What you need to bring to the Texas DMV
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to bring specific documents in person to a driver license office. You cannot complete this process online or by mail. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.
You need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID card), proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number or a letter from Social Security if you do not have a number. If you were born outside the United States, bring your immigration documents — a green card, visa, or employment authorization document. Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one.
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and bring proof they are your parent or guardian. Bring a certified copy of your birth certificate showing both parents' names, or a court order if custody is different.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with original documents — no online or mail-in option exists for first-time Texas licenses.
- Bring proof of identity, proof of Texas residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number or a Social Security letter.
- If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must attend with you and bring proof of custody.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official DPS handbook free online before you go.
- Fees vary by license type and age, but a standard five-year license costs around $45 to $50 for adults.
Finding a DPS office near you and checking wait times
Texas has over 130 driver license offices statewide. Use the DPS office locator on the Texas DPS website to find the one closest to you, see their hours, and check current wait times. Wait times vary widely — some offices have 30-minute waits, others have two-hour waits on the same day.
Offices are typically busier on Fridays and at the start of the month. If you can go on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning, you will usually wait less. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling through the DPS website; if your office does, book a time slot before you go. An appointment does not eliminate the wait, but it reserves your place in line.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give them your documents. A DPS employee will verify your identity and residency, take your photograph, and record your information into the system. This takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Next, you will take the written test on a computer terminal. The test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. 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 will take the vision screening. An employee will check your eyesight using a machine. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you will be told on the spot and can retake it after correcting your vision.
If you pass both tests, you pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to your address. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
Studying for the written test
The DPS publishes the official Texas Driver Handbook free on its website as a PDF. This handbook contains all the information covered on the test — traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and safe driving practices. Read through it once, then focus on sections you find confusing.
Many people find the road sign section the hardest part. Spend extra time on shapes and colors: diamond signs warn of hazards, rectangular signs give information, triangular signs (in Texas) mark school zones, and circular signs mark railroad crossings. The handbook includes pictures of every sign you might see on the test.
You can also take practice tests on the DPS website. These are not the exact questions you will see, but they follow the same format and cover the same topics. Take a practice test, review any questions you missed, then read that section of the handbook again.
Fees and payment methods
A standard five-year driver license for an adult costs between $45 and $50, depending on whether you are a Texas resident or have an out-of-state address. An eight-year license (available only to drivers 85 and older) costs less per year but more upfront. A commercial driver license (CDL) costs more and requires additional testing.
DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks. Ask at the front desk which payment methods they take before your visit. If you cannot pay the fee that day, you cannot receive your license — there is no payment plan or deferral option.
If you fail the vision or written test
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day after waiting at least one hour. You do not pay an additional fee for the retest. You can retake the test up to three times in one calendar day. If you fail all three attempts, you must return on a different day to try again.
If you fail the vision test, you have two options: correct your vision (get glasses or contacts if you do not have them) and retake the test the same day, or come back another day after your vision is corrected. You do not pay an extra fee to retake the vision test.
If you fail the written test three times in one day and do not pass on a fourth attempt the next day, you may want to spend more time studying the handbook or taking practice tests before your next visit.
What to do if you cannot go in person
Texas does not allow anyone to obtain a first driver license without an in-person visit to a DPS office. You cannot have someone else explore on your behalf, and you cannot complete the process by mail or online. If you are unable to visit an office due to a disability or medical condition, contact your local DPS office directly to ask about accommodations — some offices can arrange for a DPS employee to visit you at a hospital or care facility, but this is rare and must be requested in advance.
If you are a Texas resident living temporarily outside the state, you still must return to Texas to obtain your license in person. You cannot use a mail-forwarding address or an out-of-state address as your Texas residency proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The DPS offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. Tell the DPS employee at check-in which language you need, and they will set up a computer terminal with that language. You still must provide all documents in English or with certified translations.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you do not have a number, or bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) document. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, bring your immigration documents instead.
How long does the whole process take from start to finish?
Your visit to the DPS office usually takes one to three hours, depending on wait time and whether you pass the tests on your first try. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days while you wait.
What if my address changes after I get my license?
You can update your address online through the DPS website without visiting an office. Go to the DPS driver license section, select "Change of Address," and follow the steps. The change takes effect when ready, and a new license with your updated address will be mailed to you within two to three weeks.
Do I need a learner permit before I can take the driver license test?
No. In Texas, you can go straight to the full driver license test without getting a learner permit first. However, if you are under 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian present at your visit, and you must pass a written test and vision test before you can drive alone.