What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license

To get a Texas driver's license, you visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The entire process takes about four to six weeks from the day you pass your driving test to the day your license arrives in the mail. You cannot complete this online — Texas requires you to appear at a DPS office and demonstrate that you can drive.

The first step is gathering your documents before you go. You will 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 the last 30 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you will need to bring additional documents — ask the DPS office which ones explore to your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity, Texas residency, and your Social Security number or card.
  • You will take a written test about traffic laws and road signs, then a driving test with a DPS examiner in your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle.
  • The fee for a Texas driver's license is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, paid at the DPS office.
  • Your license will be mailed to you within four to six weeks after you pass both tests.
  • You can check wait times and make an appointment at most DPS offices through the Texas DPS website before you go.

Gather your documents before you visit the DPS office

Bring one document that proves your identity. A U.S. passport, birth certificate, consulate ID card, or military ID all work. If you were born outside the United States, your birth certificate must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy. A school ID or work ID does not count as proof of identity.

Bring one document that proves you live in Texas and that document must be dated within the last 30 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check all work. A credit card bill does not count. If you are homeless or do not have a document in your name, bring a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or other organization on their letterhead stating your address and the date you arrived.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you do not have either, bring a W-2 form, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number at all, you will still need to bring documents proving that — the DPS office can tell you which ones when you call ahead.

Schedule your DPS office visit and take the written test

Go to the Texas DPS website and find the office nearest you. Most offices let you schedule an appointment online, which usually gets you in faster than walking in without one. If you cannot schedule online, call the office directly. Wait times vary by location and time of year — some offices have same-day or next-day appointments, while others book weeks out.

At your appointment, bring all your documents and your completed process form (DL-44). You can fill this out at home before you go or at the office. The DPS staff will check your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. Then you will sit for the written test in a private booth. 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. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.

The written test is offered in English and Spanish. If you need the test in another language, call your local DPS office ahead of time to ask whether they can provide it.

Complete your driving test with a DPS examiner

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test appointment. This is usually a separate visit, though some offices can do it the same day if you pass the written test early enough. You will drive with a DPS examiner in your vehicle or in a DPS vehicle, depending on the office. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting and stopping smoothly, turning, parking, and following traffic laws.

If you use your own vehicle, make sure it is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that your lights, wipers, horn, and brakes work before you start. If you use a DPS vehicle, there is no extra fee. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment — there is usually a wait of several days to a few weeks depending on the office.

Pay the fee and wait for your license to arrive

The fee for a Texas driver's license is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You pay this at the DPS office when you explore, before you take the written test. The fee does not change based on whether you pass or fail — you pay it once per process.

After you pass both the written and driving tests, the DPS office will give you a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process within four to six weeks. If your license does not arrive within six weeks, contact your local DPS office to check the status.

What to do if you already have a license from another state

If you have a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Texas, you can exchange it for a Texas license without retaking the written and driving tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, and proof of identity to a DPS office. You will still need to have your photograph taken and pay the fee. The process is faster than getting a license for the first time — you can usually get your temporary license the same day.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to retake both the written and driving tests, just as if you were getting a license for the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You will need to bring documents proving you do not have a Social Security number, such as a letter from the Social Security Administration or proof of your immigration status. Call your local DPS office before you go to ask which documents they need in your specific situation.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or at another appointment with no waiting period. You do not pay the fee again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. If you are struggling, consider studying the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website and covers everything on the test.

Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?

No. You can use a DPS vehicle if your office offers it, or you can bring your own. If you bring your own, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check your lights, wipers, horn, and brakes before you start.

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

Your permanent plastic license is mailed within four to six weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license the same day you pass, and that is valid for 45 days while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.

Can I renew my Texas driver's license online?

Yes, but only if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions. You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if you have a valid license and you are not required to take a new photograph or pass new tests. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to visit a DPS office in person and retake the tests.