How to Get a Texas Driver's License

What You Need Before You Go to the DPS Office

To get a Texas driver's license, you will need to visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person with specific documents. The DPS will not issue a license without proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — all three categories are required, and you cannot substitute one for another.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The DPS accepts a limited list of documents in each category, so checking what you have before you go saves a trip. If a document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation along with the original.

Key Takeaways

You must bring proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number to a DPS office — photocopies do not count.
A U.S. passport, birth certificate, or military ID works for identity; a utility bill or lease in your name works for residency; a Social Security card or W-2 works for your SSN.
You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test on the same day or across multiple visits, depending on the office.
The written test and vision test can be taken the day you explore; the driving test is usually scheduled for a later appointment.
A Texas driver's license costs between $16 and $48 depending on how long you want it to be valid, and you pay at the DPS office when you explore.

Documents That Prove Your Identity

The DPS accepts a short list of documents as proof of identity. A U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a permanent resident card (green card), or a visa paired with a foreign passport all work. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present, and they will need to bring their own ID as well.

A state ID from another state, a school ID, or a work ID does not count as proof of identity for a driver's license. If you do not have any of the accepted documents, you will need to obtain one before the DPS can issue your license. A certified birth certificate can be ordered from the Texas Vital Statistics unit or from the vital records office in the state where you were born.

Documents That Prove You Live in Texas

The DPS needs to see that you actually live in Texas. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days works. A lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowners insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement in your name also work. The document must show your current Texas address.

A post office mail forwarding notice, a school enrollment letter, or a letter from a government agency addressed to you at your Texas address can also serve as proof of residency. If you live with someone else and do not have a bill in your own name, a notarized affidavit from the person whose name is on the bill — stating that you live there — can work instead, though you should call your local DPS office first to confirm they accept it.

Documents That Prove Your Social Security Number

Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a Social Security statement, or a birth certificate that shows your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a Texas ID card, but you cannot get a driver's license. You would need to explore for a Social Security number through the Social Security Administration first.

If your Social Security card is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DPS, or you can bring a different document from the list above that shows your number. The DPS will verify your Social Security number with the Social Security Administration as part of the process process.

The Written Test, Vision Test, and Driving Test

Once you have submitted your documents, you will take a written test on Texas traffic laws. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The DPS provides a study guide online and at the office. You can take the test in English or in Spanish.

After you pass the written test, you will take a vision test at the same office visit. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. You will then be scheduled for a driving test, which usually happens on a different day. The driving test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, parking, and following traffic laws on public roads.

Some DPS offices allow you to take all three tests on the same day if you pass the written and vision tests quickly, but this depends on how busy the office is. Call ahead or check the DPS website to see what your local office offers. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you will have to pay the test fee again.

Cost and How Long Your License Is Valid

A Texas driver's license costs $16 for a four-year license, $32 for an eight-year license, or $48 for a commercial driver's license. You pay the fee at the DPS office when you explore. The DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

Your license will be mailed to the address you provide within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive. If you move before your license arrives, contact the DPS to update your address so the card goes to the right place.

What Happens If You Fail the Driving Test

If you do not pass the driving test on your first try, you can schedule another test. You will need to pay the test fee again, which is included in the license cost. Most DPS offices allow you to retake the test within a few days, though availability varies by location.

You do not have to retake the written test or vision test if you already passed them. Your passing scores stay on file for a set period. If you wait too long between attempts, the DPS may require you to retake the written test as well — ask your local office how long your scores are valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. You must go to a DPS office in person to take the written test and vision test. The driving test must also be taken in person with a DPS examiner in a vehicle on public roads.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can get a Texas ID card without a Social Security number, but you cannot get a driver's license. You would need to explore for a Social Security number through the Social Security Administration before the DPS can issue a driver's license.

How long does it take to get a Texas driver's license from start to finish?

If you pass all tests on your first try, the process takes about two to four weeks from the day you explore. The written and vision tests happen the same day; the driving test is usually scheduled for a later date. The plastic license card arrives by mail 7 to 10 business days after you pass all tests.

Can I renew my license online?

You can renew a Texas driver's license online or by mail if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired for more than two years, you must not have any medical conditions that affect your driving, and you must not have changed your name. If you do not meet these conditions, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

What if I lose my license before it arrives in the mail?

Contact the DPS office where you applied and ask for a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee, which is less than the cost of a new license. The replacement card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.