What you need to bring to the DPS office
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to bring specific documents in person. You cannot complete this by mail or online — you must visit a DPS driver license office.
Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence in the United States. A single document can sometimes count for more than one category — for example, a U.S. passport covers identity and lawful presence at once. A Texas utility bill or lease agreement covers residency. A Social Security card covers your Social Security number.
If you were born outside the U.S., you will also need to bring your birth certificate or a certified copy. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the legal document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with proof of identity, residency, Social Security number, and lawful presence.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs, and you can study using the official DPS manual available free online.
- The vision and driving tests happen the same day as your written test if you pass, so plan for the full appointment length.
- The fee for a standard five-year license is $45, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at most offices.
- Your temporary paper license is valid when ready after you pass all tests, and your plastic card arrives by mail within two weeks.
Finding and scheduling your DPS office visit
Texas has DPS driver license offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Some offices take walk-ins, but many now require you to schedule an appointment online through the same website.
Scheduling ahead usually means a shorter wait. If you walk in without an appointment, you may wait several hours, especially in urban areas. Check your local office's policy before you go — the website shows whether appointments are required or recommended.
Bring all your documents in originals, not copies. DPS staff will examine them to confirm they meet the requirements. If a document is missing or does not match the criteria, you will not be able to test that day.
Passing the written knowledge test
The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can request it in other languages through your local office.
Study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available as a PDF on the DPS website. The handbook covers everything the test asks about — speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies. Most people spend a few hours reviewing it before their test.
You get one attempt at the written test during your appointment. If you do not pass, you can schedule another appointment and try again, usually within a few days.
The vision and driving tests on the same day
If you pass the written test, you move directly to the vision screening. This checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a specific distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them — you can test with them on.
After vision screening, you take the driving test with a DPS examiner. You drive a vehicle for about 10 to 15 minutes on local streets. The examiner watches how you handle turns, stops, parking, and how you respond to traffic. You must use your own vehicle or have someone bring one for you — DPS does not provide test vehicles.
The vehicle you use must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn all work before you start. If anything is broken, you cannot test that day.
Understanding the fee and what happens after you pass
A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $45. A ten-year license costs $75. You pay at the DPS office on the day you pass all three tests. Most offices take cash, checks, and debit or credit cards.
Once you pass, you receive a temporary paper license when ready. This is valid for driving right away while you wait for your plastic card. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks, usually sooner. The address on your license will be the Texas address you provided at the office.
If you move to a different address within Texas before your card arrives, you can update your address online through the DPS website or at your next office visit. You do not need to retake the tests.
What to do if you do not pass a test
If you fail the written test, you can retake it at another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts in most cases, though your local office may have its own policy. Study the handbook again before your next appointment, focusing on the areas where you struggled.
If you fail the driving test, you must schedule a new appointment. Texas allows you to retake the driving test as many times as you need. Some people pass on the first try; others take two or three attempts. Each attempt costs the full $45 fee again.
If you fail the vision screening, you may be able to retest with corrective lenses if you do not already wear them. If you fail even with correction, you will need to see an eye doctor and bring a letter from them stating you can drive safely before you can test again.
Renewing instead of getting a new license
If you already have a Texas driver's license and it has expired or is about to expire, you may be able to renew it by mail or online instead of visiting an office. You can renew online through the DPS website if your license is not more than two years expired and you have not had any major changes to your information.
If you need to renew in person — for example, because your license is very old or your address has changed significantly — you still visit a DPS office, but you do not retake the written or driving tests. You only do a vision check and pay the renewal fee, which is lower than the fee for a new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the test if I do not have a Social Security number?
You must provide proof of your Social Security number to get a Texas driver's license. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot obtain a standard license. You may be able to get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, which some people use instead, but check with your local DPS office first about whether it will be accepted.
What if I fail the driving test — do I have to pay the full fee again?
Yes, each time you retake any test, you pay the full $45 fee again. There is no discount for retakes. Some people budget for multiple attempts if they are nervous about the driving test.
How long does the whole process take on the day of my appointment?
Plan for two to three hours total, including paperwork, the written test, vision screening, and the driving test if you pass the written portion. If you only fail the written test and do not move on to the other tests, you may be done in 30 to 45 minutes. Actual time varies by how busy the office is.
Can someone else pick up my license card from the mail, or do I have to be home?
Your license is mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office. You do not have to be home to receive it — it will be left in your mailbox. If you are concerned about mail theft, you can update your address at the DPS office or online before your card arrives.
What if my documents do not match exactly — like my middle name is spelled differently on two of them?
Bring all your documents and let the DPS staff review them. Small differences like middle name spelling sometimes cause issues, but staff can often work with you if the documents clearly refer to the same person. If there is a real discrepancy, you may need to get a corrected document from the issuing agency before you can test.