Texas Driver's License Fees

Driver's License Fees by Age

Texas uses an age-based pricing structure that benefits both young and senior drivers. Here's what you'll pay based on your age:

Under 18: Youth Discount

• Fee: $16
• Validity: Until your 18th birthday
• Total cost: $17 (includes $1 administrative fee)

Think of this as a learner's discount. Your license automatically expires when you turn 18, at which point you'll need to renew at the adult rate.

Ages 18-84: Standard Rate

• Fee: $33
• Validity: 8 years
• Total cost: $34 (includes $1 administrative fee)

This is the sweet spot—you get eight full years of driving privileges at a reasonable rate. That works out to about $4.25 per year.

Age 85 and Older: Senior Discount

• Fee: $9
• Validity: 2 years
• Total cost: $10 (includes $1 administrative fee)

Once you hit 85, the state significantly reduces the cost. However, you'll need to renew every two years instead of eight, which means more frequent visits to the DPS office.

Replacement License Fees

Lost your license in the couch cushions? Had it stolen? Need to update your information? Here's what you'll pay:

Standard Driver's License Replacement

• Lost or stolen: Full renewal fee applies (based on your age)
• Damaged: Full renewal fee applies
• Address change: $11
• Name change: $11

Good news: When you get a replacement, your original expiration date stays the same. You're not paying to renew early—you're just getting a new physical card.

What Counts as a Replacement

You need a replacement license if:

• Your license is lost, stolen, or destroyed
• It's damaged and hard to read
• You need to update your address
• You've legally changed your name
• You want to update your photo (though you may need to wait until renewal depending on when you last renewed)

Visit the Texas Department of Public Safety website to request a replacement online or schedule an in-person appointment.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Fees

If you're driving commercially, expect to pay significantly more than regular drivers. These higher fees reflect the additional testing, training requirements, and regulatory oversight involved.

Standard CDL (Ages 18-84)

• Fee: $97
• Validity: 8 years
• Total cost: $98 (includes $1 administrative fee)

This covers Class A, B, or C commercial licenses for most drivers.

CDL with Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Endorsement

• Fee: $61
• Validity: 5 years (shorter due to federal regulations)
• Additional costs: TSA background check fee (separate)

If you're hauling hazardous materials, federal law requires more frequent renewals and background checks, which explains both the different fee structure and shorter validity period.

Senior CDL (Age 85+)

• Fee: $26
• Validity: 2 years
• Total cost: $27 (includes $1 administrative fee)

Seniors pay less, but like non-commercial licenses, must renew more frequently.

Identification Card (ID) Fees

Don't drive but need official state identification? Texas offers ID cards as an alternative to driver's licenses.

Under Age 60

• Fee: $16
• Validity: 6 years
• Total cost: $17 (includes $1 administrative fee)

Age 60 and Older

• Fee: $6
• Validity: 6 years
• Total cost: $7 (includes $1 administrative fee)

Cross that 60-year threshold and watch the price drop significantly—one of the best senior discounts Texas offers.

ID Card Replacement

• Fee: $11 (flat rate, regardless of age or reason)

Whether your ID is lost, stolen, damaged, or you need to update your address or name, you'll pay the same $11 replacement fee. Like driver's licenses, your expiration date stays the same when you get a replacement.

Special Circumstances and Additional Fees

Temporary U.S. Visitors (Limited-Term Licenses)

• Fee: $16
• Validity: 1 year or until legal status expires, whichever comes first

If you're in the U.S. temporarily on a visa or with "duration of status" authorization, you'll pay the standard temporary visitor rate. Your license expires when your legal authorization does, or after one year maximum.

License Reinstatement Fees

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you'll need to pay reinstatement fees before you can apply for a new license. These fees vary based on the reason for suspension:

• General reinstatement: $100
• DWI administrative revocation: $125
• Fraudulent records: $100
• Driver license hold (unpaid fines): $10
• OMNI fee (per warrant cleared): $10

These reinstatement fees are separate from and in addition to the cost of your new license.

Veteran Fee Exemptions

Some military veterans may qualify for fee exemptions or reductions. Check with your local DPS office or the DPS website to see if you're eligible.

Learner's Permits

If you're just starting your driving journey:

• Class C learner permit: Included in the under-18 license fee ($16)
• Motorcycle learner permit: Check current DPS fee schedules

Understanding the $1 Administrative Fee

Nearly every fee you see includes a $1 administrative charge that helps cover processing costs. However, there's one exception:

Mail transactions: If you're renewing or replacing by mail, the $1 administrative fee is waived. So while an in-person or online renewal for ages 18-84 costs $34 total ($33 + $1), a mail renewal costs just $33.

This isn't a huge savings, but it's worth knowing if you're counting pennies or prefer handling things by mail.

Payment Methods

The Texas Department of Public Safety accepts multiple payment options:

In Person

• Cash
• Check or money order
• Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express)
• Debit cards

Online

• Credit cards
• Debit cards

By Mail

• Check or money order only (no cash or credit cards)

Note: Some payment methods may include additional processing fees, especially for credit card transactions.

How to Save Money

Renew on Time

Late renewals often come with penalties that increase the longer you wait. Renew before your expiration date to avoid:

• Late fees (can be 1.5x to 2x the normal cost)
• Reinstatement fees if your license is suspended
• Having to retake tests if you're very late

Keep Your License Safe

Protect your license to avoid replacement fees. Simple habits help:

• Keep it in your wallet, not loose in your pocket
• Don't leave it in hot cars where it can warp
• Make a copy or photo of it for your records
• Use a protective sleeve if you handle it frequently

Update Your Address Online

If you move, update your address online through the DPS website for just $11 instead of getting a full replacement in person, which might cost more.

Mail Your Renewal

Save that $1 administrative fee by handling your renewal by mail when eligible. It's not much, but it adds up if you have multiple drivers in your household.

Fee Comparison at a Glance

Common Questions

Why do fees vary so much by age?

Texas uses age-based pricing to provide discounts for young drivers (who are just starting out) and seniors (who are often on fixed incomes). The middle age group pays standard rates that help subsidize the discounts.

Can I get a refund if my license is stolen right after renewal?

Unfortunately, no. You'll need to pay the replacement fee even if you just renewed. This is one reason to keep your license secure.

Do I pay the full fee again if I lose my license?

Yes, for a driver's license, you typically pay the full renewal fee. However, your expiration date doesn't change—you're not buying extra time, just a new physical card.

Why do commercial licenses cost so much more?

CDLs require additional testing, more stringent medical examinations, specialized training verification, and increased regulatory oversight. The higher fees reflect these extra administrative costs.

Is the $1 administrative fee really necessary?

The administrative fee helps cover processing costs, system maintenance, and materials. While it's small, it adds up across millions of transactions to help fund the DPS licensing infrastructure.

What if I can't afford the renewal fee?

Contact your local DPS office to discuss your situation. Some assistance programs may be available, particularly for veterans or those facing financial hardship.

Do REAL ID licenses cost extra?

No. Texas only issues REAL ID-compliant licenses, and there's no additional fee. The standard renewal fee covers your REAL ID license.

How much does it cost to change my address?

$11 if you want a new physical license with your updated address. However, you can update your address in the DPS system online at no cost—you just won't get a new card immediately.

Where to Pay

You can pay your driver's license or ID card fees at:

• DPS Driver License Offices - In-person service
• Texas.gov - Online renewal and some services
• By mail - Send forms and payment to the address on your renewal notice

Most services require an appointment at DPS offices, so schedule ahead through the DPS online scheduling system.