Yes, international students can get a Texas driver's license, but you'll need specific documents that prove both your identity and your lawful presence in the United States

Texas issues driver's licenses to international students on valid visas, but the process differs from what U.S. citizens go through. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to show your passport, visa, and I-94 arrival/departure record — not a Social Security number, which international students typically don't have. You can walk into any DPS office and complete the process the same day, though you'll need to pass a written test and vision screening first.

The key difference is that your license will expire when your visa expires, rather than lasting the standard eight years. This means you may need to renew it before you leave Texas or before your status changes. If you're on an F-1 student visa, your I-94 and visa documents are what DPS uses to verify you're allowed to be here.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your passport, valid visa, and I-94 arrival/departure record to any Texas DPS office — these replace the Social Security number requirement for international students.
  • You do not need a Texas address to get a license; a school address, dorm address, or even a temporary address will work.
  • Your license will expire on the same date as your visa or I-94, whichever comes first, so plan ahead if you're staying longer or changing status.
  • You must pass the written knowledge test and vision screening on the day you explore, just like any other applicant.

What documents you need to bring

Start by gathering your passport and your current visa. The visa page itself is what DPS needs to see — they're checking that your visa is valid and that you're authorized to be in the U.S. You also need your I-94 arrival/departure record, which you can print from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website at cbp.gov. Search for "I-94" and follow the link to retrieve your record; it takes about five minutes and shows your entry date and current status.

Bring proof of a Texas address. This can be a lease, a utility bill, a school enrollment letter, or even a letter from your school's international student office confirming your dorm assignment. If you're living on campus, your school can issue a letter on letterhead stating your address and dates of residency. DPS also accepts mail addressed to you at your current address — a bank statement or school bill works.

You'll need to complete Form DL-44 (process for a Texas Driver's License or Identification Card), which you can fill out before you arrive at the DPS office or pick up there. Bring a pen; DPS staff can help you complete it if you have questions.

The process process at the DPS office

Go to any Texas DPS Driver License office during business hours. You don't need an appointment; most offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some locations now offer online scheduling through the DPS website. Bring all your documents, your completed Form DL-44, and your payment method — a Texas driver's license costs $33 and is valid for the duration of your visa or I-94.

At the office, a DPS employee will review your documents and verify your information in their system. They'll check your passport, visa, and I-94 to confirm your lawful presence. This step usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. If everything is in order, you'll move to the next station.

You'll take a vision screening test (reading an eye chart) and a written knowledge test covering Texas traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions; you need to answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can request the test in English or several other languages. After you pass, you'll have your photo taken, and your license will be printed on the spot. You'll walk out with your license the same day.

Address requirements and what happens if you move

Your address on the license doesn't have to be permanent. If you're in a dorm, use the dorm address. If you're in an apartment, use that address. If you're between housing, use your school's address or your international student office's address — DPS accepts any address where mail can reach you.

If you move during your time in Texas, you can update your address online through the DPS website or by visiting a DPS office in person. The address change is free and takes about five minutes online. You don't need to bring any documents for an address-only change.

What happens when your visa expires

Your Texas driver's license automatically expires on the date your visa or I-94 expires, whichever is sooner. You cannot renew it online or by mail — you must visit a DPS office in person with updated visa documentation if you've extended your stay or changed your status.

If you're leaving Texas or the United States, you don't need to do anything with your license. It straightforward expires. If you're staying in Texas but your visa is expiring and you're explore for an extension or change of status, contact your school's international student office first to understand your new I-94 date, then visit DPS with your updated documents to get a new license.

If you're changing from an F-1 student visa to another visa type (such as OPT work authorization or an H-1B visa), your new visa documents will have a different expiration date. Bring those documents to DPS to get a license that matches your new status.

Common issues and how to avoid them

The most common reason applications are delayed is a missing or illegible I-94 record. Print your I-94 directly from the CBP website before you go to DPS; don't rely on a photocopy or a screenshot. If your I-94 doesn't print clearly, contact CBP or your school's international student office for help.

Some students bring expired passports or visas by mistake. Your visa must be valid on the day you explore — an expired visa will disqualify you. Check your visa expiration date before you go to the DPS office.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may have to wait and pay the test fee again. Study the Texas Driver Handbook (available free on the DPS website) before you go. It covers all the material on the test and is written in plain language.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Texas driver's license as an international student?

No. International students can get a license without a Social Security number by showing a valid passport, visa, and I-94 record instead. DPS has a separate process for applicants without a Social Security number, and international students fall into this category.

Can I get a license if I'm on a tourist visa or visitor status instead of a student visa?

Yes, as long as your visa or I-94 is valid and shows you're authorized to be in the U.S. The type of visa doesn't matter — DPS only checks that you have lawful presence. Your license will expire when your visa or I-94 expires.

What if I don't have a permanent address yet?

Use your school's address, your dorm address, or your international student office's address. DPS accepts any address where you can receive mail. You can update it later for free if you move.

How long does it take to get the license?

The entire process — documents review, vision test, written test, and photo — usually takes 30 to 45 minutes at the DPS office. You receive your license the same day if you pass the tests.

What if my visa gets extended while I have a Texas license?

Your current license will still expire on your original visa expiration date. Once your extension is approved and you have new visa documents, visit a DPS office with your updated paperwork to get a new license with the later expiration date.