You get your Texas driver's license at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, not at a county courthouse or city hall

Texas has about 130 DPS driver license offices scattered across the state. You cannot renew or obtain a license anywhere else — not at the DMV (Texas does not have one), not at your local courthouse, and not by mail for a first-time license. You must visit a DPS office in person, bring the required documents, and complete the written and driving tests if you are getting a license for the first time.

The office you visit does not have to be in your county. You can go to any DPS driver license office in Texas, though going to one near your home or work saves time. Each office handles the same transactions: new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes.

Key Takeaways

  • All Texas driver licenses are issued only by Department of Public Safety offices, and you must visit one in person for a new license.
  • You can visit any DPS driver license office in the state, not just the one in your county.
  • Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, and proof of identity — the exact documents depend on whether you are renewing or getting a license for the first time.
  • First-time applicants must pass a written test and a driving test at the DPS office; renewals do not require tests.
  • Wait times vary by location and time of day, and many offices do not accept walk-ins — you may need to schedule an appointment online.

Finding the DPS office nearest you

Go to the Texas DPS website and use the office locator tool. Type in your city or zip code, and the tool shows you every DPS driver license office within a reasonable distance, along with their hours and phone numbers. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. A few large cities have multiple offices.

Call the office before you go. Many DPS offices now require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone, especially after the pandemic. Some still accept walk-ins, but wait times can be two to four hours. The office staff can tell you whether appointments are required, how long the current wait is, and what documents you need to bring.

Documents you need for a new license

Bring your original Social Security card, one proof of identity, and two proofs of Texas residency. Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement — it must show your name and current Texas address and be dated within the last 90 days.

If you do not have a Social Security card, bring a Social Security Administration letter or a W-2 form showing your number. If you are a non-citizen, you will also need to bring your immigration documents — a green card, visa, or employment authorization document. The DPS website lists all acceptable documents; if you are unsure whether something counts, call the office and ask.

What happens during your visit

You will fill out an process form (DL-44 for a new license or DL-43 for a renewal). The DPS staff will take your photo, check your documents, and collect your fee. For a new license, you pay around $33 to $35; the exact amount depends on how long you want the license to be valid. You can get a license valid for four years or six years.

If you are getting a license for the first time, you must pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and then a driving test. The written test has 30 questions; you need to answer at least 21 correctly. The driving test takes about 10 to 15 minutes and covers basic skills like parking, turning, and stopping. If you fail either test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. Renewals do not require tests.

How long it takes to get your license

If you pass your tests and all your documents are in order, you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works as proof of a valid license. Your permanent plastic license arrives in the mail within two to three weeks. If you fail a test, you can retake it when ready or schedule another appointment.

If the DPS finds a problem with your documents — for example, your proof of residency is too old or your name does not match across documents — they will tell you what is missing and you will need to come back with the correct paperwork. This can add a week or more to the process, so double-check everything before you go.

Renewing your license by mail or online

If you already have a Texas driver's license and it is not expired or suspended, you can renew it by mail or online without visiting an office. You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license is not more than two years expired and you do not need to change your address or name. Renewing online takes about 10 minutes and costs around $33.

If you prefer to renew by mail, the DPS will send you a renewal notice before your license expires. Follow the instructions on the notice, mail in your old license and the fee, and your new license arrives in the mail. Mail renewal takes about three weeks. You cannot renew by mail if your license is suspended, if you have unpaid traffic tickets, or if you need to update your address or name — in those cases, you must visit an office in person.

What to do if you cannot visit an office

If you are out of state or unable to visit a DPS office, you can renew an existing license by mail or online (see the section above). If you need a new license and cannot come to Texas, you will have to wait until you can visit an office — there is no remote way to get a first-time license.

If you have a disability that makes it hard to visit an office, call the DPS office you plan to visit and ask about accommodations. Some offices have accessible parking, elevators, and seating areas. Staff can also help you fill out forms if you have difficulty writing. The DPS cannot waive the in-person requirement, but they can make the visit easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. A Social Security card or an official Social Security Administration letter is required. If you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number, you cannot get a standard Texas driver's license, but you may be able to get a driving privilege document if you have valid immigration status. Contact your local DPS office to ask about this option.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

Visit a DPS office and ask for a replacement. Bring your ID and proof of residency. You do not need to retake tests. The replacement fee is around $11 to $13. You will get a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license in the mail within two to three weeks.

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

It depends on the office. Many DPS offices now require appointments, which you can schedule online through the Texas DPS website or by calling the office. Some offices still accept walk-ins, but you may wait several hours. Call ahead to find out what your local office requires.

How much does a Texas driver's license cost?

A new license costs around $33 to $35, depending on how long you want it to be valid (four or six years). A renewal costs about the same. A replacement for a lost or stolen license costs around $11 to $13. Fees can vary slightly by office, so ask when you call to schedule your appointment.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it the same day if the office has time, or you can schedule another appointment. There is usually a small fee to retake the test, around $7 to $10. You can retake the test as many times as you need, but you must pass both the written and driving tests before you get your license.