What you pay to renew depends on your state and the type of license you hold
Driver's license renewal fees range from $20 to $300, depending on where you live, how long your new license lasts, and whether you need a Real ID or standard license. Most states charge between $40 and $100 for a standard renewal. The fee covers the cost of processing your process, producing the physical card, and maintaining the state's driver database.
Some states bundle renewal fees with other costs — vehicle registration, organ donor registration, or road safety programs — so your total at the DMV counter may be higher than the renewal fee alone. A few states offer reduced fees for seniors or people with disabilities, though the discount amount varies widely.
The length of your new license also affects the price. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license in most states because the state's processing and card production costs are spread across fewer years. If you renew online or by mail in a state that offers it, you may pay a lower fee than you would in person.
Key Takeaways
- Standard driver's license renewal fees range from $20 to $300 depending on your state and license type, with most states charging between $40 and $100.
- Real ID licenses cost more than standard licenses in most states — typically $15 to $50 extra — because they require additional security features and document verification.
- The length of your new license affects the fee: a four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal in the same state.
- Some states offer online or mail renewal at a lower cost than in-person renewal, and seniors or people with disabilities may receive reduced fees in certain states.
- Your total cost at the DMV may include fees beyond the renewal fee itself, such as vehicle registration or road safety program charges.
Standard license renewal fees by state
The following table shows renewal fees for a standard (non-Real ID) driver's license in each state. Fees are current as of 2024 but may change; contact your state DMV to confirm the exact amount before you go in person or submit payment online.
| State | Standard License Fee | License Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $28 | 4 years |
| Alaska | $95 | 5 years |
| Arizona | $25 | 5 years |
| Arkansas | $22.50 | 4 years |
| California | $38 | 5 years |
| Colorado | $31 | 5 years |
| Connecticut | $130 | 8 years |
| Delaware | $70 | 8 years |
| Florida | $87.50 | 8 years |
| Georgia | $32 | 8 years |
| Hawaii | $60 | 6 years |
| Idaho | $38 | 4 years |
| Illinois | $149 | 4 years |
| Indiana | $25 | 4 years |
| Iowa | $24 | 4 years |
| Kansas | $99 | 6 years |
| Kentucky | $38 | 4 years |
| Louisiana | $60 | 4 years |
| Maine | $65 | 6 years |
| Maryland | $109 | 8 years |
| Massachusetts | $50 | 5 years |
| Michigan | $25 | 4 years |
| Minnesota | $24.75 | 4 years |
| Mississippi | $29.50 | 4 years |
| Missouri | $25 | 6 years |
| Montana | $85 | 8 years |
| Nebraska | $43 | 5 years |
| Nevada | $60 | 8 years |
| New Hampshire | $120 | 5 years |
| New Jersey | $131 | 10 years |
| New Mexico | $45 | 4 years |
| New York | $75 | 8 years |
| North Carolina | $48 | 8 years |
| North Dakota | $40 | 4 years |
| Ohio | $38.50 | 4 years |
| Oklahoma | $38 | 4 years |
| Oregon | $70 | 8 years |
| Pennsylvania | $38.25 | 4 years |
| Rhode Island | $75 | 5 years |
| South Carolina | $30 | 5 years |
| South Dakota | $40 | 5 years |
| Tennessee | $27 | 5 years |
| Texas | $40 | 5 years |
| Utah | $33 | 5 years |
| Vermont | $70 | 4 years |
| Virginia | $48 | 5 years |
| Washington | $72 | 5 years |
| West Virginia | $21.50 | 5 years |
| Wisconsin | $50 | 8 years |
| Wyoming | $30 | 5 years |
These fees cover the renewal transaction only. If you need to change your address, add a commercial driver's license (CDL) endorsement, or correct your name, your state may charge additional fees.
Real ID license renewal costs more
A Real ID license meets federal identification standards set by the Department of Homeland Security and is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Renewing a Real ID license costs more than a standard renewal because the state must verify your identity documents more thoroughly and produce a card with additional security features.
