a vision test, a new photograph, and verification of your identity and residency. You cannot do this online or by mail. The appointment typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license at the appointment and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The difference in cost — $8 more for a new license than a renewal — reflects the additional processing and testing involved. If your license expired only recently, renewing before the two-year mark saves you money and time.

Payment Methods and Where to Send Money

Each renewal method accepts different forms of payment. For online renewal, you must use a credit card or debit card. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are accepted. The DPS website processes the payment securely, and you receive a confirmation number when ready.

For mail renewal, send a check or money order made payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety." Do not send cash through the mail. Include your check or money order in the same envelope as your completed form and supporting documents. Mail your packet to the address listed on the DPS renewal form — the address varies by region, so check the current form before mailing.

For in-person renewal at a DPS office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the counter. Most offices accept all four methods, but calling ahead to confirm is wise if you plan to pay by check. You will receive a receipt at the time of payment.

Additional Costs and Fees to Know About

The $25 or $40 renewal fee covers the license and processing only. Texas does not charge separate fees for most changes made during renewal. If you update your address, change your name (with a marriage certificate or court order), or request a new photograph, these are included in the renewal fee at no extra cost.

However, if you need to add or change a restriction or endorsement on your license — such as a commercial driver license (CDL) endorsement or a medical restriction — you may face additional fees or requirements. CDL renewals, for example, have different fees and timelines than standard license renewals. Contact the DPS directly or check the renewal form to confirm whether your specific situation involves extra charges.

If you renew online or by mail and later discover an error on your new license, you can request a correction by mail or in person at no additional charge if the error was made by the DPS. If you made the error on your process, the DPS may charge a replacement fee to issue a corrected license.

Timeline From Payment to Receipt

The time between paying your renewal fee and receiving your new license depends on your renewal method. Online renewal is fastest: you pay when ready, and your license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer because of postal delays on both ends — typically 15 to 20 business days after the DPS receives your packet, plus time for your packet to arrive at the DPS office. Plan for 3 to 4 weeks total.

In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day you pay and visit the office. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your permanent card arrives, the temporary license is valid for all purposes.

These timelines assume normal processing and mail delivery. During high-volume periods — such as the weeks before a holiday or the end of a month — processing may take slightly longer. If your renewal is urgent, in-person renewal is the only method that gives you a valid license to drive when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired during COVID-19?

Texas extended the expiration dates of many licenses during the pandemic, so your license may not be as expired as you think. Check your license card for the actual expiration date. If it has been expired for two years or less, you can still renew for $25 or $40. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must explore for a new license for $33 or $52.

What if I pay online but my renewal is rejected?

If your online process is rejected before payment, no fee is charged. If payment is processed but your process is rejected after that, the DPS will contact you by mail or email with the reason and instructions for resubmitting. You may be asked to provide additional documents or correct information. Contact the DPS if you do not hear back within two weeks.

Do I have to pay the full fee if I renew early?

Yes. Texas does not offer prorated renewal fees or discounts for renewing early. You pay the full $25 or $40 regardless of how much time remains on your current license. However, renewing early means your new license will not expire for five or eight years from the renewal date, so you gain time on your next renewal.

Can I pay my renewal fee in installments?

No. The DPS does not offer payment plans for driver license renewals. You must pay the full amount at the time you renew — either $25 or $40 — in one payment. If cost is a concern, renewing by mail or online may be cheaper than in-person renewal if you factor in travel time and parking.

What if I lose my license before it arrives in the mail?

If your temporary paper license (from in-person renewal) is lost, you can request a replacement at a DPS office. If your permanent license is lost in the mail before it arrives, contact the DPS when ready. You may be able to pick up a replacement at an office or request a reissue by mail. A replacement or reissue may involve an additional fee — ask the DPS when you report the loss.