What you need to do first
To get a Texas driver's license as an adult, you will visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The entire process takes about two to four weeks from start to finish, though the office visit itself usually lasts one to two hours. You cannot complete this entirely online or by mail — Texas requires you to show up, take the tests, and have your photo taken.
Before you go to the DPS office, gather your documents at home. This step saves you a trip back if something is missing. The office staff will check everything before you take the written test, so you will know when ready if you need to return with additional paperwork.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or document showing your number, and two documents proving your current Texas address.
- The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook available on the DPS website.
- The driving test happens in your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle, and you must pass both the written and driving tests on the same day to receive your license.
- You will pay a fee at the DPS office (the amount varies by license type and validity period), and your license arrives by mail within two weeks.
Gather your identity and residency documents
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy will not work. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth.
Bring your Social Security card, or bring a document that shows your Social Security number — such as a W-2 form, tax return, or bank statement with your number visible. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
Bring two documents that prove your current Texas address. These must show your name and a street address (not a P.O. box). Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail. The documents do not need to be recent, but they must match the address you plan to use on your license. If you recently moved, one document can be from your old address if it is dated within the last 60 days.
Study for and pass the written test
The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can request large-print or audio versions if you need them.
Study using the free Texas Driver Handbook, which is available as a PDF on the DPS website (dps.texas.gov). The handbook covers everything on the test. Read it through once, then focus on the sections about right-of-way rules, speed limits, and what different road signs mean — these topics appear most often. Many people also use the free practice tests available on the DPS website, which show you the exact format and types of questions you will see.
You take the written test at the DPS office on the day of your visit. The test is administered on a computer, and you get your results when ready. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost, though you will need to wait a few hours before the second attempt.
Schedule and complete your driving test
After you pass the written test, you will take the driving test the same day. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions. You will be tested on things like parking, turning, stopping at intersections, and merging.
You can take the driving test in your own vehicle or in a DPS vehicle. If you use your own vehicle, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have valid license plates and working brakes, lights, wipers, and horn. If you use a DPS vehicle, there is an additional fee (usually around $10 to $15, though this varies by location).
You must have someone with a valid driver's license sit in the front passenger seat during the test. This person cannot be the examiner. If you are using a DPS vehicle, a DPS employee will sit with you instead. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment — you cannot retake it the same day.
Pay the fee and receive your license
At the DPS office, you will pay a fee for your license. The amount depends on how long you want the license to be valid — Texas offers licenses valid for 5 years or 8 years. A 5-year license costs less than an 8-year license. You pay this fee after you pass both tests, before you leave the office.
Your photo is taken at the office, and your license is mailed to the address you provided. It usually arrives within two weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive in the mail.
What to do if you fail either test
If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready at the same office visit. There is no additional fee for retaking the test on the same day. You have a limited number of attempts before you must wait a certain period before trying again — ask the office staff about their specific policy when you fail.
If you fail the driving test, you will need to schedule a new appointment at a DPS office. You cannot retake it the same day. You do not need to retake the written test — your passing score is valid for a set period. When you return for your driving test, bring the same documents you brought the first time, though the office may only need to verify a few of them.
Special situations and exceptions
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, you may need to provide a medical report from your doctor. DPS will tell you what information they need. Some conditions may result in restrictions on your license — for example, you might be required to wear corrective lenses or drive only during daylight hours.
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) from another state, you still must take the Texas written and driving tests to convert it to a Texas license. You cannot straightforward transfer it. If you have a regular driver's license from another state and you are now a Texas resident, you can exchange it for a Texas license without retaking the tests — but this is a different process than getting a license for the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or at home?
No. You must take both the written and driving tests in person at a DPS office. You cannot take them remotely or by mail. However, you can study at home using the free Texas Driver Handbook and practice tests on the DPS website before you go to the office.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You will need to obtain one before you can get a driver's license. Contact the Texas Vital Statistics unit or the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This process can take several weeks, so start early if you do not have your birth certificate yet.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring something else with my number on it?
You can bring either your Social Security card or another document that shows your Social Security number, such as a tax return or W-2. You do not have to bring the card itself. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access.
How long is a Texas driver's license valid?
Texas offers licenses valid for 5 years or 8 years. You choose which length you want when you pay the fee at the DPS office. The 8-year license costs more but lasts longer, so it may be cheaper per year if you plan to keep it for the full term.
What happens if I move after I get my license?
You do not need to get a new license just because you moved, as long as your license has not expired. However, you should update your address with DPS. You can do this online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Your physical license card will not change, but your address in the system will be updated.