What you need to bring and where to go
To get a Texas driver's license, you visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test. The whole process takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary paper license the day you pass your driving test.
Texas has about 130 DPS driver license offices across the state. You can find the one nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website. Some offices are busier than others — rural offices often have shorter wait times than those in cities. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices now offer online scheduling, which can cut your wait time significantly.
Key Takeaways
- Bring an original or certified birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax document, and a utility bill or lease showing your current address to your DPS office.
- You will pay a fee (currently $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license) when you pass your tests and submit your process.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices; you need to score at least 70 percent to pass.
- After you pass the written and vision tests, you schedule a separate appointment for your driving test, which usually happens within two to four weeks.
- Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days while you wait for your plastic card to arrive by mail.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring proof of identity — an original or certified birth certificate, a passport, a military ID, or a certificate of naturalization. A photocopy does not work; it must be an original document or a certified copy from the issuing agency. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport and your green card or visa.
Bring proof of Social Security number — your actual Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. A letter from Social Security counts. A bank statement or credit card statement does not.
Bring proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your name and current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A cell phone bill, insurance bill, or bank statement also works. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill, plus your ID.
If you are under 18, bring your parent or legal guardian with you. They will need to sign your process in person.
The written test and what it covers
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 covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle a skid, and when you must yield to pedestrians or bicycles.
You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. Many people also use practice tests online — searching "Texas driver license practice test" will show you several free options. You get one chance to pass the written test on the day you go to the DPS office. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day.
The test is offered in English and Spanish. If English is not your first language, you can request an interpreter, though you will need to arrange this ahead of time by calling your local DPS office.
The vision test and what happens next
After you pass the written test, you take a vision screening at the DPS office. The examiner will check whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision correction certificate back to the DPS office before you can continue.
Once you pass both the written and vision tests, you will schedule an appointment for your driving test. This appointment is usually two to four weeks away, depending on how busy your local office is. You will receive a paper receipt with your appointment date and time.
You can drive to your driving test appointment using your temporary paper license, which is valid for 45 days. You must bring that temporary license, your proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will use for the test.
The driving test and what the examiner watches for
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner sits in the passenger seat while you drive on public roads. They watch whether you signal before turning, check your mirrors, obey speed limits, stop completely at stop signs, yield properly, and handle the vehicle smoothly. They will ask you to do specific things — parallel park, back up, make a three-point turn — to see whether you can control the car.
You must bring proof of insurance for the vehicle you are driving. Your parent or guardian can sit in the back seat if you are under 18, but they cannot talk to you or the examiner during the test. If you fail, you can retake the test, though you will need to schedule another appointment.
Bring your temporary paper license and your ID to the driving test. Wear clothes that let you move freely — avoid very loose or very baggy clothing. Make sure the vehicle has working turn signals, brake lights, headlights, wipers, and mirrors, and that the tires have enough tread.
Your license arrives by mail
After you pass your driving test, you pay the license fee at the DPS office. Your plastic driver's license is mailed to the address you provided. Standard delivery takes about two to three weeks. During this time, your temporary paper license is valid for driving.
If your plastic license does not arrive within four weeks, call your local DPS office with your process number. They can check the status and reissue if needed. If you move before your license arrives, you can update your address on the DPS website or at any DPS office.
Cost and what to expect if you are under 18
A five-year driver's license costs $33. An eight-year license costs $66. You pay this fee only after you pass both the written test and the driving test. Payment is by cash, check, or card, depending on the office.
If you are under 18, you will get a provisional license instead of a regular license. A provisional license has restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. These restrictions lift after six months or when you turn 18, whichever comes first. You also cannot drive with more than one passenger under 21 for the first six months, unless a parent or guardian is in the car.
If you are under 18, you must also have held a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test. A learner's permit costs $11 and lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make an appointment or can I just walk in?
Most DPS offices accept walk-ins, but wait times can be long — sometimes two to three hours. Many offices now offer online scheduling through the DPS website, which lets you pick a specific time slot. Check your local office's website to see if scheduling is available in your area.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks. If you were born outside the United States, your passport works as proof of identity instead. Call your local DPS office if you are unsure whether your documents will work.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The test is offered in Spanish and several other languages. Call your local DPS office at least one week ahead to request an interpreter. Some offices have interpreters on staff; others may need to arrange one.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it. You will need to schedule another appointment, which may be weeks away depending on how busy your office is. You do not retake the written test — you only retake the driving test. Your temporary paper license stays valid while you wait for your next appointment.
Can someone else pick up my license if it arrives while I am away?
No. Your license is mailed directly to your address. If you move, update your address with DPS before your license is mailed. If it arrives at an old address, contact your local DPS office and they can reissue it to your new address.