What You Need to Do First

To get a Texas driver's license, you will visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring required documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The entire process takes multiple visits — you cannot complete it in one day. Most people spend between two to four weeks from their first visit to receiving their license in the mail.

You do not need to be a Texas resident to get a Texas driver's license, but you do need a valid reason to be in the state and proof of that reason. If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a Social Security number. If you are not a citizen, you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a valid visa.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office twice: once to pass the written test and get a learner's permit, and again after practicing to pass the driving test.
  • Bring your Social Security card or ITIN letter, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (passport or birth certificate) to your first visit.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
  • After you pass the written test, you must wait at least one day before scheduling your driving test, and you must bring a vehicle and a licensed adult to that appointment.
  • Your license arrives by mail within two to three weeks after you pass the driving test; you can request a temporary paper license at your second visit.

Gather Your Documents Before You Go

The DPS requires specific documents at your first visit. Bring your original Social Security card or an ITIN letter from the IRS. If you do not have either, you can explore for an ITIN at a local IRS office or through a tax preparer, but this adds time to the process.

You will also need proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance policy also works. The document must show your name and current Texas address.

Bring one form of identity: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a foreign passport with a valid visa, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. If you are under 18, you will also need written consent from a parent or guardian, signed in front of a DPS officer.

Pass the Written Test at Your First DPS Visit

Go to your nearest DPS office during business hours. You do not need an appointment for the written test, though some offices allow you to schedule one online. Bring all your documents and the process fee, which is $16 for a five-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. Payment is cash or card, depending on the office.

A DPS officer will review your documents, take your photograph, and give you the written test. The test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish.

If you pass, you will receive a learner's permit on the spot. This permit allows you to drive only with a licensed adult in the front passenger seat. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return another day at no extra charge.

Practice Driving and Schedule Your Road Test

With your learner's permit, you must practice driving before you take the road test. Texas law requires you to hold the permit for at least one day, but most people practice for several weeks. There is no minimum number of hours required, though the DPS recommends at least 10 hours of supervised driving.

While you practice, the licensed adult in the car must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license. They must sit in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

Once you feel ready, schedule your road test online through the DPS website or by calling your local DPS office. Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in urban areas — you may wait two to six weeks for an opening. Some offices have cancellation lists if you need an earlier date.

What to Bring and Expect at Your Road Test

On the day of your road test, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will drive, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be registered, have working brakes and lights, and have a valid inspection sticker. Bring a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old — this person will sit in the back seat while a DPS officer sits in the front passenger seat.

The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The officer will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and merging. You will drive on city streets and possibly a highway. The officer is looking for safe driving habits, not perfect driving — minor mistakes do not fail you, but unsafe actions do.

If you pass, the officer will tell you on the spot. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day and pay the test fee again, which is $7. You can retake it as many times as needed.

Receive Your License and Handle Special Situations

After you pass the road test, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The mailing address is the one you provided at your first DPS visit, so make sure it is correct.

If you need to change your address before your license arrives, go to a DPS office and update it. If your license arrives and the address is wrong, you can request a replacement at a DPS office for a $11 fee.

If you are under 18, your license will have restrictions: you cannot drive alone until you turn 16 and a half, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. until you turn 17. These restrictions are printed on your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online?

No. You must take the written test in person at a DPS office. However, you can study for it using the official Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website in English and Spanish.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake it after one day. You pay the test fee again ($7) and schedule a new appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.

Do I need a Social Security number if I am not a U.S. citizen?

No. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN letter from the IRS instead. You can explore for an ITIN through the IRS website or at a local IRS office.

Can someone else pick up my license from the DPS office?

No. Your license is mailed to you. You cannot pick it up at the office. If you need to change the mailing address, you must do so before your license ships, which is usually within a few days of passing the road test.

What if I move to another state after I get my Texas license?

Your Texas license remains valid in all other states. You do not need to exchange it unless you become a resident of another state and that state requires you to get a local license.