Texas driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last

A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $25. If you want it to last ten years instead, you'll pay $50. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs $75 for five years or $150 for ten years. These are the base fees the Texas Department of Public Safety charges — they don't include any additional costs if you need to take a written test, a road test, or if you're paying for a replacement because yours was lost or stolen.

The total amount you actually spend depends on what you're starting from. If you already have a valid license and just want to renew it, you'll pay only the renewal fee. If you're getting your first license, you'll need to budget for testing fees on top of the license itself. If you're upgrading from a regular license to a CDL, that's a separate transaction with its own cost.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $25; a ten-year license costs $50.
  • Written tests, road tests, and duplicate licenses each have separate fees beyond the license cost itself.
  • You can renew your license online or by mail in Texas, which costs the same as renewing in person at a DPS office.
  • Commercial driver's licenses cost $75 for five years or $150 for ten years, on top of any testing fees.
  • Fees can change, so confirm the current cost with the Texas Department of Public Safety before you go to renew.

What you pay when you get your first license

Your first Texas driver's license involves multiple separate fees. The license itself costs $25 (five-year) or $50 (ten-year). On top of that, you'll pay for the written knowledge test if you fail it — the first attempt is included, but retakes cost $7 each. The road test costs $16 per attempt if you fail and need to retake it.

If you're under 18, there's no additional fee for the license itself, but you still pay for any test retakes. The written test and road test fees explore the same way. So a first-time driver who passes both tests on the first try pays $25 (or $50 for ten years) plus nothing extra. A first-time driver who fails the written test once and the road test once pays $25 + $7 + $16 = $48 (or $50 + $7 + $16 = $73 for the ten-year option).

Renewal and replacement costs

Renewing an expiring Texas driver's license costs the same as getting a new one: $25 for five years or $50 for ten years. You can renew online through the Texas DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office — the fee is the same regardless of method. Online and mail renewals are faster and don't require you to take new tests unless your license has been expired for more than two years.

If you need a duplicate license because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, that costs $11. A duplicate is a replacement of your current license with the same information and expiration date — it's not a new license, so you don't pay the full license fee. If your license has expired and you also need a duplicate, you'll pay both the $11 duplicate fee and the renewal fee.

Commercial driver's license fees

A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs $75 for five years or $150 for ten years. This is the license fee only and does not include the written test or the road test. The written test for a CDL costs $7 per attempt after your first try, just like a regular license. The road test for a CDL costs $16 per attempt, also the same as a regular license.

If you already hold a regular Texas driver's license and want to add a CDL endorsement, you still pay the full CDL fee — there's no discount for holding both. You'll need to pass the CDL written test and road test, so budget for potential retakes. Some people upgrade from a regular license to a CDL all at once; others get the regular license first and add the CDL later.

Additional fees you might encounter

If you change your name, address, or other information on your license, you may need to get a new license rather than a duplicate. A corrected license costs the same as a renewal: $25 or $50 depending on the term you choose. If you're correcting information because of an error the DPS made, ask whether the fee can be waived — some corrections are free.

If you need to take a written test or road test at a location other than a standard DPS office, or if you request a test on a day when the office is normally closed, there may be an additional fee. This is rare, but it's worth asking about when you schedule your test. Some DPS offices also offer expedited processing for an extra charge if you need your license quickly.

How to find current fees and avoid surprises

The Texas Department of Public Safety website lists all current fees, and you can also call your local DPS office to confirm before you go. Fees can change, and it's better to know the exact amount ahead of time than to arrive unprepared. When you renew online or by mail, the system will show you the total cost before you complete the transaction.

If you're paying in person at a DPS office, bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card — most offices accept all three, but it's worth confirming with your local office first. If you're renewing by mail, you'll need to include a check or money order. Online renewals require a debit or credit card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay for a ten-year license instead of five years to save money over time?

Yes. A ten-year license costs $50 instead of $25, so you pay $25 more upfront but don't have to renew for twice as long. Whether that saves you money depends on whether you'd renew anyway — if you plan to move out of Texas or stop driving, the five-year option might be better.

Do I have to pay for my first written test?

No. Your first attempt at the written knowledge test is included in the license fee. You only pay $7 if you fail and need to retake it. The same applies to the road test — your first attempt is included, and retakes cost $16 each.

What if I let my license expire — do I pay more to renew it?

If your license has been expired for less than two years, you pay the standard renewal fee ($25 or $50) and don't need to take new tests. If it's been expired for more than two years, you'll need to retake the written and road tests, which means paying for any retakes if you don't pass on the first try.

Is there a fee to change my address on my license?

If you only change your address, you can update it for free through the Texas DPS website or by mail without getting a new license. If you need a physical new license with the updated address, that costs $25 or $50 depending on the term you choose.

Do I pay the same fee if I renew online as I do in person?

Yes. Online renewal, mail renewal, and in-person renewal all cost the same. The only difference is how long it takes — online and mail renewals are usually faster, and you don't have to visit an office.