How Much Does a Texas
Driver's License Cost?
A Texas driver's license costs $33. Below are all 9 official fees from the Texas DPS.
Texas License Costs at a Glance
- Permit + first license (approx.)
- $49
- Replacement
- $11
- REAL ID
- No extra cost
At $33, Texas's license fee is lower than in 25 other states. The national median is $34.
📊Official Texas DPS Fees
From the Texas DPS fee schedule. Verify current amounts before paying.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Original Class C Driver License (under 18) | $16.00 |
| Original Class C Driver License (18–84) | $33.00 |
| Renewal (every 8 years) | $33.00 |
| Instruction Permit | $16.00 |
| REAL ID Upgrade | No additional cost |
| Driver Education — teen 32-hour course | $200–$500 (private schools); free at most public high schools |
| Adult Driver Education (18–24, 6 hours) | $50–$80 (online or in-person) |
| Replacement License | $11.00 |
| Vehicle for road test | Provided by applicant — must be insured and registered |
🗓️When You Pay Each Fee in Texas
- 1
Complete a Driver Education Course (Under 25)
Courses are TDLR-approved and offered by public high schools (often free) and licensed driving schools ($200–$500).
- 2
Obtain a Learner License (Instruction Permit) — Age 15+
The Learner License costs $16 and you must hold it for at least 6 months before applying for the Provisional License.
- 3
Apply, Pay, and Receive Your Texas Driver License
After passing, return to the DPS office (or stay there if testing on-site), present all required documents, pass the vision screening, have your photo taken, and pay the license fee ($16 if under 18, $33 if 18+).
How much does a Texas driver's license cost?
A Texas Class C driver license costs $16 if you're under 18, or $33 if you're 18 and older — both are valid for 8 years (ages 18–84). The Learner License is $16. Driver education adds $200–$500 at private schools, or free–$50 at public high schools. Adult Driver Education (18–24) costs $50–$80 online. REAL ID is included at no extra cost.
🗺️Texas Compared With Neighboring States
You must be a resident to get a state's license, but if you live near a border, here is how Texas's fees compare.
| State | License | Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | $33 | $16 |
| New Mexico | $18 | $10 |
| Oklahoma | $42.50 | $25.50 |
| Arkansas | $40 | Varies |
| Louisiana | $32.25 | Included |
Budgeting Beyond the DPS Fee
The figures above are Texas's official fees. Driver education, behind-the-wheel lessons, and insurance can cost more than the license itself.
Estimate your total Texas cost
The official fees above are only part of the bill. Add your age, REAL ID, driver education and retests to see a realistic total for Texas.
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Most states charge $5–$35 per failed road-test attempt. Optimistic? First-try pass rates run 50–60% in most states.
Estimates use the fees listed on this page. Open the full calculator to compare other states.
Fees change. Always confirm the amount on the official Texas DPS website before paying. US Driver Guide is not affiliated with any government agency.