The Texas Department of Public Safety handles all driver's licenses in Houston

You get your driver's license from a Driver License Office run by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), not from City of Houston. There are multiple DPS offices in the Houston area, and you can walk into any of them to explore. The office you choose does not have to be near your home or work — you can go to whichever location fits your schedule.

Each office handles the same services: written tests, vision tests, photo, and license issuance. Wait times and hours vary by location. Some offices get busier in the afternoon and on Fridays, so going early in the week or in the morning usually means a shorter wait.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas Department of Public Safety runs all driver's license offices in Houston; you cannot get one from City Hall or any other local agency.
  • You can visit any DPS Driver License Office in the Houston area regardless of where you live, and all offices offer the same services.
  • Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (passport or birth certificate) to pass the document check.
  • You must pass a written test and vision test on the day you explore; bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.

DPS Driver License Offices in the Houston area

The main Houston office is located at 4007 Director Beltway, Houston, TX 77092. This is the largest office and handles the most volume. Other offices serve the surrounding areas: there is one in Pasadena, one in Pearland, one in The Woodlands, and one in Katy. You can find the full list and hours for each location on the Texas DPS website under "Driver License Offices."

Each office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary slightly by location. Some offices close for lunch. Call ahead or check the DPS website for the specific hours of the office you plan to visit, because changes happen and you do not want to make a trip only to find it closed.

Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, but you do not have to walk in without planning. The DPS website lets you check current wait times at each location before you go. If the wait is long, you can come back later that day or try a different office.

Documents you need to bring

Bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You do not need all three to be separate documents — some documents count for more than one category.

For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a consular ID card. A school ID or work ID does not count. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a driver's license, but you will need to bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letter from the IRS instead. Bring originals, not copies — the DPS office will not accept photocopies.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, you will check in and wait for your number to be called. A DPS staff member will review your documents to make sure they are valid and match. If everything is in order, you move to the next step. If something is missing or does not match, they will tell you what you need to bring back.

Next, you take a written test on traffic laws and road signs. The test is 30 questions, and you need to answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, but you must wait at least one hour before trying again.

After you pass the written test, you go to the vision station. An employee will test your eyesight using a machine. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the office. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get your license that day — you will need to see an eye doctor and come back with a vision correction form.

If you pass both tests, you will have your photo taken and pay the fee. As of 2024, a standard driver's license costs around $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, though prices can change. You will receive your temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within two weeks.

Bring your current license if you have one

If you already have a driver's license from Texas or another state, bring it with you. The DPS office will take it and destroy it when you get your new one. If you have a license from another state, you will still need to pass the written and vision tests in Texas.

If your license has expired, you can still use it as proof of identity. You do not need to renew it first — the DPS office will handle everything in one visit.

What to do if you cannot pass the written test

If you fail the written test twice in one day, you will need to leave and come back another day. You can retake it as many times as you need, and there is no limit on how many times you can try. Many people study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website and covers everything on the test.

Some DPS offices offer a short study session before you take the test if you ask. It is not may provide at every location, but it is worth asking when you arrive. You can also study at home using the handbook or practice tests online before your visit.

Getting your license if you are under 18

If you are under 18, you need a parent or legal guardian to come with you to the office. They must bring their own ID and sign paperwork. You will also need to bring a Certificate of Completion of Driver Education from an approved driving school or high school driver's education course. Without this certificate, you cannot get a license under 18 in Texas.

Minors also have restrictions on their license: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. These restrictions stay on your license until you turn 18.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment instead of waiting in line?

The Texas DPS does not offer appointments for driver's license services. You must arrive as a walk-in. However, you can check wait times on the DPS website before you go, and some offices are less busy at certain times of day or on certain days of the week.

What if my documents do not match my current address?

Your proof of residency must show your current address. If your lease or utility bill shows an old address, bring a newer document. If you just moved and do not have a new utility bill yet, a bank statement or credit card statement dated within the last 30 days will work.

Do I need to take a driving test to get my license?

No. You only take a written test and a vision test at the DPS office. You do not take a behind-the-wheel driving test. Texas does not require a road test for a standard driver's license.

What if I fail the vision test?

You cannot get your license the same day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a vision correction form signed, and return to the DPS office with that form. The form shows that you have been examined and what correction you need.

How long does it take to get my plastic license card in the mail?

Your temporary paper license is valid when ready, and your plastic card usually arrives within two weeks. If it takes longer than three weeks, contact the DPS to check the status of your process.