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 a license that lasts eight years instead, you'll pay $40. A Real ID-compliant license — the kind you need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building — costs $40 for five years or $60 for eight years. These are the base fees; additional costs explore if you need a replacement, a duplicate, or a name change.

The fee you pay depends on three things: which type of license you're getting, how long you want it valid, and whether you're renewing an existing license or getting one for the first time. Texas also charges separate fees for the written test and the road test if you're a new driver, so the total cost of getting licensed is higher than the license itself.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $25; an eight-year license costs $40.
  • A Real ID license costs $40 for five years or $60 for eight years and is required for domestic air travel.
  • New drivers pay separate fees for the written test ($10) and the road test ($10), in addition to the license fee.
  • Replacement licenses, duplicate licenses, and name-change licenses each carry their own fees, usually between $11 and $25.
  • You can renew your license by mail, online, or in person; mail and online renewals are cheaper than in-person visits to a DPS office.

Costs for first-time drivers getting a Texas license

If you're getting your first Texas driver's license, you'll pay for three separate things: the written knowledge test, the road test, and the license itself. The written test costs $10 and the road test costs $10. After you pass both tests, you pay the license fee — either $25 for a five-year standard license or $40 for a five-year Real ID license.

Your total cost as a new driver is therefore $45 for a standard five-year license or $60 for a Real ID five-year license. If you choose the eight-year option, add $15 more to either total. These fees are set by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and do not vary by location within the state.

Standard license versus Real ID: what the extra cost covers

The difference between a standard Texas driver's license and a Real ID license is what you can use it for. A standard license works for driving and for proving your identity in everyday situations. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security.

You need a Real ID license to board a domestic airplane, enter a federal courthouse, or access a military base. If you don't fly or visit federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient. The extra $15 or $20 you pay for Real ID covers the additional background check and verification that DHS requires. Since January 2024, a standard license alone is no longer enough for domestic air travel, so most people choose Real ID when they renew.

Renewal fees and how to save money

Renewing your Texas driver's license costs the same as getting a new one — $25 for five years (standard) or $40 for five years (Real ID). You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office. Mail and online renewals are free to submit; in-person renewals at a DPS office do not cost extra, but you may pay a convenience fee if you use a third-party vendor like a grocery store or pharmacy that offers DPS services.

If your license is not expiring soon, you do not have to renew it. Texas allows you to renew up to two years before your license expires, so you can plan ahead and avoid a rush. Renewing early does not cost more, and your new license will be valid for the full term (five or eight years) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expires.

Replacement and duplicate license fees

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you'll pay $11 for a replacement. A duplicate license — a second copy of your current valid license — costs $11 as well. If you need to change your name on your license due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you'll pay $25 for a new license with the updated name. You'll need to bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order, when you explore.

These fees are separate from your renewal fee. If your license is expiring soon and you also need a replacement or name change, you'll pay both fees — the replacement or name-change fee plus the renewal fee.

Commercial driver's license costs

A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more than a standard license because it requires additional testing and background checks. A five-year CDL costs $60; an eight-year CDL costs $90. These fees cover the written test, the road test, and the license itself — you do not pay separately for the tests as you do with a standard license.

You must pass a medical examination and provide proof of it before you can get a CDL. The medical exam is not free and is not included in the DPS fee; you'll pay a doctor or clinic for that separately. The cost of the medical exam varies depending on where you go, but budget between $50 and $150.

Where to pay and what payment methods are accepted

You can pay your Texas driver's license fee in person at any DPS office, by mail if you're renewing, or online if you're renewing through the DPS website. DPS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you renew by mail, you can pay by check or money order. If you renew online, you'll pay by debit or credit card.

Third-party vendors like grocery stores and pharmacies that offer DPS services may charge an additional convenience fee on top of the DPS fee. This fee is set by the vendor, not by DPS, and varies. Call ahead to ask what the total cost will be if you plan to use a third-party location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for a Real ID, or can I keep a standard license?

You can keep a standard license if you don't fly domestically or visit federal buildings. However, starting in 2024, a standard license alone is not accepted for domestic air travel. If you fly at all, you'll need Real ID eventually, so most people choose it when they renew to avoid paying twice.

What if I fail the written or road test — do I have to pay again?

Yes. Each time you take the written test or the road test, you pay the $10 fee again. There is no limit on how many times you can retake either test, but you'll pay $10 each time. Some people take the written test multiple times before passing; budget for that possibility.

Can I get a Texas license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Texas issues driver's licenses to people who are not U.S. citizens, including people with valid work visas and people without legal immigration status. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The fees are the same regardless of citizenship status.

Is there a discount for seniors or military members?

Texas does not offer a reduced fee for seniors. Military members and veterans do not receive a discount on the license fee itself, but some DPS offices offer expedited service for active-duty military. Call your local DPS office to ask about military services in your area.

What happens if my license expires while I'm out of state?

You can renew your Texas license by mail or online even if you're out of state. You cannot renew in person at a DPS office outside Texas. Mail and online renewals take about two weeks, so plan ahead if you know your license is expiring soon.