Yes, you can get a Texas driver's license if you meet the state's age, residency, and identity requirements

Texas issues driver's licenses to residents who are at least 16 years old, can prove they live in the state, and can pass a written test and driving test. The process takes place at your local Department of Public Safety (DPS) office and typically takes 30 to 45 minutes for the written exam and road test combined. You will need to bring specific documents to prove your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency before you can take either test.

The state does not issue licenses by mail or online. You must appear in person at a DPS driver license office. Texas has over 130 of these offices across the state, and you can visit any one — you do not have to go to the office in your county. Wait times vary by location and time of day, but many offices allow you to check current wait times on the DPS website before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old and provide proof of Texas residency, identity, and your Social Security number to get a license.
  • Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax document, and two proofs of your current Texas address.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, then a driving test with a DPS examiner in your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle.
  • Licenses are issued on the spot after you pass both tests, though you may wait several weeks if you fail and need to retake the exam.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the road test.

Documents you need to bring to the DPS office

Texas requires you to show proof of three things: who you are, your Social Security number, and where you live. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for identity documents.

For identity, bring one of these: a certified copy of your birth certificate, a passport, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of naturalization. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or travel document as well.

For your 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 will need to explore for one before you can get a license.

For Texas residency, bring two documents that show your current address. These can include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, a property tax bill, or a government check. Both documents must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 90 days. A single document with your name and address is not enough — you need two separate pieces of evidence.

Age requirements and the learner's permit process for drivers under 18

If you are 16 or 17, you cannot go straight to the road test. Texas requires you to hold a learner's permit (also called a learner license) for at least six months and complete a driver education course before you can take the driving test.

To get a learner's permit, go to a DPS office with your identity, Social Security, and residency documents. You will take the written test on traffic laws and road signs. If you pass, you receive your permit on the spot. The permit is valid for two years and allows you to drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat with you.

While you hold the permit, you must complete a driver education course. This is usually a classroom course offered by high schools or private driving schools and covers traffic safety and Texas driving laws. Some schools offer online courses. After you complete the course and have held your permit for at least six months, you can return to the DPS office to take the driving test.

If you are 18 or older, you do not need a learner's permit or driver education course. You can go directly to the DPS office, take the written test, and then take the driving test on the same day or schedule it for another day.

What to expect during the written test and driving test

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer or paper form. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You can take the test in English or Spanish.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee each time you take it.

The driving test lasts about 25 to 30 minutes. A DPS examiner will ride with you and watch how you handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. 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 test your ability to start the vehicle, turn, stop, back up, parallel park, and drive on different types of roads.

You must pass the driving test to receive your license. If you fail, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment and pay the test fee again. Wait times for retesting vary by office.

Fees and how long your license is valid

The fee for a driver's license depends on how long you want it to be valid. A license valid for five years costs less than one valid for eight years. Renewal fees are lower than the fee for a new license. Exact fees vary and are set by the state, so check the DPS website for current amounts before you go to the office.

You will also pay a separate fee each time you take the written test or driving test. If you pass both tests on your first visit, you pay both fees once. If you fail and retake a test, you pay that test fee again.

Once you receive your license, it is valid for the number of years you chose. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office. Renewal by mail or online is usually faster and cheaper than getting a new license in person.

Special situations: name changes, moving from another state, and commercial licenses

If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring documents that show the legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The name on your license must match the name on your identity documents.

If you are moving to Texas from another state, you can transfer your out-of-state license to a Texas license. Bring your current out-of-state license along with your identity, Social Security, and residency documents. You will still need to take the written test, but you may not need to take the driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and you have not been without a license for more than two years. Check with your local DPS office about their specific rules for transfers.

If you want to drive a commercial vehicle, you need a commercial driver's license (CDL) instead of a regular license. The requirements and tests are different and more rigorous. You can learn about CDL requirements on the DPS website or ask at your local office.

What happens if you fail the driving test or do not show up

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule a new appointment. Depending on the office and how busy it is, you might be able to retake it within a few days or you might have to wait several weeks. You will pay the test fee each time you take it.

If you do not show up for your scheduled test, your appointment is cancelled. You will need to schedule a new one. Some offices charge a fee for no-shows, so check your appointment confirmation or call ahead to ask.

If you pass the written test but fail the driving test, your written test result is usually valid for a certain period — typically 12 months — so you do not have to retake the written test when you retake the driving test. Confirm this with your local office when you schedule your retake.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Texas requires a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have one, you must explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. This process can take several weeks.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of naturalization instead. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or travel document. If you cannot produce any of these documents, contact your local DPS office to ask about other options.

Do I have to take the driving test in my own car?

No. You can use a DPS vehicle for the driving test if you do not have your own car or prefer not to use it. The DPS vehicle is available at most offices, but availability varies. Call your local office ahead of time to confirm they have a vehicle available on the day you want to test.

How long does it take to get a Texas driver's license after I pass the tests?

You receive your license on the spot after you pass both the written and driving tests. The examiner will give you a temporary paper license that is valid until your plastic card arrives in the mail, which usually takes one to two weeks.

Can I renew my license online or by mail instead of going to the office?

Yes, if your license is not expired by more than two years and you do not need to change your address or other information. You can renew online through the DPS website or by mail. Renewal by mail takes longer than online renewal. If your license is expired by more than two years or you need to make changes, you must renew in person at a DPS office.