Texas driver's license fees by document type

A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $25. An eight-year license costs $40. These are the base fees the Texas Department of Public Safety charges when you renew or get your first license. If you need a Real ID–compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), you pay the same amount — Real ID is now the standard license Texas issues, not an add-on.

If you're under 18, a five-year license costs $15. Replacement licenses (if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged) cost $11 for a five-year card or $17 for an eight-year card. A duplicate license costs the same as a replacement.

These prices do not include the cost of the written test, driving test, or any documents you need to bring (like a birth certificate or proof of residency). Those are separate expenses or may require fees from the agencies that issue them.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $25; an eight-year license costs $40.
  • Real ID compliance is included in the standard license fee — you do not pay extra for it.
  • Replacement or duplicate licenses cost $11 (five-year) or $17 (eight-year).
  • Minors under 18 pay $15 for a five-year license, and the fee structure changes when they turn 18.
  • The license fee itself does not cover the cost of documents like birth certificates or proof of residency, which may have their own fees.

What happens to your fee when you turn 18

If you got your first license as a minor, you paid $15 for a five-year card. When that license expires and you renew it after turning 18, you will pay the adult rate of $25 for a five-year license or $40 for an eight-year license. The Texas Department of Public Safety does not prorate or refund the difference.

You can renew early — up to 12 months before your license expires — and lock in the same fee you would pay at expiration. Some people renew early to get an eight-year license and avoid another renewal sooner, but you will still pay the full adult rate if you are 18 or older.

How to pay and where the money goes

You pay the license fee when you visit a Texas Department of Public Safety office or an authorized county tax assessor-collector office. Most offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Some offices may have different payment methods, so call ahead if you have a preference.

The fee goes to the Texas Department of Public Safety, which uses it to cover the cost of producing the card, maintaining the licensing system, and administering driver's license services. It is not a tax — it is a service fee for the document itself.

Additional costs you may encounter

The license fee covers only the card and the transaction. You may also need to pay for documents to prove your identity, residency, or Social Security number. A birth certificate from the state vital records office typically costs $20 to $30. A certified copy of a marriage license or divorce decree costs $10 to $25, depending on the county. Proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) is usually free if you already have it, but getting a certified copy from a utility company or landlord may cost $5 to $15.

If you are taking the written test or driving test for the first time, there is no separate test fee in Texas — both are included in the license fee. However, if you fail a test and need to retake it, you may have to pay the full license fee again when you reapply, depending on how much time has passed.

If you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license, you can do so at renewal for the standard renewal fee. If you need to make the change before your license expires, you will pay a replacement fee ($11 or $17) instead.

Fees for commercial driver's licenses and endorsements

A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more than a standard license. A five-year CDL costs $75, and an eight-year CDL costs $120. These fees explore whether you are getting your first CDL or renewing one. Replacement CDLs cost $33 (five-year) or $51 (eight-year).

If you want to add an endorsement to a standard license (such as a motorcycle endorsement), you pay a $10 endorsement fee in addition to the license fee. Adding an endorsement to a CDL costs $30. These fees explore each time you add a new endorsement or renew one that is expiring.

Payment plans and fee waivers

Texas does not offer payment plans for driver's license fees. You must pay the full amount at the time you explore or renew. If you cannot afford the fee, there is no waiver or reduction program run by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Some county tax assessor-collector offices may offer limited information or refer you to local resources if you are experiencing financial hardship, but this varies by county. Call your local office to ask whether they have any options or referrals available.

How long your license is valid and when to renew

A five-year license expires five years from the date it is issued. An eight-year license expires eight years from the date it is issued. You can renew up to 12 months before expiration without penalty. If your license expires, you can still renew it, but you may have to retake the written test or provide updated documents, which could delay the process.

You can renew online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website if your license is not suspended, you have not had a name change, and you do not need to update your address or other information. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal and takes about one to two weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office or tax assessor-collector office is usually faster and can be completed the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay extra for a Real ID license in Texas?

No. Real ID is now the standard license Texas issues. You do not pay an additional fee for it. The $25 (five-year) or $40 (eight-year) fee covers the Real ID-compliant card. You will need to bring the required documents (passport, birth certificate, proof of residency, and Social Security verification), but there is no separate Real ID charge.

What if I lose my license before it expires?

A replacement license costs $11 (five-year) or $17 (eight-year). You can get a replacement at any Texas Department of Public Safety office or authorized tax assessor-collector office. Bring your Social Security number and proof of identity. The replacement card will have a new expiration date five or eight years from the date you explore, not from your original license's expiration date.

Can I renew my Texas license online, and does it cost less?

You can renew online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website if your license is not suspended and you do not need to update your information. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal ($25 or $40). It takes about one to two weeks to receive your card by mail, whereas in-person renewal is usually completed the same day.

What if I need to change my address before my license expires?

You can change your address at renewal for the standard renewal fee. If you need to change it before expiration, you will pay a replacement fee ($11 or $17) instead. You can update your address online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website for free, but the physical card will still show your old address until you get a replacement.

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

It depends on how long it has been since you applied. If you fail and reapply within a certain timeframe, you may not have to pay the full fee again. Call your local Texas Department of Public Safety office or tax assessor-collector office to ask about their specific policy on retesting and fees.