What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license

To get a Texas driver's license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The process takes multiple visits — one for the written test and one for the driving test — and you cannot complete it online or by mail. Most people spend between two and four weeks from their first visit to receiving their license in the mail.

Texas does not issue temporary licenses at the office. After you pass both tests, the DPS mails your physical license to the address you provide, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Until then, you receive a paper receipt that serves as a temporary driving permit valid for 45 days.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office twice: once to take the written test and once to take the driving test, and you cannot do either online.
  • Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax document with your SSN, and two proofs of Texas residency such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
  • The driving test lasts about 30 minutes and tests basic vehicle control, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws on public roads.
  • You will receive a paper receipt at the office after passing both tests; your physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You need one document that proves your identity and citizenship or legal residency. An original or certified birth certificate works, as does a valid passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). If you are under 18, a school ID or report card with your name and date of birth is also acceptable.

You must also prove your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. A photocopy of your Social Security card is acceptable for this purpose.

Bring two documents that prove you live in Texas. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance policies, and government mail with your name and current address all count. The documents must be dated within the last 90 days. A school enrollment letter or a letter from a government agency also works. You cannot use a post office box as your address.

How to schedule and take the written test

Visit the DPS website at dps.texas.gov and use the office locator to find the DPS office nearest you. Some offices accept walk-ins, but most require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Call the office directly if the website does not show available times. Wait times vary by location; offices in rural areas often have shorter waits than those in cities.

Bring all required documents and arrive 15 minutes early. The written test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no fee for the written test.

The test is offered in English and Spanish. If you need the test in another language, contact the DPS office directly to ask what languages are available at your location.

How to schedule and take the driving test

You must pass the written test before you can schedule the driving test. After you pass, the DPS office will give you a paper receipt and instructions for scheduling. You can schedule the driving test at the same office or online through the DPS website. Most offices have driving test appointments available within two to four weeks.

For the driving test, bring your paper receipt from the written test, your documents proving identity and residency, and a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and insurance must be current. Bring proof of both — your registration card and insurance card or policy. The vehicle must have working headlights, brake lights, turn signals, windshield wipers, and a functioning horn.

The examiner will test your ability to start the vehicle, control steering and braking, park in a space, back up, and follow traffic laws on public roads. The test lasts about 30 minutes. You must demonstrate safe driving habits and obey all traffic laws during the test. If you fail, you can retake the test after 7 days. There is no fee for the driving test.

What happens after you pass both tests

After you pass the driving test, the DPS office issues you a paper receipt that serves as a temporary driving permit. This receipt is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally in Texas while you wait for your physical license to arrive by mail. Write your address clearly on the receipt so the DPS can mail your license to the correct location.

Your physical license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you took the test. You can also check the status of your license online through the DPS website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth.

Your Texas driver's license is valid for six years if you are under 85 years old. You will need to renew it before the expiration date printed on the front.

Age-specific requirements for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, you must first obtain a learner's permit before you can take the driving test. To get a learner's permit, pass the written test at a DPS office. You must then hold the learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat.

When you take the driving test, bring the same documents as an adult, plus your learner's permit. After you pass the driving test, you receive a provisional license valid until you turn 18. A provisional license has restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

Fees and payment methods

The written test and driving test have no fee. However, the license itself costs money. A six-year license for someone 18 or older costs a set amount that varies slightly depending on whether you are a Texas resident or a non-resident. Check the DPS website for the exact current fee, as it changes periodically. Payment is due when you pass the driving test. The DPS office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card.

If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, there is a separate replacement fee. If you change your name or address, you can update your license by mail for a smaller fee, or in person at a DPS office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?

No. You must pass the written test first, then schedule the driving test for a later date. Most DPS offices require at least a few days between the two tests, though some may allow you to schedule the driving test when ready after passing the written test if an examiner is available.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after 7 days. You do not need to retake the written test. Schedule your next driving test appointment online or by phone at the DPS office. There is no additional fee for retaking the test.

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

Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured in Texas, and all safety equipment must work. If you do not own a vehicle, you can borrow one from a friend or family member as long as it meets these requirements. The vehicle's owner does not need to be present during the test.

What if I move to a different Texas county after I pass the written test?

You can take the driving test at any DPS office in Texas, not just the one where you took the written test. Bring your paper receipt from the written test and your documents proving identity and residency at your new address.

How long is a Texas driver's license valid?

A standard driver's license is valid for six years if you are under 85 years old. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, depending on your age and whether you have had any violations.