What Texas requires to get a driver's license

Texas issues driver's licenses to people who meet four basic requirements: you must be at least 16 years old, a resident of Texas, able to pass a written test and a driving test, and able to provide proof of identity and residency. The state does not have a citizenship requirement — you can hold a driver's license if you are a lawful permanent resident, have a valid visa, or hold certain other immigration statuses. What disqualifies you is a suspended or revoked license from Texas or another state, or a medical condition that makes driving unsafe.

The process starts at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You cannot get a license by mail or online; you must appear in person with your documents. The whole process — written test, driving test, and license issuance — typically happens on the same day if you pass both tests, though some offices have longer wait times than others.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old and a Texas resident to hold a driver's license, but you do not need to be a U.S. citizen.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
  • A suspended or revoked license from any state will prevent you from getting a Texas license until the suspension or revocation is lifted.
  • You must pass both a written knowledge test and a driving test; the written test covers traffic laws and safe driving, and the driving test is performed by a DPS examiner.

Age and residency requirements

You must be at least 16 years old to hold a standard Texas driver's license. If you are 16 or 17, you can get a license, but there are restrictions on when and where you can drive — for example, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. These restrictions lift when you turn 18.

Texas residency means you must have a permanent home in the state and intend to stay there. You do not need to own a house; renting an apartment, living with family, or staying in a mobile home all count. To prove residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days that shows your name and a Texas address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail all work. If you just moved to Texas, bring your lease or a signed statement from your landlord.

Documents you need to bring to the DPS office

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need three things: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN.

For identity, bring one of these: a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport from another country with a valid visa or immigration document, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days showing your name and Texas address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail all work. If you live with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card. If you do not have one, bring a document that shows your number — a W-2 form, tax return, or pay stub. If you have an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, bring your ITIN letter from the IRS.

Immigration status and driver's licenses

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to get a Texas driver's license. You can hold a license if you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), have a valid visa, have Temporary Protected Status (TPS), have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, or hold certain other immigration statuses that allow you to work and live in the United States. Bring your immigration document — your green card, visa, TPS approval notice, or DACA approval notice — along with your other required documents.

If your immigration status is temporary, your license will expire when your status expires. For example, if your visa is valid until 2026, your license will expire in 2026. You will need to renew your status before you can renew your license.

Reasons you cannot get a Texas driver's license

Texas will not issue you a license if you have a suspended or revoked license from Texas or any other state. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal process to restore it. You can find out whether your license is suspended or revoked by checking the Texas DPS website or calling your local DPS office.

You also cannot get a license if you have a medical condition that makes driving unsafe — for example, uncontrolled seizures, severe vision loss, or a condition that causes loss of consciousness. The DPS may ask you to have a doctor fill out a medical form if there is any question about your ability to drive safely.

If you owe child support or have unpaid traffic fines, the DPS can deny your license or suspend it. You will need to resolve these issues before you can get a license or have a suspended license restored.

The written and driving tests

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which the DPS provides free online and in print at any DPS office. The test has 30 questions; you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you can schedule another test appointment.

The driving test is performed by a DPS examiner who rides with you in your vehicle. The examiner watches how you handle basic driving tasks — starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and responding to traffic. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you fail, you can schedule another test, but you must wait at least one day before retesting.

What happens after you pass both tests

If you pass the written test and the driving test on the same day, the DPS will issue your license on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license that day and your plastic card in the mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the card to arrive.

Your license is valid for six years if you are under 85 years old. When it expires, you can renew it in person, by mail, or online through the Texas DPS website, depending on your age and how long it has been since your last renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have a suspended license from another state?

You cannot get a Texas license until the suspension is lifted in the state that suspended it. Contact the DPS office in that state to find out why your license was suspended and what you need to do to restore it. Once it is restored, you can then get a Texas license.

Can I get a license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN letter from the IRS. If you have neither, contact your local DPS office to ask about other options.

Do I need to take the driving test if I already have a valid license from another state?

No. If you hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state or territory, you can transfer it to Texas without taking the driving test. You still need to pass the written test and bring your documents to prove identity and residency. Bring your current out-of-state license with you.

What if I fail the written test or driving test?

You can retake the test. For the written test, you can schedule another attempt the same day or come back later. For the driving test, you must wait at least one day before retesting. There is a fee each time you take a test. Study the Texas Driver Handbook before your next attempt.

How long does it take to get a license after I pass the tests?

You receive a temporary paper license the same day you pass both tests. Your plastic license card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving during that time.