Texas driver license renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license
The fee you pay depends on which license type you hold and how long you want it to last. A standard four-year renewal costs $16. If you want your license to remain valid for eight years instead, you pay $32. These are the only two options Texas offers for standard driver licenses.
You pay this fee when you submit your renewal process, whether you renew in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office or by mail. The fee does not change based on your age, driving record, or how long you've held your current license.
If you hold a commercial driver license (CDL), the renewal fee is different. A four-year CDL renewal costs $50, and an eight-year CDL renewal costs $100. These higher fees reflect the additional testing and oversight required for commercial driving privileges.
Key Takeaways
- Standard Texas driver license renewal costs $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, paid at the time you submit your process.
- Commercial driver licenses cost $50 for four years or $100 for eight years.
- You can renew by mail or in person at a DPS office, and the fee is the same either way.
- The fee covers the cost of issuing your new license and does not vary based on your age or driving history.
How to pay your renewal fee
When you renew in person at a DPS office, you pay the fee directly to the clerk when you submit your process. DPS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Bring your payment method with you when you go.
If you renew by mail, you include a check or money order with your process packet. Do not send cash through the mail. Make the check or money order payable to "Texas Department of Public Safety" and write your driver license number on it so the payment is matched to your process.
Some DPS offices now offer online renewal for certain drivers. If you renew online, you pay the fee using a credit or debit card at the time you complete your process. The transaction is processed when ready, and you receive a confirmation number.
When the renewal fee is waived or reduced
Texas does not waive the renewal fee for most drivers, but a few situations result in a reduced or zero cost. If you are a member of the military on active duty, you may be able to renew for free or at a reduced rate. Bring your military ID and current orders to a DPS office to see what applies to you.
If you are renewing because your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you pay a replacement fee instead of a renewal fee. A replacement license costs $11 for a four-year license or $22 for an eight-year license. This is slightly less than the renewal fee because you are not paying for a full renewal process.
If your renewal process is denied for any reason, you do not receive a refund of the fee. You would need to reapply and pay the fee again once the issue is resolved.
What happens if you don't pay the fee
Your renewal process cannot be processed without payment. If you submit an process by mail without the correct fee, DPS will return your process and ask you to resubmit it with payment. This delays your renewal and means you may not receive your new license before your current one expires.
If you attempt to renew in person but do not have the correct payment method available, the DPS clerk will not process your process. You will need to return another day with the fee or arrange payment before leaving the office.
Renewal fee versus other driver license costs
The renewal fee is separate from other costs you might pay related to your driver license. If you need to change your address, add a Real ID designation, or update your name, some of these changes are included in the renewal fee at no extra cost. Others may carry a small additional charge.
If you need a duplicate license (an extra copy of your current license before it expires), that costs $11 for a four-year license or $22 for an eight-year license. This is different from a replacement, which is what you get when your license is lost or damaged.
If you are renewing and also taking a new written test or road test because your license was suspended or revoked, you pay the renewal fee plus the test fee. Test fees vary and are charged separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I don't have the full fee right now?
No. DPS requires full payment at the time of process, whether you renew in person or by mail. If you cannot pay the full amount, you cannot complete your renewal until you have the funds available. Plan ahead so you can renew before your license expires.
Is the renewal fee the same if I renew early?
Yes. You pay the same $16 or $32 fee regardless of when you renew, as long as it is within the renewal window (usually 60 days before your license expires). Renewing early does not cost more or less.
What if I pay the wrong amount?
If you pay less than the required fee by mail, DPS will return your process and ask you to resubmit with the correct amount. If you pay more than the required amount, DPS does not issue a refund. Pay the exact amount to avoid delays or overpayment.
Do I have to pay the renewal fee if I'm renewing online?
Yes. Online renewal still requires the full renewal fee. You pay it using a credit or debit card when you submit your process online. The fee is processed when ready as part of the online transaction.
What if my license expired before I could renew?
You still pay the standard renewal fee, not a penalty fee. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to take a new written test or road test in addition to renewing. The test fees are separate from the renewal fee.