What you need to bring to the Texas DPS office
To get a Texas driver's license, you will visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person with specific documents. The state requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — you cannot mail in your process or do this entirely online.
For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, a military ID, or a Certificate of Naturalization if you were not born in the US. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Texas address — it must be dated within the last 30 days. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub.
If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or legal guardian to come with you to sign consent forms. Bring their ID as well.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with an original birth certificate or passport, a recent utility bill or lease showing your Texas address, and proof of your Social Security number.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official Texas Driver Handbook online for free before you go.
- The vision test and driving test happen the same day if you pass the written test, so plan for the full process to take two to three hours.
- Your license arrives by mail within two weeks; you receive a temporary paper license to drive while you wait.
- The fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at the office.
The written test and what it covers
After you turn in your documents, you will take a written test on a computer at the DPS office. The 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 Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website, covers everything on the test. You can read it online or read it as a PDF before your appointment. Most people study it for a few days and take practice tests online to feel ready. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, though you may have to wait a few hours.
The vision and driving tests on the same day
If you pass the written test, you will take a vision test when ready after. The examiner will check that you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
After the vision test, you will take the driving test with a DPS examiner. The test lasts about 10 to 15 minutes and covers basic skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you drive on local roads. You must use your own vehicle or borrow one — the DPS does not provide a car for the test.
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment and may wait several weeks for an opening.
How long the process takes and what happens next
Plan to spend two to three hours at the DPS office from the time you arrive until you leave. The written test takes about 15 to 20 minutes, the vision test about 5 minutes, and the driving test about 10 to 15 minutes. The rest of the time is spent waiting, checking in, and processing paperwork.
If you pass all three tests, the examiner will take your photo and give you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. Your permanent plastic license card comes by mail within two weeks. Do not lose the temporary license — you need it to drive legally until the permanent one arrives.
Fees and payment methods
A four-year Texas driver's license costs $16. An eight-year license costs $32. You can pay in cash, by check, or by debit or credit card at the DPS office. There are no additional fees if you retake a test the same day.
If you are 85 years old or older, the license is free. If you are a veteran or active-duty military member, you may be able to renew your license online instead of in person, which saves you a trip.
Finding a DPS office near you and making an appointment
Texas has DPS offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office closest to you on the DPS website by entering your zip code. Some offices are busier than others — offices in large cities often have longer wait times than rural offices.
You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary widely. Some offices have short waits on weekday mornings, while others have waits of several hours in the afternoon or on Saturdays. Many DPS offices now let you schedule an appointment online, which reserves a time slot and reduces your wait. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available.
Special situations: under 18, renewals, and name changes
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and sign the process. You will also need to complete a driver education course and a behind-the-wheel training course before you can take the driving test. These courses are offered by driving schools and high schools across Texas.
If you already have a Texas license and it is expired or about to expire, you can renew it by mail or online if you are 18 or older and your license has not been suspended. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must visit a DPS office in person.
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change along with your other required documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the driving test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission if I learned to drive a manual?
Yes. You can take the test in any vehicle you have access to. If you pass in an automatic, your license will have a restriction code that says you can only drive automatics. If you want to drive a manual, you must retake the driving test in a manual vehicle.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment at a DPS office. There is no additional fee for the retest. You keep your temporary paper license while you wait for your next appointment.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring a pay stub instead?
You can bring either one. The DPS accepts a Social Security card, W-2, 1099, or recent pay stub as proof of your Social Security number. You only need one of these documents.
How long is a Texas driver's license valid?
A standard license is valid for four or eight years, depending on which one you choose to buy. You can renew it by mail or online before it expires, or in person at a DPS office if your renewal is not available online.
Can I get a Texas license if I am not a US citizen?
Yes. You can get a standard driver's license if you have a valid visa or work permit. You will need to bring your passport and visa or work permit along with the other required documents. If you do not have a work permit or visa, you may be able to get a license under Texas's occupational license program, which has different requirements.