What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license

To get a Texas driver's license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The entire process typically takes several visits: one to explore and take the written test, and a second to take the driving test once you pass the written portion. You cannot complete this entirely online or by mail.

Texas issues different types of licenses depending on your age and citizenship status. A standard driver's license is valid for six years if you are under 85 years old. If you are between 79 and 84, your license is valid for two years. The process and fees are the same regardless of which type you receive.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office twice: once to explore and take the written test, and again to take the driving test after you pass the written portion.
  • Bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices; you must answer at least 70 percent of questions correctly to pass.
  • The driving test includes a vehicle inspection, basic maneuvers, and on-road driving; you must bring a vehicle registered in Texas and proof of insurance.
  • Standard fees are $16 for a six-year license and $8 for a two-year license, though fees vary slightly by location.

Documents you must bring to a DPS office

Texas requires specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy is not acceptable. If your birth certificate is from another country, you must bring a certified English translation along with the original.

For proof of residency, bring a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement that shows your name and a Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency in Texas.

You must also provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, or bring a document that displays your number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still obtain a driver's license, but you must bring additional documents and complete extra steps at the DPS office.

The written knowledge test and what it covers

The written test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly (70 percent) to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and DPS can provide the test in other languages through an interpreter you arrange in advance.

The test covers topics such as right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking regulations, what different road signs mean, and how to handle hazardous driving conditions. You can study using the Texas Driver's Handbook, which is free and available on the DPS website and at every DPS office. Many people study the handbook for one to two weeks before taking the test.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return on another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may have to pay a retest fee depending on your DPS office location.

The driving test: what happens and what you need

The driving test takes place after you pass the written test. You do not have to take it on the same day; many people schedule it for a later date. The test includes three parts: a vehicle safety inspection, basic vehicle maneuvers, and on-road driving.

For the vehicle inspection, a DPS examiner checks that your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, windshield wipers, and horn work correctly. You must bring a vehicle registered in Texas and proof of current insurance. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name, but the person whose name is on the registration must give you written permission to use it for the test.

During the maneuvers portion, you perform tasks such as backing up, parking, and making turns in a controlled area. On the road, you drive in normal traffic while the examiner watches for safe speed, proper lane changes, correct use of signals, and how you handle intersections and pedestrians. The entire driving test usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes.

Fees and how long the process takes

The fee for a six-year driver's license is $16. If you are between 79 and 84 years old, a two-year license costs $8. Some DPS offices charge a small additional fee for services such as retesting or duplicate documents, so call ahead to confirm the exact cost at your location.

Payment methods vary by office. Most DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. A few locations accept checks. Call your local DPS office to confirm what payment methods they accept.

The entire process from your first visit to receiving your license typically takes two to four weeks. You receive a temporary paper license when ready after you pass the driving test, and your plastic license card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving until your permanent card arrives.

Special situations: minors, military members, and people renewing

If you are under 18, you must bring a parent or legal guardian to your first DPS visit. They must sign your process. Minors also must hold a learner's permit for at least six months before taking the driving test, and they must have a licensed adult in the vehicle during the driving test.

If you are an active-duty military member or a spouse of one, you may be able to use a military ID as proof of identity instead of a birth certificate. Bring your military ID and ask the DPS office whether it is acceptable for your situation.

If you already have a Texas driver's license and are renewing it, the process is simpler: you can renew online, by mail, or in person, and you do not have to retake the written or driving tests unless your license was suspended or revoked.

Finding a DPS office and scheduling your visit

Texas has DPS offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Calling ahead is always a good idea, because wait times vary widely by location and time of day.

Offices in rural areas often have shorter wait times than those in cities. If you live near a city but have flexibility in where you go, visiting an office outside the city center may reduce your wait time. Some DPS offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days, so check the schedule before you go.

You do not have to visit the DPS office in your home county. You can visit any DPS office in Texas to explore for or test for your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online?

No. You must visit a DPS office in person to take the written test. You cannot take it at home, at a school, or through a third-party testing center. However, you can study the Texas Driver's Handbook online before you go to the office.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test as soon as you schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period. You do not have to retake the written test. Each retake has a fee, which varies by DPS office but is typically $7 to $10.

Do I need a learner's permit before I can get a driver's license?

If you are 18 or older, you do not need a learner's permit. You can go directly to the DPS office, take the written test, and then schedule the driving test. If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. You must be present at the DPS office to explore and to take both the written and driving tests. You cannot send someone on your behalf. However, once your plastic license card is mailed to you, you do not have to pick it up in person.

What if my birth certificate is from outside the United States?

You must bring the original birth certificate and a certified English translation. The translation must be certified by a professional translator or the issuing country's consulate. A photocopy of either document is not acceptable.