What you need to bring to the Texas DMV

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to show proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number before they issue a license. You do not need all three documents to be the same piece of paper — you can mix and match from the lists below, but you must have at least one from each category.

For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a previous Texas driver's license. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of two documents from a secondary list, which includes things like a school ID, a work ID, or a marriage certificate. The DPS website lists the full secondary list, and it is worth checking before you go — some documents you think will work do not.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A piece of mail with your name and address on it usually works, but a phone bill or electric bill is the safest choice. If you live with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill, will work instead.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for one at the same time you explore for your license, but the process takes longer.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency dated within 30 days, and proof of your Social Security number to the DPS office.
  • The DPS office will take your photo, test your vision, and administer a written test about traffic laws and road signs.
  • You can schedule an appointment online at the DPS website, which usually cuts your wait time from hours to 15 to 30 minutes.
  • A standard five-year license costs $16 for people under 85; a six-year license costs $32 and is available only to people 85 and older.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot; your plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

How to schedule your appointment and what to expect on the day

Go to the DPS website and select "Driver License Services" from the menu. You will see an option to schedule an appointment at a DPS office near you. The website shows which offices have openings and lets you pick a date and time. Appointments fill up quickly in cities, so if you see an opening, book it — you can always reschedule if your plans change.

On the day of your appointment, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents. Bring the originals, not copies — the DPS staff will not accept photocopies of your proof of identity or residency. Bring your Social Security card itself if you have it; a copy will not work. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them to your appointment, because the vision test uses the correction you will actually use on the road.

At the office, a staff member will check your documents, take your photo, and test your vision. You will then sit at a computer and take a written test on Texas traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can retake the test the same day if you fail, but most people pass on the first try. After you pass, you pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot.

The written test: what it covers and how to study

The Texas written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will see questions about speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and what different road signs mean. The test is multiple choice, and you have as much time as you need to answer each question.

The DPS publishes a free study guide called the Texas Driver Handbook, available as a PDF on the DPS website. Read through it at least once before your appointment — most people who fail the test did not read the handbook. The handbook is short and straightforward; it takes about 30 minutes to read. Pay special attention to the sections on right-of-way, speed limits in school zones, and what to do at a four-way stop, because those topics appear on almost every test.

You can also take practice tests on the DPS website. These are free and use the same format as the real test. Take at least one practice test before your appointment so you know what the computer interface looks like and how much time you have per question.

Renewing or replacing a lost or damaged license

If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it online through the DPS website without going to an office, as long as your license is not more than two years expired and you have not had any address changes. The online renewal costs $16 for a five-year license and takes about a week. Your new card arrives by mail.

If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the DPS and request a replacement. You can do this online or in person at a DPS office. A replacement license costs $11 and arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DPS office, which you can use when ready.

If your license is damaged but not lost — for example, the plastic is cracked or the photo is faded — you can exchange it for a new one at a DPS office. Bring your damaged license and pay a $11 replacement fee. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new card by mail within two to three weeks.

What happens if you fail the written test

If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost. You will have another 30 questions, and the questions will be different from the first test. Most people who fail pass on the second attempt because they know what to expect and can focus on the areas where they struggled.

If you fail twice in the same day, you will need to schedule another appointment and come back later. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but each new appointment requires you to pay the license fee again. Before you reschedule, spend more time with the Texas Driver Handbook and take more practice tests on the DPS website.

Licenses for people under 18 and graduated licensing

Texas has a graduated licensing system for drivers under 18. You start with a learner's permit, move to a restricted license, and then get an unrestricted license. Each stage has different rules about when and where you can drive.

To get a learner's permit, you must be at least 14 years old, pass the written test, and have a parent or guardian sign your process. With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat with you. You must hold the permit for at least six months before you can move to the next stage.

After six months with a learner's permit, you can test for a restricted license. You will take a driving test with a DPS examiner, who will watch you drive and score your performance. If you pass, you get a restricted license, which lets you drive alone during the day but not at night. The night restriction ends when you turn 18 or after you have held the restricted license for six months, whichever comes first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The DPS offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. When you schedule your appointment online, you can select your language. If your language is not listed online, call the DPS office where you plan to test and ask whether they can accommodate you.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still get a driver's license, but the process takes longer. You will need to explore for a Social Security number at the same time. Bring an process form (Form SS-5) to the DPS office, and the staff will help you submit it. Your license will be issued, but you may need to return to the office once your Social Security number is assigned.

How long does the plastic license card take to arrive?

Your plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks of your appointment. You receive a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use to drive when ready. If you need to travel or show your license before the card arrives, the paper license is valid.

What if I moved to Texas from another state?

You must get a Texas license within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring your out-of-state license as your proof of identity, along with proof of residency in Texas and proof of your Social Security number. You will still need to pass the written test, but you do not need to take a driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and not suspended.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you renew early, your new expiration date is five or six years from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date. This is useful if you are about to travel and want a fresh license, or if you want to update your photo.