Texas requires five things to get a driver's license: proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, a completed process form, and a passing score on the written and driving tests
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues driver's licenses and sets the requirements. You cannot get one without all five categories of documentation — the DPS will not issue a license if any piece is missing. The process takes place at a DPS driver's license office, and you must appear in person.
The timeline from your first visit to receiving your license in the mail typically runs four to six weeks, though this varies by how busy your local office is. You will receive a temporary paper license at your appointment if you pass both tests, and the plastic card arrives by mail later.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring documents proving your identity, Texas residency, and Social Security number to your DPS appointment — a birth certificate or passport works for identity, a utility bill or lease works for residency.
- You will take a written test covering traffic laws and road signs, then a driving test with a DPS examiner in your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle.
- The DPS charges a fee that varies by license type and how long you want it valid — a standard five-year license costs less than an eight-year license.
- You must schedule your appointment in advance through the DPS website or by phone; walk-ins are not accepted at most offices.
- If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day between attempts and pay the test fee again.
Identity documents the DPS will accept
The DPS accepts a limited list of documents to prove who you are. A U.S. passport, passport card, or a certified birth certificate from the state where you were born all work. A military ID, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization also satisfy the requirement.
If you were born outside the United States and do not have a U.S. passport, you will need your Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certificate of Naturalization. A foreign passport alone is not enough — you must have one of the documents listed above.
The document must be an original or a certified copy. A photocopy of your birth certificate will not work; you need the certified version from the vital records office in the state where you were born.
Proof of Texas residency and Social Security number
For residency, the DPS accepts a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a property tax bill. The document must show your name and a Texas address, and it must be dated within the last 30 days for utility bills or within the last 60 days for other documents.
You do not bring a physical Social Security card. Instead, you provide your Social Security number on the process form at your appointment, and the DPS verifies it through the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
If you have recently moved to Texas and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, a letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, stating your name and address and the move-in date, can work as residency proof.
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 the DPS also offers it in other languages by request.
The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle hazardous conditions. You can study using the Texas Driver's Handbook, which the DPS publishes free on its website. Many people also use practice tests available online through the DPS site.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the next day. You pay the test fee again each time you retake it. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test.
The driving test and vehicle requirements
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. A DPS examiner sits in your vehicle while you drive on public roads and perform specific maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. The examiner scores you on vehicle control, observation, and following traffic laws.
You can use your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle for the test. If you use your own, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before the test begins. If the vehicle fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day.
You must pass the written test before you can take the driving test. If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one day before retaking it, and you pay the test fee again.
Fees and license validity periods
The DPS charges a fee for the written test, a separate fee for the driving test, and a fee for the license itself. The total cost varies depending on whether you want a five-year or eight-year license. As of 2024, a five-year license costs less than an eight-year license, but you should check the DPS website for current fees, as they change periodically.
If you are under 18, you will receive a license with restrictions — you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after one year, whichever comes first.
You pay all fees at your appointment. The DPS accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card at most offices, but you should confirm payment methods with your local office before you go.
How to schedule your appointment
You must schedule your appointment through the DPS website or by calling the DPS at 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-377-8935). Walk-in appointments are not available at most offices. The website lets you choose your preferred date and time, and you will receive a confirmation with your appointment details.
Appointment availability varies by location and time of year. Some offices have openings within a few days, while others may have a wait of several weeks. If your local office is fully booked, you can try scheduling at a different office in your area.
Bring all your documents to your appointment. If you are missing any required document, the DPS will not process your process that day, and you will need to reschedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the driving test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission if I learned to drive a manual?
Yes. You can take the test in any vehicle that meets the safety requirements. If you pass in an automatic, your license will have a restriction noting that you can only drive automatic vehicles. To remove that restriction, you must retake the driving test in a manual transmission vehicle.
What happens if I fail the driving test twice?
You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. Each time you retake it, you must pay the test fee again and schedule a new appointment. There is no limit on the number of attempts.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card to my appointment?
No. You provide your Social Security number on the process form at your appointment, and the DPS verifies it directly with the Social Security Administration. You do not need to bring the card itself.
Can I get a Texas driver's license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Texas issues driver's licenses to non-citizens, including people with work visas and temporary residency status. You must still provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number or a letter stating you are ineligible for one. The requirements are the same as for citizens.
How long does it take to receive my license in the mail after my appointment?
The DPS typically mails licenses within four to six weeks of your appointment. You will receive a temporary paper license at your appointment that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.