What you need to do to get a Texas driver license

To get a Texas driver license, you visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring specific documents that prove your identity and residency, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The entire process takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

Texas does not allow you to complete this process online or by mail. You must appear at a DPS office yourself, and you cannot send someone else in your place. The state issues licenses valid for six years (or eight years if you are over 85), and you can renew by mail or online if you have not had a suspension or medical condition flagged on your record.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with original or certified documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving; you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook available on the DPS website.
  • The driving test happens at the same DPS office and tests basic vehicle control, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws on public roads.
  • A temporary paper license issued at your DPS visit lets you drive legally while your permanent card is printed and mailed, which takes one to two weeks.
  • Fees vary by license type and age; a standard five-year license for someone under 85 costs around $33, but bring cash or a debit card because not all offices accept credit cards.

Documents you must bring to a DPS office

Texas requires an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity and date of birth. A U.S. passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate works. If you use a birth certificate, you also need a second form of ID — a school ID, employee badge, or military ID card. A driver license from another state counts as your identity document but not as proof of residency.

You must prove your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full number visible. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you will need to fill out an affidavit at the DPS office explaining why.

You must prove you live in Texas. Bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail addressed to you also works. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can use a letter from a shelter, a social service agency, or a person who lets you stay with them — the DPS office will guide you through this at your visit.

If you have lived in Texas for less than one year, bring proof of your previous address and the date you moved. This can be a lease from your old state, a utility bill, or a forwarding address form from the U.S. Postal Service.

The written test and what it covers

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 also in other languages if you request it when you schedule your DPS visit.

The Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website, covers everything on the test. Most people study it for a few hours or a few days before their visit. You can take the test on the same day you visit the DPS office, or you can schedule a separate appointment just for the written test if you want more time to prepare.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another visit. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but each attempt may have a small fee.

The driving test and what the examiner watches for

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DPS office. The examiner sits in your vehicle and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, steering, braking, parking, turning, and following traffic signals and signs. You must use your own vehicle or borrow one; the DPS office does not provide a test car.

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 work. Bring proof of insurance and vehicle registration with you.

You fail the test if you commit a serious violation like running a red light, hitting a curb, or failing to yield to another vehicle. Minor mistakes like hesitating too long or not signaling smoothly do not automatically fail you, but the examiner scores your overall performance. If you fail, you can retake the test at a later appointment.

Fees and what type of license to choose

A standard driver license for someone under 85 costs around $33 for a five-year license. If you are 85 or older, a license costs around $16 for an eight-year license. Fees can vary slightly by DPS office location, so check the DPS website for your specific office.

You can choose a standard license, a Real ID-compliant license, or an Enhanced license. A standard license lets you drive in Texas and proves your identity for most purposes. A Real ID license has a gold star and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings — it costs a few dollars more. An Enhanced license lets you drive into Canada and Mexico and costs more again.

Most people choose the Real ID license because the extra cost is small and it covers more situations. Bring cash or a debit card; not all DPS offices accept credit cards, and some accept only cash.

How to schedule your DPS visit and what to expect

You can schedule an appointment online through the DPS website or by calling your local DPS office. Online scheduling is faster and shows you available times. Walk-ins are allowed at most offices, but wait times can be two to four hours, especially on weekdays and at offices in large cities.

When you arrive, bring all your documents in a folder or envelope. Check them before you go — missing even one document means you will have to reschedule. The DPS staff will review your documents, take a photo and fingerprints, and collect your fee. You will then take the written test in a separate room, usually on a computer.

If you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test appointment for a later date, usually within one to three weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license that day that lets you drive legally until your permanent card arrives by mail.

Your temporary license and when your permanent card arrives

The temporary paper license issued at your DPS visit is valid for 45 days and lets you drive in Texas when ready. It is not a Real ID document, so you cannot use it to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building, but it is a legal driver license for driving purposes.

Your permanent plastic license card is printed and mailed to you after you pass the driving test. It usually arrives within one to two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. You can check the status of your card on the DPS website using your driver license number and date of birth.

Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid. Destroy it or keep it for your records — you do not need to return it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. You can still get a license, but you must fill out an affidavit at the DPS office stating that you do not have a Social Security number and explaining why. Bring all other required documents as usual. The process is the same otherwise.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test at a later appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. You will need to pay the test fee again for each attempt. Your temporary paper license stays valid while you schedule and take your next test.

Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a driver license from another state?

Yes. Even if you have a valid license from another state, you must pass the Texas written test and driving test to get a Texas license. Your out-of-state license counts as proof of identity, so you do not need a separate identity document, but you still need proof of Texas residency and your Social Security number.

Can someone else take the driving test for me?

No. You must take both the written test and the driving test yourself. The DPS requires you to be present and to demonstrate that you can drive safely. No exceptions are made for any reason.

What happens if I move to a different Texas city after I get my license?

You do not need to update your license if you move within Texas. Your address on the license can be updated by mail or online through the DPS website, or you can update it at any DPS office. The update is free and does not require a new photo or test.