Real ID renewal fees typically run $15 to $50 higher than a standard license in the same state. For example, if your state charges $40 for a standard renewal, a Real ID renewal might cost $55 to $75. Some states include the Real ID fee in the base renewal price; others charge it as a separate line item on your receipt.
To renew as Real ID, you must bring documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and current address. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate, passport, or state ID, plus a recent utility bill or lease. If you do not have the required documents, you can renew as a standard license at the lower fee, but you will not be able to use it for federal purposes after the Real ID important date.
Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal fees
A commercial driver's license allows you to operate trucks, buses, or other vehicles for hire. CDL renewal fees are separate from and higher than standard license fees because the renewal process includes medical certification, background checks, and testing.
CDL renewal fees range from $50 to $200 depending on your state and whether you renew in person or by mail. Most states charge between $80 and $150. You must renew in person at your state DMV because you need to pass a vision test and provide a current medical certificate from a licensed examiner. Some states allow you to renew your medical certificate by mail or online, but the CDL license itself must be renewed at a DMV office.
If your CDL includes hazmat endorsement (the ability to transport hazardous materials), your state may charge an additional $10 to $25 for the background check and fingerprinting required for that endorsement.
Discounts and reduced fees for seniors and people with disabilities
Some states offer reduced renewal fees for people age 65 and older or for people with disabilities. The discount amount varies — some states reduce the fee by 25 to 50 percent, while others waive the fee entirely. Not all states offer this discount, and may be able to access rules differ.
To find out whether your state offers a senior or disability discount, contact your state DMV directly or check the DMV website. If you may have access to, bring proof of age (birth certificate or passport) or proof of disability (Social Security disability award letter or state disability ID) when you renew. Some states require you to request the discount; it is not always applied automatically.
A few states also offer fee waivers or reductions for people experiencing homelessness or financial hardship, though these programs are less common. Ask your DMV whether such a program exists in your state.
Online and mail renewal fees
States that allow online or mail renewal often charge a lower fee than in-person renewal because the state saves money on office staffing and processing. Online or mail renewal fees typically run $5 to $15 less than the in-person fee for the same license type.
Not all states offer online or mail renewal, and may be able to access depends on your age, how long it has been since your last renewal, and whether you need to update your address or photo. Younger drivers and those with recent address changes usually must renew in person. Check your state DMV website to see whether you are may be able to access for online or mail renewal and what the fee would be.
If you renew online, you will pay by credit card or debit card. If you renew by mail, you will include a check or money order with your process. Some states charge a small additional fee for processing a mail renewal, so read the instructions carefully before you send your payment.
What happens if you renew late or let your license expire
If your license expires and you do not renew it before you drive, you are driving with an expired license, which is illegal in all states. The penalty ranges from a warning to a fine of $100 to $500, depending on how long your license has been expired and your state's laws.
If your license has been expired for a short time (usually less than one year), you can renew it at the standard renewal fee. If it has been expired for longer, your state may require you to take a written test, vision test, or both before you can renew. Some states charge an additional late renewal fee of $10 to $50 on top of the standard renewal fee.
If your license has been expired for several years, you may have to explore for a new license rather than renew, which costs more and takes longer. To avoid this, renew your license before it expires. Most states send a renewal notice 30 to 60 days before your expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
Yes, but your state may require you to pass a written test, vision test, or both before you can renew. Some states charge a late renewal fee of $10 to $50 in addition to the standard renewal fee. If your license has been expired for several years, you may have to explore for a new license instead, which costs more. Contact your state DMV to find out what your state requires.
Do I have to pay the Real ID fee if I do not fly or go to federal buildings?
No. You can renew as a standard license at the lower fee if you do not need Real ID. However, after May 7, 2025, you will not be able to use a standard license for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings. If you think you might need it in the future, renewing as Real ID now is often cheaper than renewing twice.
What if I renew my license in one state and then move to another?
You must get a new license from your new state within a set time frame, usually 30 to 60 days after you move. Your old license becomes invalid once you move. You will pay the new state's renewal fee for your new license. Some states offer a discount if you have a valid license from another state, but this is not common.
Is there a fee to renew my license online?
Most states that offer online renewal charge a lower fee than in-person renewal — typically $5 to $15 less. You pay by credit card