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 two main routes: visit a DPS Driver License office in your county to take the written test and vision screening, or renew by mail if you already hold a valid license. Most people go in person for their first license or after their license expires. The DPS runs about 130 service centers across the state, so there is usually one within 20 to 30 minutes of where you live.

You cannot get a Texas driver's license online, and you cannot get one from a county courthouse, city hall, or any other state office. The DPS Driver License division is the only place that issues them. If you are moving to Texas from another state, you will need to surrender your old license and take the Texas written test, even if you have been driving for years.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit a DPS Driver License office in person to get your first Texas license or to renew after expiration; you cannot complete this by mail on a first process.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or out-of-state license).
  • You will take a written test about traffic laws, a vision screening, and a photo at the DPS office; bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.
  • DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and wait times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead or checking online can show current wait times at your nearest office.
  • If you already hold a valid Texas license, you may renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal.

Finding the DPS Driver License office nearest you

The Texas DPS website has a locator tool where you enter your city or zip code and see all Driver License offices within your area, along with their hours and phone numbers. You can search at the DPS Driver License Services page. Each office serves a specific region, so you do not get to choose which one you visit — you go to the one that covers your county or the county where you work or go to school.

Wait times vary widely. Some offices in rural areas may have you in and out in 30 minutes; offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio can have waits of two to four hours, especially on Fridays and near the end of the month. Many DPS offices now show real-time wait times on their websites or through the main DPS site. Calling the office directly before you go is often faster than guessing.

What documents you need to bring

You need three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency. Proof of identity means a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. Proof of Social Security is your actual Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov. Proof of residency means a current utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check with your name and address.

All documents must show your current legal name. If you have changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring originals or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, bring them with you, because you will take the vision test while wearing them.

What happens during your first visit

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will fill out an process form (DL-44 for a first license, or DL-43 for a renewal). An officer will verify your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. Then you will go to a testing station to take the written test about Texas traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you need to answer at least 21 correctly to pass.

After the written test, you will have your vision screening. You look into a machine that checks your eyesight; if you cannot read the required line, you will be told you need corrective lenses on your license, which means you must wear glasses or contacts whenever you drive. If you pass everything, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to your address. The plastic license usually arrives within two weeks.

Fees and payment methods

A Texas driver's license costs between $16 and $32 depending on how long you want it to be valid — a four-year license is cheaper than an eight-year license. You pay at the DPS office when you complete your process. Most offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards; some accept checks. Call your local office if you want to confirm which payment methods they take.

If you are renewing by mail or online, the fee is the same, but you do not pay in person. You pay by credit card or debit card when you submit your renewal process through the DPS website or by mail.

Renewing your license by mail or online

If your Texas license is still valid and you have not had any major changes (like a name change or address change), you can renew without going to an office. The DPS allows online renewal for some drivers and mail renewal for others; may be able to access depends on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal. You can check whether you are able to renew online at the DPS website.

To renew online, you log into your DPS account, answer security questions, pay the fee with a credit or debit card, and submit your process. You will receive a new temporary paper license when ready, and your plastic card will be mailed within two weeks. To renew by mail, you fill out form DL-43, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes longer — usually four to six weeks — so do not wait until your license is about to expire.

What to do if you fail the written test

If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you can take it again the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. You will pay the full fee again for each test attempt. Most people pass on the second try if they study the Texas Driver Handbook before returning. The handbook is free and available on the DPS website in English and Spanish.

You have a limited number of attempts before the DPS requires you to wait a certain period before trying again. The exact rules vary, so ask the DPS officer at your office what the policy is if you fail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

Yes, but you cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than two years. If it expired less than two years ago, you may be able to renew by mail. If it expired more than two years ago, you must go to a DPS office in person and retake the written test and vision screening, just as if you were getting a license for the first time.

Do I need an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?

Most DPS Driver License offices do not take appointments; you arrive and take a number. A few offices in large cities have started offering appointment slots through their websites. Check your local office's website or call to see if appointments are available in your area. Even with an appointment, you may wait, but it is usually shorter than the walk-in wait.

What if I moved to Texas from another state and still have my old license?

You must get a Texas license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license to the DPS office along with your other documents. You will take the written test and vision screening, and your old license will be surrendered. You do not need to pass a driving test in Texas unless you are under 18 or your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. You must be present to have your photo taken and to sign your process. You cannot send someone else to get your license on your behalf. However, once your plastic license is mailed to your address, anyone at your home can receive it.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must have 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 Social Security statement to the DPS office as proof.