Documents you must bring to the DPS office

To get a Texas driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The state has a specific list of documents it accepts for each category, and you cannot substitute one document for another — you need at least one from each group.

For identity, the DPS accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a military ID. If you were born outside the U.S., you may also use a permanent resident card or an employment authorization document. For residency, you can bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your current Texas address — it must be dated within the last 30 days. For your Social Security number, you can show your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a document from the Social Security Administration.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document proving your identity, one proving you live in Texas, and one showing your Social Security number — you cannot use the same document twice.
  • Your residency document must be dated within the last 30 days, so a utility bill or bank statement works better than an old lease.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and a driving test — you can study the written test using the free Texas Driver Handbook online.
  • The fee for a five-year license is $40 and for an eight-year license is $65; you pay at the DPS office when you pass your tests.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can take it on a computer at the DPS office.

The Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website, covers everything on the test. It includes sections on right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies on the road. Most people study the handbook for a few days before their test. You can also take practice tests online through the DPS website to see which topics you need to review.

Vision and driving tests at the DPS office

After you pass the written test, you will take a vision screening at the same DPS office. The screener will check whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you can wear them during the test. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be able to take the driving test that day and will need to return after you have corrected your vision.

The driving test comes last. A DPS examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you borrow) while you drive on public roads for about 20 minutes. The examiner watches how you handle turns, stops, parking, and how you respond to traffic. You need to show that you can control the vehicle safely and follow traffic laws. If you fail, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment and pay the test fee again.

Scheduling your appointment and what to expect

You cannot walk into a DPS office without an appointment — you must schedule one online through the DPS website or by calling your local DPS office. Appointments fill up quickly in busy areas, so book as far ahead as you can. When you schedule, you will choose whether you want a five-year license or an eight-year license.

Bring all your documents, your completed process form (DL-44), and your Social Security card or number. Arrive 15 minutes early. The whole process — paperwork, written test, vision test, and driving test — usually takes two to three hours. If you pass everything, you will receive a temporary paper license that day, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within two weeks.

If you already have a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you are moving to Texas, you can exchange it for a Texas license without retaking the written and driving tests. You still need to bring proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You will take the vision test and have your photo taken, but you skip the written and driving tests.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take all three tests — written, vision, and driving — just like a first-time applicant. The DPS considers an expired license the same as no license.

Cost and how long it takes

A five-year Texas driver's license costs $40. An eight-year license costs $65. You pay this fee at the DPS office after you pass your tests. There are no additional fees for the written test, vision test, or driving test — they are included in the license fee.

From the day you schedule your appointment to the day you receive your plastic card in the mail is usually three to four weeks, depending on how far out appointments are booked in your area and how long the mail takes. Your temporary paper license is valid when ready after you pass your tests, so you can drive legally while you wait for the card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The DPS offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. When you schedule your appointment, you can request your preferred language. You will take the test on a computer at the DPS office, and the examiner will make sure you understand the instructions.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it, but you will need to schedule a new appointment and pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. You can practice driving with a licensed adult before you retake the test.

Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?

Yes, you need to bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, and windshield wipers before the test. If the vehicle is not safe, you cannot take the test that day.

What if I move to a different Texas county after I get my license?

You do not need to get a new license. Your Texas license is valid statewide. You only need to update your address with the DPS if you move, and you can do that online or at any DPS office.

Can I get a license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. A Social Security number is required by Texas law. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, but you should contact the DPS directly to ask about your specific situation.