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 provide documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process takes about two to four weeks from your first visit to receiving your license in the mail, though you can drive when ready after passing your road test if you request a temporary paper license at the DPS office.
Texas issues driver's licenses to people 16 and older. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian's permission and must follow additional rules about when you can drive. If you are 18 or older, you can walk into a DPS office and start the process the same day.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original birth certificate or passport, proof of Texas residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document with your number on it.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook available on the DPS website before you go.
- You must pass both a written test and a driving test with a DPS examiner in your own vehicle or a rental, and you cannot use a vehicle with safety defects.
- Your temporary paper license lets you drive legally while you wait for your plastic card to arrive by mail, usually within two weeks.
- If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can renew it as a Texas license without retaking the tests.
Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a U.S. passport, or a passport card. A photocopy will not work. You also need one document proving you live in Texas — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address will all work. The document must be dated within the last 90 days.
You must also provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or bring another document with your number on it, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining why.
Bring your current driver's license if you have one from another state. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you, along with their ID. The parent or guardian must sign your process in front of the DPS employee.
How the Written Test Works
The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can request other languages through the DPS office ahead of time.
You can study for free using the Texas Driver Handbook, which the DPS publishes online. The handbook covers everything on the test. Many DPS offices also have practice tests on computers in the waiting area, and you can take these as many times as you want before your official test.
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. Most people pass on their first try if they study the handbook.
How the Driving Test Works
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. A DPS examiner will sit in your vehicle while you drive on public roads. They will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping, and they will watch how you handle traffic and follow traffic laws. You must use your own vehicle or a rental car — you cannot borrow someone else's car unless you have written permission from the owner.
Your vehicle must pass a safety inspection before the test. The examiner will check that your brakes work, your lights work, your windshield wipers work, and your tires are not bald. If anything fails, you will not take the test that day. You can come back once you fix the problem.
You must pass the driving test to get your license. If you fail, you can retake it, but you may have to wait a few days or schedule another appointment. Most DPS offices let you retake the test within a week.
What Happens After You Pass Both Tests
Once you pass the written and driving tests, the DPS employee will take your photo and print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for your plastic card. You can drive anywhere in the United States with this temporary license.
Your permanent plastic driver's license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The DPS will mail it to the address you provided on your process. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact your local DPS office to check the status.
Your Texas driver's license is valid for eight years if you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, it is valid until your 18th birthday, and then you must renew it. You can renew by mail or online before your license expires.
Special Rules If You Are Under 18
If you are 14 or 15, you can get a learner permit, which lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You must have the permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a full license. You must also complete a driver education course approved by Texas.
If you are 16 or 17, you can get a provisional license after passing the tests. A provisional license has restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18.
A parent or guardian must sign your process and be present at the DPS office. If your parents are divorced, bring a custody order or birth certificate showing who has legal custody.
If You Already Have a License From Another State
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to retake the written and driving tests. You can exchange it for a Texas license by visiting a DPS office, bringing your out-of-state license and proof of Texas residency, and paying the fee. The DPS will take a new photo and mail you a Texas license within two to three weeks.
Your out-of-state license must not be suspended or revoked. If it is, you will have to pass the tests like a first-time driver. If you are moving to Texas from another state, you have 60 days to exchange your license before you are required to have a Texas license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Texas driver's license cost?
The fee varies depending on how long you want the license to be valid. An eight-year license costs around $60 to $65, though the exact amount changes. Contact your local DPS office or check the DPS website for the current fee in your area.
Can I take the driving test in a vehicle with a manual transmission?
Yes. The examiner will test you in whatever vehicle you bring, as long as it passes the safety inspection. If you take the test in an automatic, your license will be restricted to automatic vehicles only in some states, but Texas does not have this restriction.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it, usually within a few days or by scheduling another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. You do not have to retake the written test unless your written test score expires, which happens after one year if you have not passed the driving test.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a Texas driver's license?
Yes, Texas requires a Social Security number or a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining why you do not have one. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you can get a Texas ID card instead of a driver's license, which requires different documents.
Can I get a driver's license if I have unpaid traffic tickets?
Unpaid traffic tickets will not stop you from getting a license, but they may prevent you from renewing it later. If you have a suspended license due to unpaid tickets, you must pay them or set up a payment plan before you can get a new license. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out your options.