Texas driver's license fees by type and renewal

A standard Texas driver's license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. The eight-year option is available only to drivers aged 36 and older. If you're under 18, your license costs $11 for four years. These are the base fees charged by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) when you pass your test and receive your first license.

Renewal costs the same as the initial license: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years, depending on your age and which term you choose. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office. If you renew online or by mail, you avoid any additional service fees that some third-party vendors may charge.

Real ID-compliant licenses cost an extra $16 on top of the standard license fee. So a four-year Real ID license runs $32 total, and an eight-year Real ID license costs $48. Real ID is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 7, 2025. Texas offers Real ID as an option; you do not have to get one if you don't fly or visit federal facilities.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard four-year Texas driver's license costs $16; an eight-year license costs $32 and is only available to drivers 36 and older.
  • Real ID-compliant licenses add $16 to the base fee, making them $32 for four years or $48 for eight years.
  • Renewal fees are identical to initial license fees, and renewing online or by mail avoids vendor service charges.
  • Replacement licenses for lost, stolen, or damaged cards cost $11 and can be ordered online or in person.
  • Fees do not include the cost of the written test, driving test, or vision screening, which are separate and may vary by testing location.

Replacement and duplicate license costs

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement costs $11. You can order a replacement online through the Texas DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Online replacement is the fastest route and avoids a trip to an office.

A duplicate license—an extra copy of your current license with the same number and expiration date—also costs $11. Some drivers order duplicates to keep one at home and carry one in their wallet, or to have a backup while traveling.

Testing and screening fees

The license fee itself does not include the written knowledge test, the driving test, or the vision screening. These are charged separately by the testing location. Vision screening typically costs $5 to $10, but prices vary. The written test and driving test are usually bundled together and cost between $10 and $30 depending on where you test.

If you test at a DPS office, fees are set by the state. If you test at a third-party vendor (a private testing location licensed by DPS), that vendor sets its own fees within state limits. Call ahead or check the vendor's website to confirm the exact cost before you arrive.

You pay testing fees each time you take a test, even if you fail and retake it. Some vendors charge the full fee again; others charge a lower retake fee. Ask when you schedule your test.

Commercial driver's license fees

A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more than a standard license. A four-year CDL costs $60, and an eight-year CDL costs $120. These fees explore whether you are getting your first CDL or renewing an existing one.

CDL testing is also more expensive than standard license testing. You must pass a written test, a skills test, and a medical examination. Testing costs vary by location but typically run $50 to $150 total. Medical exams required for CDL certification are not included in the testing fee and cost $50 to $200 depending on the provider.

Motorcycle endorsement and other add-ons

Adding a motorcycle endorsement to your Texas driver's license costs $10. You must pass a written test and a riding skills test to earn the endorsement. Testing fees for the motorcycle endorsement are separate and typically cost $10 to $30.

Other endorsements—such as for hazardous materials (HazMat) or passenger transport—each cost $10 to add to your license. The written test for each endorsement is charged separately by the testing location.

Payment methods and where to pay

The Texas DPS accepts payment by cash, check, debit card, and credit card at DPS offices. Online renewals and replacements accept debit and credit cards only. By-mail renewals require a check or money order.

You can pay your license fee at any DPS office in Texas. You can also renew online at the Texas DPS website if your license is not suspended and you meet other renewal requirements. Paying online is faster and avoids waiting in line, but you cannot renew online if you need to update your address, change your name, or add a Real ID endorsement for the first time.

Discounts and fee waivers

Texas does not offer discounts on driver's license fees based on age, income, or other factors. However, some counties or cities may have programs that help low-income residents pay for identification documents. Contact your local county clerk's office to ask whether such a program exists in your area.

Military members and veterans do not receive a discount on the license fee itself, but they may be able to renew by mail without visiting an office, which saves time and travel costs. Check the Texas DPS website for current military renewal options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my license fee in installments?

No. Texas DPS requires full payment at the time you explore for or renew your license. Payment plans are not available. You must pay the entire fee upfront by cash, check, debit card, or credit card depending on where you pay.

Do I have to pay the Real ID fee if I don't fly?

No. Real ID is optional in Texas. You can keep a standard driver's license at no extra cost. You only need Real ID if you plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings. A standard license is still valid for driving and most other purposes.

What happens if I lose my license before it expires?

You pay $11 for a replacement license with the same number and expiration date. The replacement does not extend your license term—it expires on the original date. When that date arrives, you renew at the standard renewal fee.

Are there extra fees if I renew in person versus online?

No. The license fee is the same whether you renew in person, online, or by mail. However, some third-party vendors charge service fees on top of the state fee if you renew through them. Renewing directly through the Texas DPS website or at a DPS office avoids these extra charges.

Do I pay the license fee again if I fail my driving test?

No. You pay the testing fee to take the test, but the license fee is only charged when you pass and receive your license. If you fail, you pay the testing fee again to retake the test, but you do not pay the license fee until you pass.