Where to Get a Texas Driver License

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues driver licenses in Texas. You cannot get one from a city or county office — you must go to a DPS Driver License office. These offices are located in most Texas counties, though not every town has one. The DPS website has a location finder that shows the office nearest you, hours of operation, and whether you need an appointment.

You can also renew your license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have any medical or vision restrictions that changed. Not all renewal types are available through all methods, so checking the DPS website first saves a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the only agency that issues Texas driver licenses; you cannot get one at a city or county office.
  • You need a DPS Driver License office location, which you can find on the DPS website along with hours and appointment availability.
  • You must bring specific documents: proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, proof of Social Security number, and a completed DL 43 form.
  • Renewal by mail or online is available only if your license expired within the last two years and you have no medical or vision restrictions.
  • The DPS charges different fees for different license types and renewal methods; the standard fee for a five-year license is currently $33.

Documents You Need to Bring to a DPS Office

The DPS requires four categories of documents. First, proof of identity: a U.S. passport, military ID, certified birth certificate, or a previous Texas driver license or ID card. Second, proof of Texas residency: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days, or a property tax receipt. Third, proof of your Social Security number: your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. Fourth, a completed DL 43 form, which is the process for a Texas driver license.

If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license, bring a document showing the name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most documents.

The Steps to Get a New License at a DPS Office

First, fill out the DL 43 form before you arrive. You can read it from the DPS website or pick one up at the office. Bring it completed along with your documents. When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. A DPS employee will review your documents, take your photograph, and administer a vision test. You will also answer questions about your health and driving history.

Next, you will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions and you must answer at least 21 correctly. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back later. After you pass, you will pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. The plastic card usually arrives within two to three weeks.

Fees and License Validity Periods

A standard five-year driver license costs $33. A commercial driver license (CDL) costs $75. If you are 85 or older, a five-year license costs $16. A license for someone 87 or older is free. These fees are current as of 2024 but may change; check the DPS website for the most recent amounts.

A standard driver license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You can renew it up to one year before it expires. If your license expires, you can still renew it by mail or online within two years of expiration, but if it has been expired for more than two years, you must explore for a new license in person at a DPS office and retake the written test.

Renewing Your License by Mail or Online

If your license expired within the last two years and you have no medical or vision restrictions, you can renew by mail. read the DL 43 form, complete it, and mail it to the DPS address listed on their website along with a copy of your current license and the renewal fee. Processing takes about two weeks after the DPS receives your process.

Online renewal is available through the DPS website if you meet the same conditions. You will need your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You can pay the fee by credit card or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within two to three weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license by email that you can print and carry until your plastic card arrives.

What to Do If Your License Is Lost or Stolen

If your license is lost or stolen, go to a DPS Driver License office and report it. Bring your documents the same way you would for a new license process. The DPS will issue a replacement with a new license number. You will pay the standard license fee. If you report it stolen, you can also file a police report, though this is not required by the DPS.

You can request a duplicate license with the same number if you straightforward want an extra copy of your current license. This costs less than a replacement — currently $11 — and you can request it by mail or in person. A duplicate takes the same time to arrive as a new license.

Special Situations: Name Changes, Address Changes, and Medical Restrictions

If your name changes after you get your license, you must update it. Bring your current license, proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and the DL 43 form to a DPS office. You will have your photograph taken again. The fee is the same as renewal. You do not have to retake the written test.

If you move to a new address in Texas, you can update your address by mail, online, or in person. By mail or online, you only need to provide your new address and pay a small fee (currently $11). You do not need to go to an office. If you move out of Texas, your Texas license remains valid until it expires, but you should get a license from your new state.

If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, the DPS may place restrictions on your license, such as corrective lenses required or daylight driving only. If your condition changes, you must report it to the DPS. You can do this by mail or in person. The DPS may require a medical report from your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Texas driver license?

The plastic license card is mailed to you and usually arrives within two to three weeks. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day you pass your test at the DPS office, so you can drive legally while you wait for the plastic card.

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than two years?

No. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license in person at a DPS office. You will need to bring all required documents and retake the written test. You cannot renew by mail or online.

Do I need an appointment at a DPS Driver License office?

Many DPS offices now require appointments or use a check-in system. Check the DPS website for your local office to see if appointments are required or recommended. Some offices accept walk-ins, but wait times can be long.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day at most DPS offices, or you can come back another day. There is no additional fee to retake the test. You must answer at least 21 of 30 questions correctly to pass.

Can I get a Texas driver license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You can get a standard driver license if you have a valid visa or other legal immigration status. You will need to bring your passport and visa or immigration document along with the other required documents. The DPS also issues licenses to people without legal status, though these have different markings and restrictions.