Texas driver's license renewal costs between $16 and $48, depending on how long you want it valid and whether you renew in person or by mail
The standard cost for a five-year renewal is $16 if you renew online or by mail, or $25 if you renew in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. An eight-year renewal costs $32 online or by mail, or $48 in person. The difference exists because in-person renewals include a new photograph and a fresh identity verification, which the DPS charges more for. If you renew online or by mail, you keep your existing photo on file.
Texas does not charge a separate fee for standard renewals—the single fee covers the license itself. However, if you need a replacement license (because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged), that costs $11 regardless of renewal length. If you want to add a Real ID endorsement to your license during renewal, there is no extra charge, but you will need to renew in person and bring specific documents.
Key Takeaways
- A five-year renewal costs $16 by mail or online, or $25 in person at a DPS office.
- An eight-year renewal costs $32 by mail or online, or $48 in person.
- In-person renewals cost more because they include a new photo and identity verification; mail and online renewals use your existing photo.
- You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license is not expired and you have not renewed online in the past two years.
- Payment methods vary by renewal method—online accepts credit and debit cards, mail requires a check or money order, and in-person offices accept cash, card, or check.
When you can renew online or by mail instead of visiting an office
Texas allows online renewal through the DPS website if your current license is not yet expired, you have not renewed online in the past two years, and you have not had any address changes that require a new photo. Online renewal takes about 7 to 10 business days from the time you submit your process, and you pay the $16 (five-year) or $32 (eight-year) fee by credit or debit card.
Mail renewal follows the same rules as online renewal. You read the process for Renewal of Driver License form (DL-44) from the DPS website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Mail renewal typically takes 15 to 20 business days because of postal time. Both methods send your new license to the address on file, so update your address before you explore if you have moved.
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online—you must visit a DPS office in person. The same applies if you have changed your address since your last renewal and want the new address on your license.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Visiting a DPS office costs more ($25 for five-year, $48 for eight-year) but is the only option if your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you want to add a Real ID endorsement. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you are renewing a Real ID license, you also need proof of citizenship or legal presence, such as a birth certificate or passport.
DPS offices accept cash, check, and credit or debit card. Wait times vary by location and time of day—offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. You can check wait times for your nearest office on the DPS website before you go. Your new license is usually issued on the spot if you renew in person, though you may receive it by mail if the office is particularly busy.
Real ID endorsement and additional costs
A Real ID endorsement allows you to use your Texas driver's license for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If your current license does not have the gold star in the upper right corner, it is not Real ID compliant. Adding the endorsement during renewal does not cost extra, but you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship or legal presence (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) along with your standard renewal documents.
If you already have a Real ID license and are renewing it, you can renew by mail or online without losing the endorsement—it carries over automatically. You only need to visit an office if you want to add Real ID to a non-Real ID license, or if your license has expired.
Payment methods by renewal type
| Renewal Method | Five-Year Cost | Eight-Year Cost | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $16 | $32 | Credit or debit card |
| By mail | $16 | $32 | Check or money order |
| In person at DPS office | $25 | $48 | Cash, check, or card |
How to find your nearest DPS office and check processing times
The Texas DPS website has a driver license office locator tool where you can enter your zip code and see all nearby locations, their hours, and current wait times. Many offices are in smaller towns, not just major cities, so you may have options closer than you expect. Some offices are appointment-only, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis—the locator tool tells you which.
If you live in a rural area far from any DPS office, mail renewal is usually your best option. It costs the same as online renewal ($16 or $32) and avoids a long drive. Processing takes longer by mail, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
If your license expires before your renewal is processed, you cannot drive legally. If you renew online or by mail, your new license is not valid until it arrives in the mail, so do not wait until the expiration date to explore. A good rule is to start the renewal process at least 30 days before your license expires. If your license has already expired and you need to drive when ready, you must visit a DPS office in person—they can issue a temporary license on the spot while your permanent one is being made.
Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic citation and fine, even if you have a renewal process pending. The DPS website shows your license expiration date, and you can also check it on the license itself—the date is in the lower right corner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license if it expired more than two years ago?
No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license expired more than two years ago. You must visit a DPS office in person and explore for a new license rather than a renewal. A new license costs more than a renewal and requires additional documents, so contact your local DPS office for the specific requirements.
Do I have to pay the in-person fee if I go to a DPS office but my license is not expired yet?
No. If your license is not expired and you have not renewed online in the past two years, you can still renew by mail or online for $16 or $32. You only pay the higher in-person fee ($25 or $48) if you actually need the in-person service—for example, because your license is expired, you need a new photo, or you are adding Real ID.
What if I lose my license while waiting for my renewal to arrive?
Contact the DPS when ready to report it lost. You can then explore for a replacement license ($11) in person at a DPS office, or you can wait for your renewal to arrive and use that instead. If you need to drive before either arrives, ask the DPS office for a temporary license.
Does Texas charge extra to renew a commercial driver's license?
Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals cost more than standard renewals and have different rules. Contact your local DPS office or visit the DPS website for current CDL renewal fees and requirements, as they vary based on the type of CDL and endorsements you hold.
Can I renew my license if I owe traffic fines or child support?
Texas may suspend your license if you owe certain court-ordered debts. Before you renew, check your driving record on the DPS website or call your local DPS office to confirm your license is not under suspension. If it is, you will need to resolve the underlying issue before renewal is possible.