What you need to bring to the Texas DPS office
To get a driver's license in Texas as an adult, you will need to visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person with specific documents. The state requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — you cannot mail in an process or complete this entirely online.
For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, a military ID, or a permanent resident card. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Texas address. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form.
You will also need to bring your completed DL-44 form, which is the Texas process for a driver's license. You can fill this out before you go to the DPS office or fill it out there. Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one — the DPS will take it when you get your Texas license.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Texas DPS office in person with an original birth certificate or passport, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs, and you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook available on the DPS website.
- The driving test evaluates basic vehicle control, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws on public roads.
- Your Texas license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks after you pass both tests and pay the fee.
- If you already have a valid license from another state, you may not need to take the written test, depending on how long you have held it.
The written test and what it covers
Before you take the driving test, you must pass a written test at the DPS office. The test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can request other languages through the DPS office.
Study material is free: the Texas Driver Handbook is available as a PDF on the DPS website and covers everything the test asks about. Many people also use the free practice tests on the DPS website to get familiar with the question format. You can take the written test the same day you bring your documents, or you can schedule it for another day.
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and have held it for at least one year, you may be waived from the written test. Ask the DPS officer when you arrive whether you may have access to for this waiver — requirements vary slightly depending on which state issued your license.
The driving test: what the examiner watches for
After you pass the written test, you schedule a driving test. You will drive a vehicle (usually your own, though some DPS offices have test vehicles available) with a DPS examiner in the passenger seat. The examiner watches how you handle basic vehicle control, parking, turns, and your response to traffic signs and other drivers.
The test route is typically around 10 to 15 minutes of driving on local roads. The examiner is looking for whether you can steer smoothly, brake safely, use your mirrors, signal before turning, and follow speed limits and traffic laws. Common reasons people fail include rolling through stop signs, improper lane changes, hitting the curb during parking, or unsafe mirror checks.
You can take the driving test the same day as your written test if you pass the written portion, or you can come back another day. Many DPS offices book driving tests weeks in advance, so ask about wait times when you arrive for your written test.
Scheduling your visit and what it costs
You do not need an appointment to take the written test at most Texas DPS offices — you can walk in during business hours. However, driving tests usually require scheduling ahead. Call the DPS office in your county or check the DPS website to find the office nearest you and learn their specific scheduling process.
The fee for a five-year driver's license is $25. The fee for an eight-year license is $40. You pay this fee after you pass both tests. Payment methods vary by office, but most accept cash, check, and debit or credit cards.
Bring all your documents in one visit if possible. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices. If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one day before retaking it, and you will need to pay the test fee again.
Your license arrives by mail
After you pass both tests and pay the fee, the DPS will photograph you and take your fingerprints. Your physical Texas driver's license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process. Standard delivery takes two to three weeks.
You will receive a temporary paper license at the DPS office that you can use to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. Keep this paper license with you when you drive — it is your proof of licensure until the plastic card arrives.
If your license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DPS office where you took your test. Occasionally mail is delayed or lost, and the DPS can reissue your license or investigate the delay.
If you have an out-of-state license or no license yet
If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a Texas license without retaking the written test in most cases. Bring your out-of-state license along with your proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The DPS will take your old license and issue you a Texas license. You still need to pay the license fee.
If you have never held a driver's license, you must pass both the written and driving tests. Some people take a defensive driving course before their test — this does not waive the test, but it can help you feel more confident about what to expect.
If your out-of-state license is expired, you may still be able to exchange it, but the DPS office can tell you for certain. Call ahead or ask when you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online?
No. The written test must be taken in person at a Texas DPS office. You cannot take it online or by mail. However, you can study for it online using the free Texas Driver Handbook and practice tests on the DPS website.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test after waiting at least one day. You will need to pay the test fee again and schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, so most people pass on a second or third attempt.
Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?
Most Texas DPS offices require you to bring your own vehicle. Some offices have test vehicles available, but availability is limited. Call your local DPS office to ask whether they have a test vehicle you can use.
How long is my Texas driver's license valid?
A five-year license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. An eight-year license is valid for eight years. You choose which length you want when you pay the fee. The longer license costs more but does not require renewal as often.
What if I move to a different Texas county after I get my license?
You do not need to get a new license if you move within Texas. Your license remains valid at your new address. You should update your address with the DPS, which you can do online through the DPS website or in person at any DPS office.