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

To get a Texas driver's license, you will visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process takes a few weeks from start to finish, though the office visit itself is usually under an hour once you are called. Texas issues licenses to people 16 and older, and the requirements change slightly depending on your age and whether you already hold a license from another state.

You cannot do this entirely online or by mail. You must show up to a DPS office with your documents, take the tests there, and have your photo taken. The office will tell you on the spot whether you passed the written test; if you do not, you can retake it the same day or come back later.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a Social Security number, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), and proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) before you go to the DPS office.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS provides free online and in print at every office.
  • The driving test happens in your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle, and you must bring someone with a valid license to sit in the car if you use your own.
  • DPS offices are open during business hours and do not take appointments in most locations, so you may wait in line; check your local office's hours before you go.
  • A Texas driver's license costs between $16 and $97 depending on how long you want it to last, and you pay at the office when you pass your tests.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring original documents or certified copies—photocopies alone will not work. You need one document that proves your identity (a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state), one document that proves you live in Texas (a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement with your name and address), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

If your name has changed since your identity document was issued—through marriage, divorce, or court order—bring the document that shows the change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you do not have a Social Security card, you can bring a W-2 form, a tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration.

Proof of residency must show your current address and be dated within the last 90 days. A utility bill works best because it is dated and shows your name and address clearly. If you live with someone else and are not on the utility bill, you can bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there.

How the written test works

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and what to do at a red light or stop sign.

DPS gives you a free study guide called the Texas Driver Handbook. You can read it online at the DPS website, pick up a printed copy at any DPS office, or ask for one when you arrive for your test. Most people study the handbook for a few days or a week before taking the test. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and DPS can provide it in other languages or large print if you request it ahead of time.

If you do not pass, you can take the test again the same day at most offices, or you can come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, though some offices may ask you to wait a few hours before retaking it.

The driving test and what happens during it

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. A DPS examiner sits in the passenger seat while you drive on public roads near the office. They watch how you handle the car, follow traffic laws, park, and respond to other drivers and pedestrians. You will be asked to do things like parallel park, make turns, stop smoothly, and drive at different speeds.

You can take the test in your own vehicle or in a DPS vehicle. If you use your own car, you must bring someone with a valid driver's license to sit in the back seat—the examiner needs a licensed driver present in case something goes wrong. Your car must be in safe working condition: brakes, lights, wipers, and steering must all work, and the vehicle must be registered and insured.

If you do not pass the driving test, you can schedule another one, usually within a few days or weeks depending on how busy the office is. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you will pay the test fee each time.

Age-specific rules for drivers under 18

If you are 16 or 17, you will first get a learner permit, which lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. To get the learner permit, you pass the written test and provide your documents, just like an adult. You must hold the learner permit for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test for a full license.

While you have a learner permit, you cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you. After 30 days, you can schedule your driving test at a DPS office.

Once you pass the driving test, you get a provisional license, which has the same restrictions as the learner permit until you turn 18. At 18, those restrictions go away and you have a regular adult license.

Costs and how long a license lasts

A Texas driver's license costs $16 for a four-year license, $32 for an eight-year license, or $97 for a Real ID-compliant license that lasts eight years. The Real ID license has a gold star in the corner and can be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. A regular license cannot be used for those purposes as of May 2025, though you can still use it to drive.

You pay the fee at the DPS office after you pass both tests. If you do not pass the driving test, you do not pay the license fee, but you may pay a test fee (this varies by office). When your license expires, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last license.

Finding a DPS office and what to expect when you arrive

Texas has DPS offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Call ahead or check the website to see the office's hours, because they vary—some are open Monday through Friday, and some have Saturday hours. Most offices do not take appointments, so you arrive, check in, and wait your turn.

Bring all your documents, arrive early if possible (offices are usually less crowded in the morning), and expect to wait anywhere from 15 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is. Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged while you wait. You will be called to a window, where staff will check your documents, take your photo, and send you to take the written test.

If you pass the written test, you will schedule your driving test for another day—usually within one to three weeks, depending on how busy the office is. You will get a receipt showing your appointment date and time. Mark it on your calendar and arrive a few minutes early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. You must take the written test in person at a DPS office. You cannot do it online or from home. However, you can study the Texas Driver Handbook online before you go, so you are prepared when you arrive.

What if I already have a driver's license from another state?

You can exchange it for a Texas license without taking the written or driving test, as long as your out-of-state license is valid and you have been a Texas resident for less than one year. If you have been in Texas longer than that, you must pass both tests. Bring your out-of-state license and your Texas residency documents to a DPS office.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the tests?

You get your license the same day you pass both tests. The DPS office prints it on the spot, and you walk out with it. If you choose a Real ID license, it may take a few extra minutes because the office has to verify your information with federal databases.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it as soon as the office has an opening, usually within a few days or weeks. There is no waiting period, and you can retake it as many times as you need. You will pay the test fee each time you retake it.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Texas driver's license?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a W-2, tax return, or letter from the Social Security Administration showing your number. If you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number, you can get an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS and use that instead.