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

Texas has two main routes: visit a DPS Driver License office in your county to get a new license or take a written test, or mail in a renewal process if you already hold a valid Texas license. The in-person route is required if you are getting your first Texas license, need to pass the written or driving test, or have a suspended or expired license that has been expired for more than two years. Mail renewal works only if your current license is still valid or expired less than two years ago.

DPS runs the Driver License division statewide. There is no separate online process system that issues a license — you must either show up at an office or submit paperwork by mail. The office visit takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the location is and whether you pass your tests on the first attempt.

Key Takeaways

  • New Texas driver's licenses and tests require an in-person visit to a DPS Driver License office; you cannot complete this by mail or online.
  • Renewals by mail are available only if your current license is valid or expired less than two years ago, and take four to six weeks to arrive.
  • You need a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) plus proof of Texas residency and your Social Security number to get a license.
  • DPS offices are located in every county; you can find your nearest office and check wait times on the DPS website before you go.
  • If you fail the written or driving test, you can retake it the same day at most locations, though you may have to pay the test fee again.

Finding a DPS Driver License office near you

The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a searchable office locator on its website at dps.texas.gov. Enter your county or city name to see all Driver License offices in your area, their hours, and their street addresses. Most counties have at least one office; larger counties have multiple locations spread across different cities.

Many DPS offices now display real-time wait times on the website. If you see a wait time listed, that number is usually updated every 15 to 30 minutes. Some offices also let you reserve a time slot online through the DPS website, which can cut your wait time significantly. Check whether your local office offers this option before you go.

Hours vary by location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some locations open on Saturday mornings. A few rural offices may have limited hours or be open only certain days of the week. Call ahead or check the website if you are traveling more than 30 minutes to confirm the office is open when you plan to visit.

What documents you need to bring

You must bring proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number. For identity, bring one document from the Real ID list: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card, a military ID, or a permanent resident card. A driver's license from another state counts as identity proof but not as proof that you live in Texas now.

For residency, bring a recent document showing your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a property tax bill, or a government letter addressed to you. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency (like the IRS or Social Security Administration) also works.

Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number. If you do not have your card, bring a W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement. You will also need to bring any existing driver's license or ID card you hold, even if it is from another state or expired.

Taking the written test and driving test

If you are getting your first Texas license or your license has been expired for more than two years, you must pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions; you need to answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. Most offices give you the test on a computer screen, though some still use paper.

After you pass the written test, you will take a driving test with a DPS examiner. The examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you bring) and watch you perform basic driving tasks: starting, stopping, turning, parking, and backing up. The test takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You must have a valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance to take the driving test.

If you fail either test, you can retake it the same day at most locations. You will have to pay the test fee again. Most people who fail the written test pass on the second attempt. If you fail the driving test, you can schedule another attempt, though you may have to wait a few days or come back another day depending on the office's schedule.

Renewing your license by mail

If your Texas driver's license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew it by mail without visiting an office. You cannot renew by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years. You also cannot renew by mail if you need to change your address, name, or other information on the license.

To renew by mail, read the process for Texas Driver License or ID Card (Form DL-43) from the DPS website or pick one up at any DPS office. Fill it out, sign it, and mail it to the address shown on the form along with your current license and the renewal fee. The fee for a five-year renewal is $33; a ten-year renewal is $66. Mail your process at least four to six weeks before your license expires.

DPS will mail your new license to the address you provide on the process. The entire process takes four to six weeks from the time they receive your process. If you need your license sooner, you must visit an office in person.

Getting a Real ID-compliant license

Texas driver's licenses now comply with Real ID standards, which means they are accepted for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. You do not have to request a Real ID license separately — all new Texas driver's licenses issued since 2017 are Real ID-compliant by default.

Your license will have a gold star in the upper right corner if it meets Real ID standards. If your current license does not have this star and you need one for air travel or federal building access, you can renew it at a DPS office. Bring the same documents you would bring for any license transaction: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

Replacing a lost or stolen license

If your license is lost or stolen, go to any DPS Driver License office and tell them you need a replacement. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and Social Security number, just as you would for a renewal. You will pay a replacement fee (usually around $11) and receive a new license with the same number as your old one. The office will issue your replacement license the same day in most cases.

If your license was stolen, you can also file a report with local police, though this is not required to get a replacement. Some people file a report to protect themselves in case someone tries to use their license number for fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver's license without taking the driving test?

No. Texas requires all new drivers to pass both a written test and a driving test. The only exception is if you hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state or country and are straightforward converting it to a Texas license — in that case, you may be waived from the driving test but will still need to pass the written test and provide proof of identity and residency.

How long does it take to get a Texas driver's license after I pass the tests?

You receive your license the same day you pass both tests at the DPS office. The office will take your photo and issue your temporary license on paper. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary paper license is valid for driving until the permanent one arrives.

What if I fail the driving test — how soon can I retake it?

Most DPS offices let you retake the driving test the same day if you fail, though you will pay the test fee again. Some offices may require you to schedule a new appointment or come back on a different day. Call your local office to ask about their policy on same-day retakes.

Do I have to renew my license in person, or can I do it all by mail?

If your license is still valid or expired less than two years, you can renew entirely by mail. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must visit a DPS office in person and retake the written and driving tests as if you were a new driver.

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

You must provide a Social Security number to get a Texas driver's license. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number to the DPS office.