Texas Driver's License Renewal Fees

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 DPS office. The difference exists because in-person renewals do not include the mailing fee. If you are renewing a license that has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use the mail or online route — you must appear in person, and the fee remains $16.

These fees cover a five-year renewal cycle for most adults. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), renewal costs more: $60 for a five-year CDL renewal, regardless of method. Motorcycle endorsements add $10 to any renewal, whether you are renewing a standard license or a CDL.

Texas accepts cash, check, money order, debit card, and credit card at DPS offices. Online and mail renewals require a debit or credit card. If you pay by check or money order through the mail, make it payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Texas license renewal costs $25 online or by mail, or $16 in person at a DPS office.
  • Commercial driver's licenses cost $60 to renew, and motorcycle endorsements add $10 to any renewal.
  • Licenses expired more than two years require in-person renewal at the $16 rate; you cannot use mail or online options.
  • Payment methods vary by renewal route: in-person accepts cash and cards, while mail and online require card payment only.
  • The renewal fee covers a five-year license cycle for standard licenses; CDLs also renew on a five-year schedule.

When Your Renewal Fee Changes

If you are renewing early — before your current license expires — you pay the standard renewal fee, and your new license will be valid for five years from the date of renewal, not from the expiration date of your old one. This means you lose the remaining validity of your current license, so early renewal is not cost-effective unless your license is damaged or your information has changed.

If you renew after your license has expired, the fee does not increase. However, if your license expired more than two years ago, the Texas Department of Public Safety treats it as a new process rather than a renewal. You will need to visit a DPS office in person, pass a vision test, and provide original identity documents. The fee for this process is still $16, but the requirements are much more extensive than a standard renewal.

Duplicate licenses — ordered when you need a replacement copy of your current valid license — cost $11 and can be ordered online or by mail. A duplicate is different from a renewal and does not extend your license's expiration date.

Payment Methods and Where to Pay

At a DPS office, you can pay with cash, check, money order, debit card, or credit card. Some offices may have ATMs on-site if you need cash, but do not assume this — call ahead if you plan to pay with cash and want to be certain the office can accommodate you.

Online renewal through the Texas DPS website requires a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card. The online system processes payment when ready and issues a confirmation number. You will receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal requires the same card types as online renewal. You must include your card information on the renewal form or in a separate payment envelope. The Texas DPS recommends mailing renewal forms to the address listed on the form itself, as regional processing centers may vary. Mail renewals typically take 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DPS receives your form.

Additional Fees You May Encounter

If you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license during renewal, there is no additional fee — the $16 or $25 renewal fee covers these updates. However, if you need to add or remove a restriction code (such as corrective lenses or an automatic transmission restriction), you may need to visit a DPS office and pass a vision or driving test, depending on the change. These tests do not carry a separate fee.

If you lose your renewal notice or need to request a new one, the Texas DPS can mail you a duplicate notice at no charge. You can request this by phone or online through the DPS website. If you need expedited processing — a service that moves your renewal to the front of the queue — Texas does not offer this option. Standard processing times are fixed regardless of when you submit your renewal.

Some DPS offices charge a small fee to use their computer terminals if you are renewing in person and do not have your renewal notice with you. This fee is typically $2 to $3 and covers the cost of looking up your record. Not all offices charge this fee, so ask before you use the terminal.

Renewal Fee Waivers and Reductions

Texas does not offer fee waivers or reductions for standard driver's license renewals based on income or hardship. The $16 in-person fee is the lowest available rate and applies to all adults renewing in person, regardless of circumstance.

Military members on active duty stationed outside Texas may renew by mail or online without visiting an office, even if their license has been expired for more than two years. They must provide proof of active duty status. This exception does not reduce the fee — it only waives the in-person requirement.

If you are renewing a license that was suspended or revoked, you cannot use the standard renewal process. You must contact the Texas DPS directly to understand what steps are required before you can renew. Reinstatement fees vary depending on the reason for suspension or revocation and are separate from the renewal fee.

Timeline and Fee Payment Coordination

You can renew your Texas license up to one year before it expires. If you pay the renewal fee during this window, your new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew, not from the expiration date of your old license. This means if you renew 11 months early, you are effectively shortening the total validity of your license by 11 months.

The renewal fee is non-refundable once you have submitted your process. If you change your mind after paying but before your new license is issued, you must contact the Texas DPS to request a refund. Refunds are not may provide and depend on whether your process has been processed. If your process has already been processed and your new license has been printed, a refund is not possible.

If you renew online or by mail and your payment is declined, the Texas DPS will contact you by phone or mail to request a new payment method. Your process will not move forward until payment clears. This can delay your renewal by several days to a week, depending on how quickly you respond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the renewal fee in installments?

No. Texas requires full payment of the renewal fee at the time you submit your process. Payment plans or installment options are not available for driver's license renewals.

What happens if I pay the wrong amount?

If you pay less than the required fee, your process will not be processed and you will be contacted to submit the remaining balance. If you overpay, the Texas DPS will issue a refund by check or credit card, depending on your payment method. Refunds typically take 4 to 6 weeks.

Do I have to pay the renewal fee if my license was lost or stolen?

Yes. A replacement license for a lost or stolen license costs $11 and is treated as a duplicate, not a renewal. If your license has also expired and you need to renew it at the same time, you pay both the $11 duplicate fee and the $16 or $25 renewal fee.

Is there a fee to renew online versus in person?

Yes. In-person renewal costs $16, while online and mail renewal cost $25. The $9 difference covers the cost of mailing your new license to you. If you renew in person, you receive your license when ready or within a few days, depending on the office's processing time.

What if I renew my license and then move out of state?

The renewal fee is non-refundable. You can use your Texas license in most other states for identification purposes, but if you become a resident of another state, you will eventually need to obtain a license from that state. The fee you paid to Texas cannot be transferred or refunded.