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. The difference is straightforward how long the license remains valid before you renew it — the eight-year option costs more upfront but spreads the cost over a longer period.

These are the base fees for a regular Class C driver's license, which is what most people get. If you're getting a different type of license — a commercial license, a motorcycle endorsement, or a license with special restrictions — the cost changes. The Texas Department of Public Safety sets these fees, and they don't vary by county or location within the state.

You'll also need to budget for the written test and road test if you're a new driver. The written test costs $10, and the road test costs $15. If you fail either test, you pay again to retake it. These fees are separate from the license fee itself.

Key Takeaways

  • A five-year Texas driver's license costs $25; an eight-year license costs $40.
  • The written test costs $10 and the road test costs $15, paid separately from the license fee.
  • If you fail a test, you pay the test fee again when you retake it.
  • Commercial licenses, motorcycle endorsements, and other license types have different fees.
  • You can pay by cash, check, or card at any Texas DPS office.

What's included in the license fee

The license fee covers the card itself, the background check, and the processing of your process. It does not cover the tests you take to earn the license. The Texas DPS processes your process, verifies your identity, and issues the physical card — all of that is included in the $25 or $40 you pay.

If you renew your license before it expires, you pay the renewal fee, which is the same as the original license fee: $25 for five years or $40 for eight years. If your license expires and you have to renew it late, you may pay a penalty fee on top of the renewal fee, though the exact amount depends on how long it's been expired.

Costs for different license types

A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more than a regular license. A five-year CDL costs $60, and an eight-year CDL costs $100. You'll also pay the written and road test fees, which are higher for a CDL: the written test is $15 and the road test is $30.

If you want to add a motorcycle endorsement to your regular driver's license, that costs $25 extra. You'll take a separate written test for the motorcycle endorsement, which costs $10. Some people take a motorcycle safety course instead of the road test; that course is not run by the DPS and costs vary by provider, but it may reduce your insurance rates.

If you need a license with restrictions — for example, corrective lenses required, or automatic transmission only — the license fee stays the same. The restriction is noted on your card at no extra cost.

How to pay and where to pay

You pay your fees at a Texas DPS office when you explore for or renew your license. Most offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. Some offices may have different payment methods available, so call ahead if you want to confirm what they take.

You cannot pay online or by mail. You must go in person to a DPS office to pay and have your photo taken. If you're renewing by mail (which is only possible if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions), you'll receive instructions on how to pay with that renewal packet.

Renewal fees and when they're due

When your license is about to expire, you'll receive a notice in the mail from the Texas DPS. The notice tells you the renewal fee and gives you a important date. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.

If you renew before your license expires, you pay the standard renewal fee: $25 for five years or $40 for eight years. If you let your license expire and then renew it, you may owe a late penalty on top of the renewal fee. The longer your license has been expired, the higher the penalty can be. It's cheaper to renew before expiration.

What happens if you lose or damage your license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement. The replacement fee is $11. You go to a DPS office, pay the fee, and they issue a new card with the same number and expiration date as your old one.

A replacement is faster than a new license because you don't retake tests. You just pay the fee and get a new card. If your license was stolen, some DPS offices ask you to file a report, though this is not always required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my license fee online?

No. You must pay in person at a Texas DPS office. You can call ahead to confirm the office's hours and what payment methods they accept, but you cannot pay by mail or online.

Is the eight-year license worth the extra $15?

That depends on how often you want to renew. Over eight years, you pay $40 once instead of $25 twice (which would be $50). If you keep your license for eight years or longer, the eight-year option saves you money. If you move out of state or change your license type before eight years, you may not recoup the extra cost.

Do I have to pay the test fees if I fail?

Yes. Each time you take the written test or road test, you pay the fee for that test. If you fail and retake it, you pay again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake a test, but you pay each time.

What if I'm under 18 — do I pay a different fee?

No. The license fee is the same whether you're 16 or 65. However, if you're under 18, you get a Graduated Driver License (GDL) first, which has restrictions. The GDL fee is the same as a regular license fee.

Can I get a refund if I don't use my license?

No. Once you pay the license fee and receive your license, the fee is not refundable. If you decide not to drive or move out of state, you cannot get your money back.