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

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues all driver's licenses in the state. You must visit a DPS Driver License office in person for your first license, a duplicate, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. If you already have a valid Texas license and it has not expired more than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online without going to an office.

There are DPS Driver License offices in every county. The office closest to you depends on where you live or work — you do not have to go to a specific location. Wait times vary by location and time of day; offices in smaller towns typically have shorter waits than those in major cities.

Key Takeaways

  • First-time applicants must visit a DPS Driver License office in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
  • You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov.
  • Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies and digital images are not accepted for identity or residency proof.
  • Renewal by mail or online is available only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no suspensions or restrictions.
  • The fee for a standard five-year license is $45; an eight-year license costs $65.

Finding a DPS Driver License office near you

Go to dps.texas.gov and select "Driver License" from the main menu. Click "Find a DPS Office" and enter your city or zip code. The website shows every office in your area, hours of operation, and a real-time wait time estimate for that day. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others include Saturday hours. A few high-traffic locations stay open until 6 p.m. on weekdays.

You can walk in without an appointment at any office, but you can also schedule one online through the same website. Scheduling ahead does not eliminate your wait, but it reserves a time slot so you know roughly when to arrive. If you schedule an appointment and do not show up, you may lose the ability to schedule online for 30 days.

What documents to bring for a first license

Bring originals or certified copies only — the DPS does not accept photocopies, faxes, or photos of documents. You need three things: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a permanent resident card, or a visa with an I-94 form. If you use a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born, not a hospital copy.

Proof of residency must show your current Texas address and be dated within 90 days of your visit. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check. A phone bill or insurance bill also works. Bring the original or a certified copy.

Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

Renewing your license by mail or online

You can renew online at dps.texas.gov if your license expired within the last two years, you have no suspensions or restrictions, and you have not changed your name. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $45 for a five-year license. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

To renew by mail, read the DL-44 form from the DPS website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form. Include a photocopy of your current license. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks. Do not send cash.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you have a suspension, or your name has changed, you must visit an office in person. The same applies if you want to change your address, add a Real ID designation, or update your photo.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give them your documents. A staff member will verify your identity and residency, take your photograph, and collect your fee. You will also take a written test on traffic laws and road signs — the test has 30 questions and you must answer at least 21 correctly. You can study the test questions on the DPS website before you go.

You will also take a vision test. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will be told on the spot and can retake it after a short wait.

After you pass the written and vision tests, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the paper license is valid everywhere in Texas and most other states.

Special situations: name changes, suspensions, and Real ID

If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You must visit an office in person.

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit an office and may need to provide additional documents depending on why it was suspended. Common reasons include unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or a DWI conviction. The DPS website has a tool to check your license status.

A Real ID is a federal designation that allows you to use your driver's license as identification at airport security checkpoints. Texas driver's licenses are Real ID-compliant by default, but if you do not want the Real ID marking on your license, you can request a standard license instead. Tell the staff member at your visit which type you want.

Fees and payment methods

A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $45. An eight-year license costs $65. These are the only two options for new licenses. At the office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. For mail renewal, send a check or money order only — do not send cash.

If you are renewing online, you pay by credit or debit card. There are no additional fees for scheduling an appointment or for the written test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport as proof of identity?

Yes, a U.S. passport is one of the strongest forms of identity proof the DPS accepts. Bring the original passport. You still need separate proof of residency and proof of your Social Security number.

What if I do not have a certified birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the county or state where you were born and request a certified copy. This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks and costs $10 to $25. A hospital birth certificate or a photocopy will not work at the DPS office.

Do I have to take the written test if I already have a license from another state?

Yes. Even if you hold a valid out-of-state license, you must pass the Texas written test to get a Texas license. You can study the test questions free on the DPS website before your visit.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at most offices. There is no additional fee. You have three attempts per visit. If you fail all three, you must return on another day to try again.

Can I get a license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You can get a Texas driver's license if you are a permanent resident, have a valid visa, or have an I-94 form. Bring your original immigration documents. Undocumented immigrants cannot get a standard driver's license, but Texas does offer a separate ID card through DPS for those who do not have proof of legal presence.