What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license
To get a Texas driver's license, you will visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The process takes a few weeks from start to finish if you already have the documents DPS requires. If you don't have all the documents yet, gathering them can take longer.
You cannot complete this process online or by mail. Texas requires you to show up in person with original documents, take the tests at a DPS office, and have your photo taken there. The whole visit usually takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on how busy the office is.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
- You will take a written knowledge test about traffic laws and road signs, then a driving test in your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle.
- The fee is $16 for a regular driver's license valid for five years, or $32 for an eight-year license if you are 18 or older.
- You can schedule an appointment online at the DPS website to skip the walk-in line, though some offices still accept walk-ins.
- If you fail either test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, but you will pay the fee again.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
DPS requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. You must bring originals — copies and photos of documents are not accepted. If any document is not in English, you must bring an official translation.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a passport card, a certified birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship, a Permanent Resident Card, a Visa, or a military ID. A school ID or work ID alone will not work. If your birth certificate is from outside the U.S., it must be certified by the issuing country.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days showing your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government letter. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.
For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you have an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, bring your ITIN letter from the IRS. If you cannot provide any of these, you can sign an affidavit at the DPS office, but this delays processing.
How to schedule your DPS office visit
You can schedule an appointment online at the Texas DPS website. Go to the DPS driver's license page, select "Schedule an Appointment," and choose your county and the DPS office nearest you. The website will show you available dates and times. Appointments fill up weeks in advance in busy areas, so schedule as early as you can.
If you prefer to walk in without an appointment, many DPS offices still accept walk-ins, but you will wait in line. Call the office ahead of time to ask whether they are accepting walk-ins that day. Some offices have stopped accepting walk-ins during certain hours or on certain days.
Bring your appointment confirmation email or number with you. If you scheduled an appointment and arrive late, the office may not see you and you may lose your appointment slot.
What happens during the written test
The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DPS office. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish.
You can study for the test using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the DPS website as a PDF. The handbook covers everything on the test. Many people study it for a few days before their appointment and pass on the first try.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices. You will pay the license fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts at the same visit.
What happens during the driving test
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. A DPS examiner will ride with you and watch you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. The examiner will also ask you to demonstrate that you know how to use your headlights, windshield wipers, and turn signals.
You can use your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle. If you use your own vehicle, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, horn, and windshield wipers before the test starts. If anything is broken, you cannot take the test that day.
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, but you will pay the fee again. You must pass both the written test and the driving test before you receive your license.
Fees and how long your license lasts
A five-year driver's license costs $16. An eight-year driver's license costs $32 and is available only if you are 18 or older. You pay the fee when you pass both tests and are ready to receive your license. DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
Your license will be mailed to the address you provide at the DPS office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can request expedited mail for an additional fee, though this is not always available.
Your license will expire on your birthday five or eight years after you receive it. You can renew it online if you have not had any changes to your address, name, or medical conditions, and if your license has not been suspended or revoked.
What to do if you have a name change or medical condition
If you have changed your name since your last ID was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order. DPS will update your name on your new license.
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — such as a seizure disorder, severe vision loss, or a condition that causes loss of consciousness — tell the DPS examiner before your driving test. DPS may require a medical report from your doctor before you can receive a license. Some conditions may result in restrictions on your license, such as "corrective lenses required" or "daylight driving only."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my permanent one in the mail?
No. Texas does not issue temporary paper licenses. You will receive a receipt at the DPS office showing that you passed both tests, but this receipt is not a valid driver's license. You must wait for your license to arrive by mail before you can legally drive.
What if I fail the driving test twice in one day?
You can retake the test a third time the same day at most offices, but you will pay the fee again for each attempt. If you fail three times, you will need to schedule a new appointment on a different day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you pay the fee each time.
Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a license from another state?
Yes. Even if you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you must pass the Texas written test and driving test to receive a Texas license. You do not need to take a test if you are renewing a Texas license you already held.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
If you have an ITIN from the IRS, bring your ITIN letter. If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, you can sign an affidavit at the DPS office stating that you do not have one. This will delay your process, but you can still receive a license.
Can someone else pick up my license from the DPS office?
No. Your license will be mailed to you. You cannot pick it up in person at the DPS office. If you need it faster, ask about expedited mail options when you complete your process.