You get a Texas driver's license at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, either in person or by mail for renewals

Texas has no DMV. The Department of Public Safety issues all driver's licenses and ID cards. You must visit a DPS office in person for your first license, a license after suspension, or if you're changing your address or license class. Renewals by mail are available if your license is not suspended and you meet other conditions — but most people still go to an office because the process is faster and you leave with your license the same day.

DPS runs about 130 driver license offices across Texas. Finding the one nearest you, checking its hours, and knowing what documents to bring before you go will save you a trip back. Many offices have wait times that vary by location and time of day, and some require you to take a written test or vision test on the spot.

Key Takeaways

  • The Department of Public Safety operates all Texas driver license offices; there is no separate DMV or county office that issues licenses.
  • You must appear in person for a first license, after a suspension, or if you need to change your address or license class; renewals can sometimes be done by mail.
  • Use the DPS office locator at the Texas DPS website to find the office nearest you, confirm its hours, and check whether you need an appointment.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, proof of identity, and proof of lawful presence; the exact documents depend on whether you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • First-time applicants must pass a written test and vision test at the office; you cannot study or test online.

Finding a DPS Driver License Office Near You

The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains an office locator on its official website at dps.texas.gov. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool shows every office within a set distance, along with the office address, phone number, and hours of operation. Hours vary — some offices are open Monday through Friday only, while others have Saturday hours. A few offices close for lunch.

Call the office before you go. Staff can tell you whether you need an appointment, how long the current wait is, and whether the office has the specific service you need. Some smaller offices do not handle all transaction types — for example, a few do not issue commercial driver licenses or handle certain suspensions. The phone number is listed in the office locator.

Many DPS offices now use an online appointment system. If appointments are available at your chosen office, you can reserve a time slot through the DPS website. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but appointment holders are served first, so an appointment can cut your wait time significantly.

Documents You Must Bring for a First License

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You will need four categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful presence in the United States.

Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport. Proof of Social Security number is your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security Administration letter. Proof of residency must show your current Texas address and can be a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank statement — the document must be dated within the last 30 days. Proof of lawful presence depends on your citizenship status: U.S. citizens bring a passport or birth certificate; permanent residents bring a green card or I-551 card; other visa holders bring their visa and I-94 arrival/departure record.

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 a number. Bring all original documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost in the office.

What Happens at the DPS Office

When you arrive, you will check in and receive a number. A staff member will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. The current fee for a five-year license is set by Texas law; call the office or check the DPS website for the exact amount, as it may change.

Next, you take a written test on a computer. The test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 45 minutes and must answer at least 70 out of 100 questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no extra cost, but you must wait at least one hour. Study materials are available free on the DPS website — there is no online test or practice version you can take at home, so study before you go.

After you pass the written test, a staff member checks your vision using a machine. You must see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without correction. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get a license that day and must see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form.

If you pass both tests, you will receive your license before you leave the office. The license is valid for five years from the date of issue.

Renewing Your License by Mail or in Person

If your license is not suspended and you have not changed your address, name, or other key information, you can renew by mail. The DPS will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. Follow the instructions in the notice, include the required fee, and mail everything back in the prepaid envelope. Your new license will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks.

You can also renew in person at any DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of residency if you have moved, and the renewal fee. The in-person process is faster — you leave with your license the same day — and you can update your photograph or address at the same time. If your license has been suspended or revoked, you must go in person and may need to complete additional steps, such as paying a reinstatement fee or providing proof that the reason for suspension has been resolved.

Online renewal is not available in Texas. You must either mail in your renewal or visit an office.

Special Situations: Address Changes, Suspensions, and Duplicate Licenses

If you move within Texas, you must update your address within 30 days. Go to any DPS office with your current license and proof of your new address. The fee is lower than a full renewal, and you keep your current license number and expiration date.

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew by mail. You must visit an office in person. Bring your current license, proof that you have resolved the reason for suspension (for example, a letter from the court if the suspension was for unpaid traffic fines, or a letter from your insurance company if it was for driving without insurance), and the reinstatement fee. The amount of the reinstatement fee depends on the reason for suspension and is set by Texas law.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a duplicate at any DPS office. Bring your current license if you have it, or proof of identity and Social Security number if you do not. The fee for a duplicate is lower than a renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Most DPS offices accept walk-ins, but appointment holders are served first. Check the office locator on the DPS website to see whether your office offers appointments. If it does, booking one can cut your wait time. If you walk in without an appointment, you may wait one to three hours depending on the office and time of day.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at no extra cost, but you must wait at least one hour. You have up to three attempts per office visit. If you fail all three, you must return on another day. Study the Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website, before your next attempt.

Can I get a license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number, along with your other required documents. The process is the same, and your license will be issued without a Social Security number on it.

How long does it take to get a license in the mail after I renew?

Mail renewals usually arrive within two to three weeks. If your renewal does not arrive within four weeks, call the DPS to check the status. Do not drive on an expired license while you wait for your renewal to arrive.

What if I moved to Texas from another state?

You must get a Texas license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your Texas address, proof of Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence. You will take the written and vision tests just as a first-time applicant would. Your out-of-state license is not valid in Texas after 30 days, even if it has not expired.