What a state Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license requires

A driver license from your state's Department of Public Safety is a government-issued ID that proves you can legally drive. To get one, you need to meet your state's age requirements, pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide proof of identity and residency. The exact documents you need and the age at which you can start vary by state — some allow permits at 14, others at 15 or 16.

Your state's DPS office is the only place that issues driver licenses in your state. You cannot get one through a county office, a third-party testing center, or online. Some states let you renew by mail or online after your first license, but you must visit a DPS office in person for your first license and to pass the driving test.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least your state's minimum age (usually 14 to 16) and pass both a written test and a behind-the-wheel driving test to get a driver license.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN to your DPS office.
  • Your state's DPS office is the only place that can issue a driver license, and you must visit in person for your first license.
  • Some states require you to hold a learner's permit for a set period before you can take the driving test, so check your state's rules before you schedule your test.

Age requirements and learner's permits

Every state sets its own minimum age for a driver license. Most states allow you to get a learner's permit between ages 14 and 16, which lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. After you hold the permit for a set time — often three to six months — you can take the driving test and get your full license.

A few states skip the permit step and let you go straight to the driving test once you reach the minimum age. Others require the permit and set a waiting period. Your state's DPS website lists the exact age and any permit requirements for your state. If you are under 18, some states also require a parent or guardian to sign consent forms before you can test.

Documents you need to bring

When you go to your DPS office, bring original or certified copies of documents that prove your identity, your age, and where you live. A birth certificate, passport, or state ID card all work for identity. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. You will also need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Do not bring photocopies or photos of documents — most DPS offices will not accept them. If you do not have an original document, ask your DPS office which alternatives they accept. Some offices will take a certified copy from a courthouse or vital records office. Bring more documents than you think you need, because rules vary by office and by what documents you have.

The written test and what it covers

The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Your state's DPS publishes a free study guide that lists all the topics the test will cover. Most tests have 30 to 50 questions, and you usually need to answer 70 to 80 percent correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the DPS office, and you get your score the same day.

If you fail the written test, you can usually retake it the same day or within a few days. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though some states charge a fee each time. Study the official guide your state publishes — it is free and covers exactly what will be on the test.

The driving test and scheduling

The driving test is a behind-the-wheel evaluation where a DPS examiner rides with you and watches you drive. The test usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes and covers basic skills like starting the car, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must use your own vehicle or a vehicle provided by a driving school, and the vehicle must be registered and insured. The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers and will watch how you handle traffic and obey signs.

You schedule the driving test at your DPS office or online through your state's website. Wait times vary — some offices have openings within days, others have a wait of several weeks. Book your test as soon as you are ready, because popular times and locations fill up quickly. Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle registration when you test.

Fees and payment methods

Driver license fees vary by state and usually range from $20 to $100 for a first license. Some states charge separately for the written test, the driving test, and the license itself. A few states offer reduced fees for low-income residents, though you may need to show proof of income. Check your state's DPS website for the exact fee and what payment methods the office accepts — most take cash, debit, and credit cards.

Renewal fees are often lower than the fee for a first license. If you lose your license or need a replacement, that usually costs less than a new license but more than a renewal. Ask at your DPS office what the fee is for your situation.

What happens if you fail the driving test

If you do not pass the driving test, you can retake it. Most states let you schedule another test within days or weeks. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though you may have to pay the test fee each time. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice those skills before you test again.

Some states require you to wait a certain number of days between attempts, or to hold your learner's permit for longer before you can retake the test. Check your state's rules. Many people pass on their second or third attempt, so a first failure does not mean you cannot get your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?

Most states let you take both tests on the same day if you pass the written test first. Some offices schedule them back-to-back, while others may have you return on a different day. Call your local DPS office to ask whether they do same-day testing.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport, state ID card, or other government-issued ID that shows your date of birth. If you do not have any of these, contact your state's vital records office to order a certified birth certificate. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30.

Do I need to take a vision test?

Yes, your DPS office will test your vision as part of the license process. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving, or you may need to see an eye doctor and bring a letter confirming your vision meets the standard.

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

Most states issue driver licenses to non-citizens who have a valid visa, work permit, or other legal immigration status. You will need to bring proof of your immigration status along with the other required documents. Some states issue special licenses to people without legal status. Check your state's DPS website for the rules in your state.

What if I moved to a new state?

You can get a driver license in your new state once you have proof of residency there, such as a lease or utility bill. You do not have to retake the written and driving tests if you already have a valid license from another state — most states let you transfer it. Ask your new state's DPS office what documents you need to transfer your license.