Driver license renewal costs range from $20 to $100 depending on your state and the type of license you hold
The cost to renew a driver license varies significantly by state. Some states charge a flat fee for all renewals; others charge different amounts based on whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. A few states also charge extra if you want a REAL ID-compliant license or if you're renewing early. The fee you pay does not include any testing, vision screening, or replacement document fees — those are separate charges.
Most states renew licenses for three, five, or eight years at a time. The longer the renewal period, the higher the total fee, though the annual cost is often lower. Some states offer a shorter renewal period at a reduced price if you're unsure about your address or status.
Key Takeaways
- Renewal fees range from approximately $20 in some states to $100 or more, and the cost depends on your state, license type, and renewal method.
- Most states charge less for mail or online renewal than for in-person renewal, though not all states offer those options.
- REAL ID-compliant licenses cost more in many states, sometimes $10 to $30 extra, and are required for federal travel starting in 2025.
- Your renewal fee covers the license itself but not vision tests, replacement documents, or address changes, which may incur additional charges.
- Some states offer reduced-fee renewals for shorter periods, which can help if you expect your circumstances to change soon.
Standard renewal fees by state and renewal method
The following table shows approximate renewal fees for a standard driver license in each state. Fees change annually and vary by renewal period (typically 3, 5, or 8 years). Check your state's DMV website for the exact current fee, as these figures are representative and may not reflect the most recent update.
| State | In-Person Renewal | Mail Renewal | Online Renewal | Renewal Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $32.50 | $32.50 | Not available | 4 years |
| Arizona | $25 | Not available | $25 | 5 years |
| California | $38 | Not available | $38 | 5 years |
| Colorado | $31.50 | Not available | $31.50 | 5 years |
| Connecticut | $72 | Not available | $72 | 8 years |
| Florida | $87.50 | $87.50 | $87.50 | 8 years |
| Georgia | $32 | Not available | $32 | 8 years |
| Illinois | $149 | Not available | $149 | 8 years |
| Indiana | $28 | Not available | $28 | 8 years |
| Iowa | $24 | Not available | $24 | 5 years |
| Kansas | $20 | Not available | $20 | 6 years |
| Kentucky | $38 | Not available | $38 | 8 years |
| Louisiana | $35 | Not available | $35 | 4 years |
| Maine | $37 | $37 | $37 | 6 years |
| Maryland | $109 | Not available | $109 | 8 years |
| Massachusetts | $50 | Not available | $50 | 5 years |
| Michigan | $20 | Not available | $20 | 4 years |
| Minnesota | $27 | Not available | $27 | 4 years |
| Mississippi | $31 | Not available | $31 | 5 years |
| Missouri | $25 | Not available | $25 | 6 years |
| Montana | $39 | Not available | $39 | 8 years |
| Nebraska | $39 | Not available | $39 | 5 years |
| Nevada | $60 | Not available | $60 | 8 years |
| New Hampshire | $34.50 | Not available | $34.50 | 5 years |
| New Jersey | $24 | Not available | $24 | 4 years |
| New Mexico | $35 | Not available | $35 | 8 years |
| New York | $64.50 | Not available | $64.50 | 8 years |
| North Carolina | $30 | Not available | $30 | 8 years |
| North Dakota | $20 | Not available | $20 | 4 years |
| Ohio | $27.50 | Not available | $27.50 | 4 years |
| Oklahoma | $38 | Not available | $38 | 4 years |
| Oregon | $60 | Not available | $60 | 8 years |
| Pennsylvania | $42 | Not available | $42 | 4 years |
| Rhode Island | $66 | Not available | $66 | 5 years |
| South Carolina | $25 | Not available | $25 | 5 years |
| South Dakota | $24.50 | Not available | $24.50 | 5 years |
| Tennessee | $27 | Not available | $27 | 5 years |
| Texas | $33 | Not available | $33 | 5 years |
| Utah | $33 | Not available | $33 | 5 years |
| Vermont | $70 | $70 | $70 | 6 years |
| Virginia | $36 | Not available | $36 | 5 years |
| Washington | $72 | Not available | $72 | 5 years |
| West Virginia | $21.50 | Not available | $21.50 | 5 years |
| Wisconsin | $28 | Not available | $28 | 8 years |
| Wyoming | $30 | Not available | $30 | 5 years |
These fees are current as of 2024 but change regularly. Your state's DMV website will show the exact fee for your renewal type and period. Some states charge the same amount for in-person and online renewal; others charge less for online. A few states still require in-person renewal for certain license types or if you have not renewed in a long time.
REAL ID and enhanced license fees
A REAL ID-compliant license costs more than a standard license in most states. The federal government requires REAL ID for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings starting in 2025. If your current license is not REAL ID-compliant, you will need to upgrade during renewal or explore for a replacement.
The extra cost for REAL ID ranges from $10 to $30 in most states, though a few states include it at no additional charge. Some states also offer an enhanced license, which allows entry to Canada and Mexico by land without a passport. Enhanced licenses typically cost $15 to $40 more than a standard license. Check your state's DMV website to see which option you need and what the upgrade costs.
Additional charges beyond the renewal fee
The renewal fee covers only the license card itself. If you need a vision test, replacement documents, or other services during renewal, you will pay extra. Most states charge $10 to $25 for a vision screening if required. If you need to replace a lost Social Security card or birth certificate before you can renew, those documents are issued by other agencies and have their own fees.
Some states charge a small fee to change your address or name during renewal, though many include this at no cost. If you renew early — before your current license expires — some states charge a reduced fee or prorate the cost based on how much time remains on your current license. Others charge the full renewal fee regardless of when you renew.
How renewal period length affects your total cost
States that offer longer renewal periods (8 years) charge higher total fees than states with shorter periods (4 years), but the annual cost is often comparable. For example, a state charging $72 for an 8-year renewal costs $9 per year, while a state charging $32 for a 4-year renewal costs $8 per year. The longer period means you renew less often but pay more each time.
A few states offer a shorter renewal period at a reduced cost. This option is useful if you expect to move, change your name, or update your status soon. Renewing for a shorter period means you will return to the DMV sooner, but you pay less upfront. Compare the annual cost, not just the total fee, to see which period makes sense for your situation.
Payment methods and what happens if you miss the important date
Most states accept credit cards, debit