Documents and information the Texas Department of Public Safety requires

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 cannot substitute one type for another, and originals or certified copies are required (photocopies alone will not work).

You will also need to pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, a vision screening, and a driving test. The written test and vision screening happen at the DPS office when you explore. The driving test can happen the same day or be scheduled for later, depending on how busy the office is and whether you need to bring your own vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring original documents or certified copies proving your identity, Texas residency, Social Security number, and lawful presence — photocopies do not count.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, available free online from the DPS website.
  • You will take a vision screening at the DPS office, and you must pass it without corrective lenses unless you wear them while driving.
  • The driving test requires you to demonstrate basic vehicle control and road awareness; you can use your own vehicle, a DPS vehicle, or a vehicle provided by a third party as long as it meets safety requirements.
  • Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, such as a W-2 form or tax return, because the DPS will not accept a verbal statement of your number.

Proof of identity documents accepted by Texas DPS

Texas DPS accepts a current or expired U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, a Permanent Resident Card (green card), or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must sign your process, and you will need to bring their ID as well.

A state ID card from another state, a school ID, or a work ID will not work as proof of identity on its own. If your birth certificate is not certified (it does not have an official seal or raised lettering), the DPS will not accept it. You can order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics unit or from the vital records office in the state where you were born.

Proof of Texas residency and Social Security number

For residency, bring one document showing your name and a current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, a bank statement, or a paycheck stub. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A post office change-of-address form, a school enrollment letter, or a letter from a homeless shelter also counts if you do not have a permanent address.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement. The DPS will not accept a verbal statement of your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a Texas ID card, but you cannot get a driver's license.

Proof of lawful presence in the United States

You must prove you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, a Permanent Resident Card (green card), an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a Refugee Travel Document, or a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) document. If you are a citizen of a Compact of Free Association (COFA) state — the Marshall Islands, Palau, or the Federated States of Micronesia — you can also use a valid passport from your country.

If your document is expired, it may still be accepted as proof of lawful presence, but the DPS will verify it with the federal government. This verification can take several weeks, and you may be issued a temporary license while the DPS waits for confirmation.

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 must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and large-print and audio versions are available if you request them when you schedule your appointment.

You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the DPS website. The handbook covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and what to do if you are pulled over. Many people study the handbook for a few hours and pass on their first try. If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day at no extra cost.

The vision screening and driving test

At the DPS office, you will read letters and numbers on a chart from a set distance to check your vision. You must see well enough to read a standard license plate from 40 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the screening and while driving. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be able to get a license until you see an eye doctor and bring a corrected vision form back to the DPS.

The driving test checks whether you can control the vehicle safely, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You will drive on local streets and possibly a highway, depending on which DPS office you visit. You can use your own vehicle, a vehicle belonging to someone else (with their permission), or a DPS vehicle. Your vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, wipers, and mirrors, and it must be insured. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, usually within a few days.

Fees and how to schedule your appointment

A Texas driver's license costs $33 and is valid for five years if you are under 85 years old. If you are 85 or older, the license is valid for two years and costs less. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the DPS office.

To schedule an appointment, visit the DPS website and use the online appointment system, or call your local DPS office. Appointments are usually available within one to three weeks, depending on how busy the office is. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices, but you may wait several hours. Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged while you wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. A Social Security number is required for a Texas driver's license. If you do not have one, you can get a Texas ID card instead, which works for identification purposes but does not allow you to drive.

What if my birth certificate is not certified?

You will need to order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics unit or from the vital records office in the state where you were born. The certified copy will have an official seal or raised lettering. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs between $15 and $30, depending on the state.

Can I use a photo from my phone or a printed photo instead of going to the DPS office?

No. You must go to a DPS office in person. The DPS takes your photo at the office and uses it on your license. You cannot submit a photo ahead of time or use a photo from another source.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test, usually within a few days. There is no extra fee for retaking the test. You do not need to retake the written test or vision screening unless your vision has changed.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring a different document with my number on it?

You can bring any document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement. You do not have to bring your card itself, though you can if you have it.