What you need to bring to the Texas DMV
To get a driver license in Texas, you will visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person. You cannot complete this entirely online or by mail. Bring these documents: proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID card), proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days), and your Social Security number or a letter from Social Security if you do not have a card.
If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or legal guardian to sign a consent form at the office. If you are renewing a license that expired more than two years ago, Texas treats this as a new license, so the same documents explore.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number.
- The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook online.
- The driving test happens at the same DPS office on the same day or a scheduled later date, depending on the location's availability.
- A standard five-year driver license costs around $16 to $25, though the exact fee varies by county and license type.
- Processing times vary by location; some offices have same-day results while others may take several days.
The written test and what it covers
Before you take the driving test, you must pass a written knowledge test at the DPS office. The test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The questions come from the Texas Driver Handbook, which you can read free on the DPS website.
You can take the written test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most locations, though some offices may ask you to return another day. There is no extra fee to retake the test.
The driving test: what happens and how to schedule it
After you pass the written test, you take the driving test with a DPS examiner. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions. You must use your own vehicle or borrow one; the vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
At some DPS offices, you can take the driving test the same day as your written test if an examiner is available. At others, you schedule it for a later date. Call ahead or check the DPS website to see what your local office offers. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but there may be a waiting period and an additional fee.
Fees and how long it takes
A standard five-year driver license in Texas costs between $16 and $25, depending on your county and the type of license. Some counties charge slightly more. You pay at the DPS office when you explore. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the cost is higher—usually around $40 to $50—and you will need additional proof of citizenship.
Processing time varies widely. Some DPS offices issue your license the same day you pass both tests. Others may take several days to print and mail it to you. Check with your local office about their typical timeline. Your temporary paper license is valid when ready after you pass the driving test, so you can drive legally while waiting for the plastic card.
Finding your nearest DPS office and what to expect
The Texas DPS website has a location finder where you can enter your city or zip code to see all nearby offices. Each office has different hours and may have different wait times. Some offices accept walk-ins only; others use an online appointment system. Check your specific office's website or call ahead to learn their process.
Bring all your documents in originals or certified copies—photocopies of identity documents are not accepted. Arrive early, especially if you are going without an appointment. Bring a pen to fill out forms. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them during both the written and driving tests.
Special situations: under 18, military, or out-of-state transfers
If you are under 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian present at the DPS office to sign the consent form. You also must hold a learner permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test, unless you are 18 or older. A learner permit requires the same documents as a license but costs less (usually $10 to $15) and lets you practice driving with a licensed adult.
If you are in the military and stationed in Texas, you may be able to use military ID as proof of residency. If you are moving to Texas from another state and already have a valid driver license, you can transfer it by visiting a DPS office with your out-of-state license and proof of Texas residency. You will not need to take the written or driving test if your license is still valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take the written test if I already have a driver license from another state?
No. If you are transferring a valid out-of-state license to Texas, you do not take the written or driving test. You straightforward bring your current license and proof of Texas residency to a DPS office. If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take both tests as if you were a new driver.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it, but there is usually a waiting period of a few days to a week. Some offices charge a small fee to retake the test. Ask the examiner or the office staff what their specific policy is before you leave. Your learner permit remains valid while you prepare to retake the test.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English or Spanish?
Texas offers the written test in English and Spanish only. If you need language support, some DPS offices may allow you to bring an interpreter, but you should call ahead to confirm. The test itself must be taken in one of these two languages.
What documents count as proof of Texas residency?
A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days all count. The document must show your name and current Texas address. A cell phone bill typically does not count. If you do not have any of these, ask the DPS office what alternatives they accept.
How long is a Texas driver license valid?
A standard driver license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. If you are over 85, your license is valid for two years. You will receive a renewal notice by mail before your license expires, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation.