How much it costs to renew your 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 in-person fee is lower because you skip the mailing cost. If you need your license faster than the standard mail timeline, you can pay an extra $15 for expedited processing when you renew online or by mail.

These fees cover a five-year renewal period for most drivers. If you are over 85 years old, your renewal is valid for two years instead, and the cost is the same. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher — $75 for a five-year renewal.

The DPS does not accept cash at most offices; bring a debit card, credit card, or check. If you renew by mail, you can pay by check or money order. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Texas driver's license renewal costs $25 by mail or online, or $16 in person at a DPS office.
  • You can add $15 for expedited processing if you need your license sooner than the standard timeline.
  • Commercial driver's licenses cost $75 to renew for five years.
  • Payment method depends on how you renew: online accepts cards only, mail accepts checks or money orders, and in-person offices accept cards or checks.

When your renewal fee changes

Your renewal cost stays the same whether you are renewing for the first time or the fifth time — the fee does not increase based on how many times you have renewed. However, if you are renewing early (before your current license expires), you may pay a different amount depending on how much time is left on your current license.

If you renew more than 12 months before your license expires, you pay the full renewal fee. If you renew within 12 months of expiration, you still pay the full fee, but your new license will be valid for five years from the expiration date of your old license, not from the renewal date. This means you do not lose time on your license.

If you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license before it expires, that is a replacement, not a renewal, and costs $11 in person or $16 by mail.

What happens if you renew late

If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew it by mail or online at the standard renewal fee. The DPS does not charge a penalty for renewing late — you straightforward pay the regular $25 or $16 fee and your new license is valid for five years from the date you renew.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must go to a DPS office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired. You still pay only the standard renewal fee, but the in-person visit and testing add time to the process.

Renewing online versus in person versus by mail

Online renewal is the cheapest option at $25 and the fastest — your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need to update your photo. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a credit or debit card.

In-person renewal at a DPS office costs $16 and takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You can update your photo, address, and other information on the spot, and you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease), and a payment card or check.

Mail renewal costs $25 and takes 4 to 6 weeks. You fill out the renewal form, include a check or money order, and mail it to the DPS. You cannot update your photo by mail, but you can change your address. Mail renewal is useful if you cannot visit an office or prefer not to renew online.

Additional costs you might encounter

If you need to change your name on your license due to marriage, divorce, or court order, there is no extra fee — you pay the standard renewal fee and provide the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DPS processes the name change as part of the renewal.

If you want to add a Real ID designation to your license, there is no additional fee. However, Real ID renewal requires you to visit a DPS office in person and bring original or certified copies of your birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of residency. The office visit is free; you pay only the standard $16 renewal fee.

If you need a duplicate license (a second copy of your current license with the same number and expiration date), that costs $11 in person or $16 by mail.

How to pay less or avoid extra charges

Renew in person if you can — the $16 fee is $9 cheaper than online or mail renewal. If you do not need to update your photo or address, online renewal at $25 is faster and more convenient than mail, even though it costs the same.

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Renewing early costs the same but gives you more flexibility in how you renew and avoids the risk of accidentally driving with an expired license. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

If you are renewing multiple licenses in your household, each person pays their own renewal fee — there is no household discount. However, if you are renewing a minor's license, the fee is the same as an adult's.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the renewal fee if I renew online?

Yes. Online renewal costs $25, the same as mail renewal. In-person renewal is the only option that costs less at $16. You cannot renew for free through any method.

Can I pay my renewal fee in cash at a DPS office?

Most DPS offices do not accept cash. Bring a debit card, credit card, or check. Call your local DPS office before you go to confirm what payment methods they accept, since policies can vary by location.

What if I renew online but then need to change my photo before my new license arrives?

You cannot change your photo after you have submitted an online renewal. If you need a new photo, you must cancel the online renewal (if possible) and renew in person instead. Contact the DPS to ask whether your online renewal can be cancelled.

Is the $15 expedited fee worth it?

Expedited processing shortens the mail time from 4 to 6 weeks to about 2 to 3 weeks. It costs an extra $15 on top of the $25 renewal fee. Use it only if you need your license quickly and cannot renew in person.

Do I pay a different fee if my license is suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the DPS first, then pay the standard renewal fee. Contact the DPS to find out what steps you need to take to clear the suspension or revocation.