Yes, you can get a Texas driver's license if you meet the state's basic requirements

Texas issues driver's licenses to people who are at least 16 years old, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide proof of identity and residency. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but you do need a Social Security number or a letter from the Social Security Administration saying you are not may be able to access for one. The process takes about two to four weeks from the time you pass your driving test, though that varies depending on how busy your local Department of Public Safety office is.

The main decision you face first is whether to get a regular license or an ID card. A regular driver's license lets you drive. An ID card does not — it is for identification only. Most people under 65 who want to drive get a regular license. If you only need an ID for identification purposes and do not plan to drive, an ID card is simpler and costs less.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old, have a Social Security number or SSA letter, and pass both a written test and a driving test to get a Texas driver's license.
  • You need to bring proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate), proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or number to your appointment.
  • You can schedule your appointment online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website, and most offices let you book weeks in advance.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; the driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner and usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
  • If you fail either test, you can retake it, though you may have to wait a few days and pay the test fee again.

What documents you need to bring

Bring three categories of documents to your appointment: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security information. For identity, Texas accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a permanent resident card. If you do not have any of those, you can bring two documents from a secondary list — for example, a school ID plus a baptism certificate, or a work ID plus a marriage license.

For residency, bring a document showing your current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. If you do not have one, you can bring a notarized affidavit from someone who lives with you, plus their ID and proof of their residency.

Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or write down your Social Security number. If you do not have a number and are not a U.S. citizen, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access — you can request this letter online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

How to schedule your appointment

Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website at dps.texas.gov and click on the driver's license section. You will see an option to schedule an appointment online. Enter your zip code to find the nearest office, then pick a date and time that works for you. Most offices have appointments available several weeks out, so you can usually find a slot without waiting long.

If you cannot use the online system, you can call your local DPS office directly. The phone number is listed on the dps.texas.gov website under your county. Some offices still accept walk-ins, but wait times are often two to four hours, so scheduling ahead is faster.

Bring all your documents to your appointment. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. You will pay a fee at the time of your appointment — the cost depends on the type of license and how long it is valid, but a regular five-year license for someone under 85 costs around $33 to $40.

Passing the written test

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 is offered in English and Spanish, and you can take it on a computer at the DPS office.

Study the Texas Driver's Handbook before your appointment. It is free and available on the dps.texas.gov website as a PDF read. The handbook covers everything the test asks about: speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle bad weather, and what to do if you are pulled over. Most people who study the handbook pass on their first try.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. You will pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pass before you can take the driving test.

Passing the driving test

The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner and lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, backing up, turning, parking, and stopping. They will also watch how you handle the car in traffic and whether you follow traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and insurance documents must be current.

The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, not perfect driving. Common reasons people fail are not using turn signals, not checking mirrors, speeding, not stopping completely at stop signs, or hitting the curb while parking. If you fail, you can retake the test, usually within a few days. You will pay the test fee again.

If you pass, the examiner will tell you on the spot. Your temporary license will be printed at the DPS office before you leave. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to four weeks.

Special situations: minors, renewals, and out-of-state transfers

If you are under 18, you need a parent or guardian to sign your process. They must be present at your appointment. Minors also have restrictions on their license — for example, they cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months, and they cannot have more than one passenger under 21 for the first 12 months. These restrictions are printed on the license.

If you already have a driver's license from another state, you can transfer it to Texas. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Texas, and your Social Security information. You will not have to take the written or driving test if your out-of-state license is still valid. You will pay the Texas license fee and receive your new license by mail.

If your Texas license has expired, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, depending on how long it has been expired and whether you have had any violations. Check dps.texas.gov for the renewal rules that explore to your situation.

What happens after you pass

You will receive a temporary paper license at the DPS office on the day you pass your driving test. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you provided at your appointment.

If your permanent license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DPS office where you took your test. Bring your temporary license and a form of ID. They can check the status and reissue the license if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to get a Texas driver's license?

No. You need a Social Security number or a letter from the Social Security Administration saying you are not may be able to access. Permanent residents, visa holders, and some other non-citizens can get a license. Bring whatever identity documents you have — a passport, consular ID, or visa — along with your residency proof.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it as soon as a few days later. You will pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after practicing more.

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

Yes. The DPS office offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. Tell the staff when you arrive which language you need, and they will set you up on a computer with that version.

How long is a Texas driver's license valid?

A regular driver's license is valid for five years if you are under 85 years old. After five years, you will need to renew it. You can renew online or by mail if you have not had any violations or address changes.

What if I move to a different address after I get my license?

You must update your address with the DPS within 30 days of moving. You can do this online at dps.texas.gov, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. You do not need a new license — the DPS will update your record, and your current license remains valid.