What You Need to Do First

To get a Texas driver's license as a new resident, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay the fee. You cannot complete this entirely online or by mail. The whole process typically takes one visit to the DPS office, though you may need to schedule an appointment weeks in advance depending on how busy your local office is.

Texas considers you a new resident if you have recently moved to the state and do not yet hold a Texas license. You do not need to have lived in Texas for any minimum length of time before you can explore — you can walk into a DPS office the day you arrive. However, you will need to show that you live in Texas now, which is where the residency documents come in.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document proving your identity (passport, out-of-state driver's license, or birth certificate) and one document proving your Texas address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days).
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook available on the DPS website before you go.
  • You will take the driving test in your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle, and you must bring someone with a valid license to sit in the car during the test.
  • Schedule your appointment online through the DPS website or by calling your local DPS office, because walk-ins are not accepted at most locations.
  • The total cost is $16 for the written test and $7.50 for the driving test, plus $25 for the five-year license or $50 for the eight-year license.

Gather Your Identity and Residency Documents

Before you go to the DPS office, collect one document that proves who you are and one document that proves you live in Texas. For identity, bring your passport, an out-of-state driver's license, a birth certificate, or a military ID. The document must be current and not expired (except a birth certificate, which does not expire).

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and your current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a lease signed by you and your landlord is the fastest option. If you are staying with someone else temporarily, you can bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the utility bill, stating that you live there — but this takes extra time to arrange, so plan ahead.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). You will also need to bring your out-of-state driver's license if you have one, even though you are getting a Texas license to replace it.

Schedule Your DPS Appointment

Go to the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) and click on "Driver License" in the main menu. Select "Schedule an Appointment" and enter your zip code to find the DPS office nearest you. Most offices require appointments; very few accept walk-ins. Choose a date and time that works for you. Appointments typically fill up two to four weeks in advance during busy seasons, so schedule as soon as you know when you will be ready to test.

If you cannot schedule online or prefer to call, phone your local DPS office directly. The office number appears on the DPS website when you search for your location. Have your documents ready when you call, because the staff member may ask you questions to confirm your information before booking the appointment.

Write down your appointment confirmation number and the date and time. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring all your documents, your Social Security number or card, and a pen.

Pass the Written Test at the DPS Office

When you arrive at your appointment, check in at the front desk and give the staff member your documents. They will verify your identity and residency, take your photo, and collect the test fees ($16 for the written test and $7.50 for the driving test). You will then be directed to a testing station where you will take the written exam on a computer.

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and what different road signs mean. You can study for free using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is available as a PDF on the DPS website. Many people also study using the practice tests on the DPS website or through third-party apps.

You will receive your score when ready after you finish. If you pass, you move on to schedule your driving test. If you fail, you can retake the written test the same day at most offices, though you will pay the $16 fee again.

Take Your Driving Test

After you pass the written test, a DPS examiner will take you to a vehicle for the driving test. You can use your own car, a friend's car, or a DPS vehicle — ask the staff which option is available at your office. Your vehicle must be in safe working condition: the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and steering must all work, and the tires must have tread.

You must bring someone with a valid driver's license to sit in the passenger seat during the test. This person cannot be the examiner. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and includes driving on city streets and possibly a highway, parking, turning, and stopping. The examiner will give you directions as you drive and will watch for safe driving habits like checking mirrors, signaling turns, and following speed limits.

You will pass or fail when ready after the test ends. If you pass, you are done — the examiner will tell you when your license will arrive in the mail. If you fail, you can retake the driving test, but you will need to schedule another appointment and pay the $7.50 fee again.

Receive Your License in the Mail

After you pass both tests, your Texas driver's license will be mailed to the address you provided. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can track the status of your license on the DPS website by entering your driver's license number or your date of birth and last name.

Your new license will be valid for five years (if you choose the five-year option for $25) or eight years (if you choose the eight-year option for $50). You will pay this fee at the DPS office when you take your tests. If you need your license sooner, some DPS offices offer a same-day license option for an additional fee, but this is not available at all locations — ask when you schedule your appointment.

What to Do If You Have an Out-of-State License

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the written test — you can skip straight to the driving test. However, you still must visit a DPS office in person and bring your out-of-state license along with your identity and residency documents. You will pay only the driving test fee ($7.50) and the license fee ($25 or $50), not the written test fee.

This waiver applies only if your out-of-state license is currently valid. If your license has expired, you must take both the written and driving tests as if you were a first-time applicant. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Texas that make the process faster, but the DPS staff will tell you whether your state qualifies when you arrive for your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone or a printed photo instead of having my photo taken at the DPS office?

No. The DPS takes your photo at the office as part of the license process process. You cannot bring a photo from home. The photo is taken on the day of your appointment, so plan to look presentable.

What if I fail the driving test — how long do I have to wait to retake it?

You can retake the driving test when ready at some DPS offices, but most require you to schedule a new appointment. Call your local DPS office to find out their policy. You will pay the $7.50 driving test fee each time you retake it.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring something else that shows my number?

You can bring your Social Security card, but you do not have to. A W-2, 1099, or any official document showing your Social Security number works. If you do not have any of these, call your local DPS office before your appointment to ask what other documents they will accept.

What if my lease or utility bill does not have my full name on it?

The document must show your name and your Texas address. If your name does not appear on the lease or bill, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the document, stating that you live at that address. This adds time to the process, so arrange it before your appointment if possible.

Can I get a Texas license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You can get a Texas driver's license if you are a lawful permanent resident, have a valid visa, or have another immigration status that allows you to live and work in Texas. Bring your passport and immigration documents along with your identity and residency documents. The DPS staff will tell you which documents they need when you call to schedule your appointment.