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 you pay to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) when you get or renew your license.

If you need a Real ID-compliant license — one that meets federal standards for boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings — you pay the same fee. Real ID is not an extra charge; it is built into the standard license now. Texas stopped issuing non-Real ID licenses in 2017, so any license you get today will be Real ID-compliant.

If you are renewing by mail or online, the fee is the same. If you are renewing in person at a DPS office, the fee is the same. The cost does not change based on how you renew.

Key Takeaways

  • A five-year Texas driver's license costs $25; an eight-year license costs $40, both paid directly to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
  • Real ID compliance is included in the standard license fee — there is no separate charge, and all new Texas licenses are Real ID-compliant.
  • You may also need to pay for a certified birth certificate or other identity documents before you can get your license, which adds to the total cost.
  • Replacement licenses for lost, stolen, or damaged cards cost $11, and name-change licenses cost $25.
  • DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at offices; online and mail renewals require a card.

What documents cost money before you pay for the license itself

The $25 or $40 you pay to DPS covers only the license card. Before you can walk into a DPS office, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If you do not have these documents already, you will need to buy them.

A certified copy of your birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit costs $22.50 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. You can order by mail, phone, or online. If you need it fast, you can pay extra for expedited processing — $15 on top of the standard fee — and receive it in three to five business days instead of two to three weeks.

If your birth certificate is from another state, that state's vital records office sets the price. Most states charge between $15 and $30 for a certified copy. You can search your state's vital records website to find the exact fee and ordering method.

If you do not have a Social Security card, the Social Security Administration will issue one free of charge, but you will need to explore in person at a local Social Security office with your birth certificate and photo ID. This does not cost money, but it takes time.

Replacement and name-change license costs

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement costs $11. You do not get a refund for the original license. The replacement is valid for the remainder of your original license's expiration date — you do not pay for a full new term.

If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, a name-change license costs $25 for a five-year license or $40 for an eight-year license, the same as a new license. You will need to bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order along with your current license.

How to pay and what payment methods DPS accepts

At a DPS office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some offices may have ATMs on-site if you need cash, but do not assume this — call ahead or bring a card.

If you renew online through the DPS website, you must use a debit or credit card. If you renew by mail, you can send a check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail.

Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have not had a major change (like a name change or address change to a different county). If you are renewing in person, you can pay at the time of your appointment.

When you might pay more than the standard fee

If you need your license faster than the standard processing time, DPS offers expedited service at some offices. Expedited processing costs an additional $10 and is available only for in-person renewals at select locations. Call your local DPS office to ask whether expedited service is available and whether you need to book an appointment in advance.

If you are getting a license for the first time and need to take the written test and driving test, there is no extra fee beyond the $25 or $40 license fee. However, if you fail the driving test, you must pay the license fee again when you retake it — DPS does not refund the original fee.

If you need a duplicate license (an extra copy of your current valid license), that costs $11, the same as a replacement.

Fees for commercial driver's licenses and motorcycle endorsements

A commercial driver's license (CDL) in Texas costs $60 for a five-year license or $90 for an eight-year license. These fees are higher than a standard license because CDL holders must pass additional tests and medical examinations.

If you want to add a motorcycle endorsement to a standard driver's license, the endorsement itself costs $25 for a five-year license or $40 for an eight-year license — the same as renewing your standard license. You will need to pass a motorcycle written test and a riding skills test, but there is no separate test fee.

How to find your local DPS office and check current wait times

You can find your nearest DPS office and check current wait times on the Texas DPS website. Many offices now use an online appointment system, and booking ahead can cut your wait time significantly. Some offices accept walk-ins, but appointment holders are served first.

If you live in a rural area far from a DPS office, you may be able to renew by mail or online if your license is not expired. Check the DPS website to see whether you are in a county that offers mail or online renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the full license fee if I renew before my license expires?

Yes. Whether you renew early or on time, you pay the full $25 or $40 for a new five- or eight-year license. DPS does not prorate the fee or give you credit for time remaining on your old license.

What if I cannot afford the license fee right now?

Texas DPS does not offer payment plans or fee waivers for standard licenses. However, if you are facing financial hardship, some community organizations and nonprofits in your area may help cover the cost. Contact your local 211 service or county social services office to ask whether information is available in your county.

Can I pay for my license online if I renew by mail?

No. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order with your process. You cannot pay online for a mail renewal. Online payment is available only for online renewals through the DPS website.

Is there a fee to take the written driving test or road test?

No. The written test and road test are free. You pay the $25 or $40 license fee only after you pass both tests. If you fail the road test and retake it, you must pay the license fee again when you pass.

Do I have to pay extra to get a Real ID license?

No. All Texas driver's licenses issued today are Real ID-compliant, and there is no extra charge. The $25 or $40 fee covers the Real ID license.