What You'll Pay to Renew Your Texas License

Texas license renewal costs depend on which type of license you hold and how long you're renewing it for. A standard five-year driver's license renewal costs $25, while a commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal is $75. If you're renewing an occupational license—such as a real estate license, contractor license, or cosmetology license—the fee varies by profession and ranges from around $50 to several hundred dollars. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) sets fees for occupational licenses, and each profession has its own renewal period and cost.

You can renew most Texas licenses online, by mail, or in person at a local office. Online renewal is usually the fastest and cheapest option because you avoid travel time and can complete it from home. If you renew by mail or in person, you may also need to pay for document copies, certified mail, or photos, which add to the base renewal fee.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard Texas driver's license renewal costs $25 for five years, while a CDL renewal costs $75.
  • Occupational license renewal fees vary by profession and are set by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, ranging from roughly $50 to several hundred dollars.
  • Online renewal is usually the fastest and cheapest method because you avoid extra fees for photos, certified mail, or in-person visits.
  • Your renewal cost may increase if you add endorsements, change your address, or request a duplicate license at the same time.

Driver's License Renewal Fees

A standard five-year Texas driver's license renewal costs $25. If you choose to renew online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, you pay only this base fee. Renewing in person at a DPS office also costs $25, but you may incur additional expenses if you need a new photo or certified copies of documents.

If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the cost is $75 for five years. CDL renewals require a medical examination and a valid medical certificate, which you must obtain from a certified medical examiner. The medical exam is not included in the $75 renewal fee—you pay the doctor or clinic separately, and costs typically range from $50 to $150 depending on the provider.

Endorsements—such as a hazmat endorsement on a CDL—may cost extra. A hazmat endorsement renewal is an additional $5 to $10 on top of your CDL renewal fee. If you're adding a new endorsement rather than renewing an existing one, the cost may be higher.

Occupational License Renewal Costs by Profession

Texas occupational licenses cover dozens of professions, and each has its own renewal fee set by TDLR. Real estate licenses cost $100 to renew for a two-year period. Cosmetology licenses cost $75 to renew for two years. Contractor licenses vary by license type—a general contractor license renewal is typically $150 to $200 for two years, while specialty contractor licenses may cost less.

Other common occupational licenses and their approximate renewal costs include: electrician ($100 to $150 for three years), plumber ($100 to $150 for three years), security officer ($50 to $75 for two years), and home inspector ($150 to $200 for two years). If you hold multiple licenses or endorsements under one profession, you may pay a combined fee rather than separate fees for each.

TDLR updates renewal fees periodically, so the amount you pay may differ from these estimates. Before you renew, check the TDLR website or your renewal notice for the exact current fee for your profession. Many renewal notices include the fee amount, so you'll know exactly what to expect.

How to Renew Online and Save Time

Online renewal is available for most Texas driver's licenses and many occupational licenses. For a driver's license, visit the DPS website, create an account, and follow the renewal steps. You'll need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (credit card or debit card). The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

For occupational licenses, log into the TDLR licensing portal with your license number and password. The steps vary by profession, but most renewals ask you to confirm your information, pay the renewal fee, and submit any required documents (such as proof of continuing education). Payment is processed when ready, and you receive confirmation by email.

Online renewal costs only the base fee—you don't pay extra for photos, certified mail, or processing. If you renew in person or by mail, you may need to pay for a new photo ($10 to $15) or certified mail ($5 to $10), which adds to your total cost.

In-Person and Mail Renewal Costs

If you renew in person at a DPS office for a driver's license, you pay the $25 renewal fee. However, if your license has expired or you need a new photo, the office may charge an additional $5 to $15 for the photo. You can bring your own photo if it meets DPS standards (passport-style, color, taken within the last six months), which avoids the photo fee.

Mail renewal for a driver's license is no longer available in Texas—you must renew online or in person. For occupational licenses, some professions allow mail renewal. If you mail your renewal, you typically pay the base renewal fee plus the cost of certified mail (usually $5 to $10) and any required document copies. Processing by mail takes four to six weeks, compared to two to three weeks for online renewal.

Additional Fees You Might Pay

Several add-ons can increase your renewal cost. If you request a duplicate license at the same time as renewal, you pay an extra $10 to $15. If you change your address, some offices charge a small fee (usually $5 or less) to update your record. If you add a new endorsement or restriction to your license, that may cost extra depending on the type.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may not be able to renew it—you'll have to reapply as a new applicant, which costs more and requires you to pass a written test and vision test. Renewing before your license expires keeps you on the renewal track and saves you money.

Some people use third-party services to handle renewal paperwork, and these services charge a convenience fee on top of the state fee. These services are optional—you can always renew directly with DPS or TDLR for no extra charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license online if it's already expired?

Yes, you can renew online if your license expired within the last two years. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office and may need to retake the written and vision tests. Check the DPS website or call your local office to confirm your may be able to access before attempting to renew online.

Do I have to pay for a medical exam when I renew my CDL?

Yes, a medical exam is required for CDL renewal and is not included in the $75 renewal fee. You must obtain the exam from a certified medical examiner and pay them separately—costs typically range from $50 to $150. Your medical certificate must be valid before you submit your CDL renewal.

What payment methods does Texas accept for license renewal?

Online renewal accepts credit cards and debit cards. In-person renewal at a DPS office accepts cash, check, and card. For occupational licenses renewed through TDLR, accepted payment methods are listed on the TDLR website and typically include credit card, debit card, and electronic check.

Will my renewal cost change if I add an endorsement?

Adding a new endorsement to your license usually costs extra. For example, adding a hazmat endorsement to a CDL costs around $5 to $10 on top of your renewal fee. The exact cost depends on the endorsement type. Check your renewal notice or the DPS or TDLR website for the specific endorsement fee.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license by mail?

For online driver's license renewal, your new license arrives within two to three weeks. For occupational licenses renewed online, processing time varies by profession but is typically two to four weeks. Mail-in renewal takes longer—usually four to six weeks—so online renewal is faster.