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, and your Social Security number. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts specific documents for each category, and you must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

For identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. If you're under 18, your parent or guardian must sign the process in person at the DPS office. If you're 18 or older, you can explore alone.

For residency, bring a document showing your current Texas address dated within the last 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. You cannot use a P.O. box as proof of residency.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified copy of proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization document) to the DPS office.
  • Proof of residency must show your current Texas address and be dated within the last 90 days — utility bills and lease agreements are the most common options.
  • You will need your Social Security number, but you do not have to bring a card; you can provide the number verbally or on the process form.
  • If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present and sign the process in person at the DPS office.
  • The DPS charges a fee for a driver's license; the amount depends on the license type and how long you want it to be valid.

What happens at the DPS office visit

When you arrive at a DPS office, bring all your documents and be prepared to wait. Most offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some allow you to reserve a time slot online through the DPS website. You will fill out Form DL-44 (the driver's license process) at the office or bring it completed from home.

A DPS employee will review your documents, verify your information, and take your photograph and fingerprints. You will then take a written test on traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish.

After passing the written test, you will take a driving test. A DPS examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you provide) and evaluate your ability to operate it safely. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and includes basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping.

The written test and what to study

The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices found in the Texas Driver Handbook. The handbook is free and available on the DPS website as a PDF read, or you can pick up a printed copy at any DPS office. You should study this handbook before your office visit because you cannot use it during the test.

The test questions are multiple choice, and you answer them on a computer at the DPS office. Common topics include speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking regulations, what different road signs mean, and how to handle hazardous conditions like rain or fog. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or return another day.

The driving test and vehicle requirements

For the driving test, you must provide a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. The DPS examiner will inspect the vehicle before the test begins and will refuse to test you if the vehicle is unsafe.

You must have a valid learner's permit or a valid driver's license from another state to take the driving test. If you do not have either, you cannot take the test that day. The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers and will evaluate how well you control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you will pay a fee each time.

Fees and how long the license lasts

A Texas driver's license costs between $16 and $32, depending on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard license is valid for five years if you are between 18 and 84 years old. If you are under 18, your license is valid for four years and will expire on your 18th birthday. If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for two years.

You can pay the fee at the DPS office with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you pass both tests, you will receive a temporary paper license that day, valid for 30 days while the DPS produces your plastic card. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Getting a learner's permit first

If you are under 18 or have never held a driver's license, you may want to get a learner's permit before taking the driving test. A learner's permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the vehicle. To get a learner's permit, you follow the same process as getting a license — bring your documents, pass the written test — but you do not take the driving test.

A learner's permit is valid for one year and costs less than a full driver's license. Once you have the permit and have practiced driving, you can return to the DPS office to take the driving test and get your full license. This two-step process is common for younger drivers and gives you time to build confidence before the test.

Renewing or replacing a lost license

If your Texas driver's license is expiring, you can renew it online through the DPS website if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not had any major changes to your information. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about two weeks.

If you lose your license or it is damaged, you can replace it at a DPS office. Bring your proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a new license. A replacement license costs less than a new license and is processed the same way — you get a temporary paper license that day and your permanent card by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The DPS offers the written test in English and Spanish only. If you need language support, you may bring an interpreter to the DPS office, but the interpreter cannot help you answer the questions — they can only help you understand what the questions ask.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after waiting at least one day. You will pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Many people pass on their second or third attempt, so failing once does not prevent you from getting your license.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. You need to provide your Social Security number, but you can say it aloud or write it on the process form. You do not need to bring the card itself. The DPS will verify your number with the Social Security Administration.

How long does it take to get a Texas driver's license after I pass the tests?

You receive a temporary paper license the day you pass both tests. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can use the temporary license to drive legally during this time.

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

You must update your address with the DPS within 30 days of moving. You can update your address online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. You do not need to take any tests to update your address.