What you need to bring to the Texas DMV for a driver license
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs driver licensing, not a separate DMV office. You'll visit a DPS Driver License office in person to get a Texas driver license. Before you go, gather these documents: proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID card), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and your Social Security number or a letter from Social Security if you don't have a card.
You'll also need to bring the completed DL-44 form, which is the process for a Texas driver license. You can fill it out at home before you arrive or at the office. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must be present and sign the process. Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one — the office will keep it.
Bring your original documents, not copies. The DPS staff will examine them and may make copies at the office. If any of your documents are in a language other than English, bring an official English translation along with the original.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS Driver License office in person; there is no online or mail option for a first-time Texas license.
- Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and the completed DL-44 form.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test before the license is issued.
- A Texas driver license is valid for six years for adults and four years for drivers under 18.
The written test, vision test, and driving test
After you submit your documents, you'll take a written test covering Texas traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website and at every Driver License office. Many people study the handbook for a few days before their appointment.
Next is the vision test. The examiner will check whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you may be able to retake it after getting new glasses, but you cannot drive until you pass.
Finally, you'll take the driving test with a DPS examiner in your own vehicle or a vehicle you arrange. The examiner watches you perform basic driving tasks — parking, turning, stopping, and following traffic laws. The test usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes. You must pass all three tests to receive your license.
How long the process takes and what it costs
The entire visit to a DPS Driver License office usually takes one to three hours, depending on how busy the office is. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times for your local office on the DPS website before you go.
A Texas driver license costs $16 for a six-year license (for adults 18 and older) or $12 for a four-year license (for drivers under 18). You pay when you pass all the tests. The DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
After you pass, you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can drive legally using the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.
Finding a DPS Driver License office near you
Texas has DPS Driver License offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office closest to you on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. The site shows office hours, phone numbers, and current wait times.
Some offices are busier than others. Rural offices often have shorter waits than offices in large cities. If you live near multiple offices, calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you time. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have Saturday hours.
You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices — you arrive and take a number. However, some offices now offer online appointment scheduling. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available in your area.
Renewing or replacing a Texas driver license
If your Texas license is expiring or you need to replace a lost or damaged one, the process is different from getting your first license. Renewals can often be done by mail or online if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions. A replacement for a lost or stolen license requires an in-person visit but is faster than a first-time license because you skip the driving test.
Check the DPS website to see whether you can renew online or by mail. If you can, you'll avoid the office visit and wait time. If you cannot, you'll need to visit an office in person, but the process is quicker than a new license process.
What to do if you fail a test
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may have to wait and pay the test fee again. Many people pass on the second try after reviewing the handbook.
If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one day before retaking it. You'll need to return to the DPS office, pay the test fee again, and bring your vehicle. You can take the driving test up to three times within a certain period before you have to restart the entire process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Texas driver license if I don't have a Social Security number?
Yes. If you don't have a Social Security number, bring a letter from Social Security stating that you are not may be able to access for one, or bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. The DPS will accept either document in place of a Social Security number.
What if I'm under 18 — are there restrictions on my license?
Yes. Texas issues a Graduated Driver License (GDL) to drivers under 18. A GDL has restrictions on when and how you can drive — for example, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. during the first six months. These restrictions lift after you turn 18 or after holding the license for a certain period. Ask the DPS office for details on GDL restrictions.
Do I need to pass the driving test if I already have a valid license from another state?
No. If you're moving to Texas and have a valid out-of-state license, you can exchange it for a Texas license without taking the driving test. You'll still take the written test and vision test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Texas, and the DL-44 form.
What happens if I move to a different address in Texas?
You must update your address with the DPS within a certain timeframe. You can update your address online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License office. Updating online or by mail is faster than visiting an office.
Can I wear a head covering or religious clothing in my driver license photo?
Yes, if it is for religious reasons. Texas allows head coverings in driver license photos as long as your face is fully visible and unobstructed. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not allowed. Tell the photographer about your head covering before the photo is taken.