What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license
To get a driver's license in Texas, you will visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written test about traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process usually takes a few weeks from start to finish, though the office visit itself takes one to three hours depending on how busy the location is.
You do not have to be a Texas resident to get a Texas license, but you do have to show proof of where you live — either in Texas or wherever you currently live. If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can skip the written and driving tests in most cases, though you still have to visit a DPS office and bring the required documents.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Department of Public Safety office in person with original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and current address.
- If you do not have a license from another state, you will take a written test on traffic laws and a behind-the-wheel driving test.
- A Texas driver's license costs between $16 and $32 depending on how long you want it to be valid, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at the office.
- You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.
- 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 driving test.
Documents you need to bring to the DPS office
Bring one document that proves your identity — a passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a consular report of birth. If you use a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy. You also need your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or a Social Security statement.
For proof of where you live, bring a recent utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. If you live with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill.
Bring your Social Security card itself if you have it — the DPS office will not accept a photocopy. If you have lost your card, you can bring a W-2, a tax return, a pay stub, or a Social Security statement instead. You will also need to fill out Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver's License) before you arrive or at the office.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 30 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 request a test in other languages if you call the DPS office ahead of time.
The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle a skid, and when you must yield to other vehicles. You can study using the Texas Driver's Handbook, which is free on the DPS website and also available in print at any DPS office. Many people study the handbook for a few days and take practice tests online before they go to the office.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake the test. If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the written test.
The driving test and how it is scored
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. A DPS examiner will sit in the car with you and ask you to perform basic driving tasks — starting the car, turning, parking, backing up, and driving on streets and highways. The examiner is looking for whether you can control the vehicle safely, follow traffic laws, and respond to other drivers and road conditions.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before you drive. If anything is broken, you will not be allowed to take the test that day.
You pass the driving test if you do not commit any major errors — such as hitting another car, running a red light, or failing to yield when you should. Minor errors like hesitating too long or not using your turn signal every time do not automatically fail you, but too many minor errors add up to a failing score. If you fail, you can retake the test after a waiting period, which varies by office.
If you are under 18: the learner's permit and waiting period
If you are under 18, you cannot go straight to a driver's license. You must first get a learner's permit, hold it for at least six months, and then take the driving test. To get a learner's permit, you must pass the written test and show proof that you have completed a driver education course — either in school or through a private provider.
With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. After you have held the permit for six months and passed the driving test, you can get your driver's license.
If you are 18 or older, you do not need a learner's permit. You can go straight to the written test and driving test if you do not already have a license from another state.
Cost, validity period, and payment methods
A Texas driver's license costs $16 for a two-year license, $32 for a five-year license, or $48 for an eight-year license. You choose the length when you explore. The fee covers the license itself; there are no separate fees for the written test or driving test. You can pay by cash, check, or debit or credit card at the DPS office.
Your license will expire on your birthday in the year it is set to expire. For example, if you get a two-year license on March 15, 2024, it will expire on your birthday in 2026. You can renew your license by mail, online, or in person, depending on your situation.
How to find a DPS office and check wait times
The Texas Department of Public Safety has offices in every county. You can find the address and phone number of your nearest office on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Many offices now show estimated wait times online, so you can check before you go.
Some offices are busier than others. Generally, offices in smaller towns have shorter waits than offices in large cities. Mornings on weekdays tend to be less crowded than afternoons or weekends. If you call the office ahead of time, staff can tell you when they are usually slowest.
You do not have to make an appointment at most DPS offices — you straightforward show up, take a number, and wait. However, some offices in large cities do offer appointment slots. Check the DPS website for your specific office to see whether appointments are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the driving test in a car that is not registered in my name?
Yes. The car must be registered and insured, but it does not have to be registered to you. Many people borrow a family member's car for the test. The registration and proof of insurance must be current and in the car when you arrive.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it after waiting a certain number of days — this varies by DPS office, so call ahead to find out. You do not have to retake the written test. You pay the full license fee again when you retake the driving test.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a Texas driver's license?
Yes, you must provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can get one through the Social Security Administration before you explore for your license. Bring proof of your identity and residency to the Social Security office.
Can I renew my license online or by mail?
You can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you have not had any major changes to your information. If your license is expired, you have had a name change, or you need a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
What if I move to Texas from another state and already have a valid driver's license?
You can get a Texas license without taking the written or driving tests. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security card or number. You will pay the same fee as a new license holder.