Documents and information you'll bring to the DPS office

To get a Texas driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence in the United States. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts specific documents for each category — you don't get to choose freely, so knowing which documents work before you go saves a trip back home.

For identity, bring a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. For residency, bring a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement showing your current Texas address — it must be dated within the last 30 days. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For lawful presence, bring your U.S. passport, a birth certificate, a military discharge paper, or a permanent resident card.

If you don't have a Social Security number, you can still get a driver's license, but you'll need to bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) document instead, along with a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you're not may be able to access for a number.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring one document from each of four categories: identity, residency, Social Security number, and lawful presence — the DPS website lists which specific documents work for each.
  • Your residency document must show your current Texas address and be dated within the last 30 days, so a recent utility bill or bank statement works better than an old lease.
  • You'll take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test at the DPS office, so studying the Texas Driver Handbook beforehand reduces the chance of retaking the written exam.
  • The fee for a five-year license is $16, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at most DPS offices.
  • If you're under 18, you'll need a parent or guardian to sign your process, and you may have restrictions on when you can drive during your first year.

The written test and what it covers

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

The Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website and in print at any DPS office, contains all the material the test covers. Most people study it for a few hours before taking the test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though you'll pay the fee again.

The vision and driving tests

After you pass the written test, you'll take a vision screening at the DPS office. The examiner checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them — you can wear them during the test, and your license will note that you must wear corrective lenses while driving.

Next comes the driving test. You'll drive a vehicle (usually your own, though some offices have test vehicles) on local roads while an examiner watches and scores your performance. The examiner looks at whether you can control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to hazards. The test usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it, though you may need to wait a few days and pay the fee again.

Age-specific rules for drivers under 18

If you're under 18, you'll get a provisional license with restrictions. A parent or guardian must sign your process in person at the DPS office. You cannot drive alone between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months you hold the license, and you cannot drive with passengers under 21 (except family members) for the first 12 months.

These restrictions lift automatically when you turn 18 or after you've held the provisional license for one year, whichever comes first. At that point, you can renew for a standard adult license without retaking the tests.

Fees and how long the license lasts

A five-year driver's license costs $16. A six-year license (available only to people 85 and older) costs $12. You pay at the DPS office when you pass all three tests. Most offices take cash, check, or card.

Your license is valid for five years from the date it's issued. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person starting 60 days before it expires. Renewing by mail or online costs less than getting a new license and doesn't require retaking the tests if your vision and driving record haven't changed.

What to do if you've held a license in another state

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you don't have to retake the written and driving tests in Texas. You can exchange it for a Texas license by bringing your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to a DPS office. You'll still need to pass the vision test and pay the license fee.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you'll need to retake all three tests as if you were getting your first license. The same applies if you've been without a valid license for more than two years.

Finding a DPS office near you and what to expect

Texas has DPS driver license offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your zip code. Many offices operate by appointment only, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, so check before you go. Some offices still accept walk-ins, but wait times can be long.

Bring all your documents, arrive early, and plan to spend one to three hours at the office depending on how busy it is and whether you pass each test on the first try. Bring your phone or a book — waiting is normal. If you fail the written test, you can usually retake it the same day. If you fail the driving test, you may need to schedule another appointment.

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 arrive at the office, tell the staff which language you need, and they'll provide the test in that language. You still need to bring all the same documents.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can still get a Texas driver's license. Bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) document and a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you're not may be able to access for a Social Security number. The DPS will issue your license without a Social Security number on it.

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

Most DPS offices require you to bring your own vehicle for the driving test. Some offices in larger cities have test vehicles available, but you should call ahead to confirm. Your vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it, usually within a few days. You'll pay the license fee again. Most people pass on the second or third attempt. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice those skills before retaking the test.

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

You'll receive your license the same day you pass all three tests at most DPS offices. The staff will take your photo and print your license before you leave. If there's a problem with your documents, they may mail it to you within a few days.