What you need to know about Texas driver licenses
A Texas driver license is issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and serves as your legal permission to drive on public roads in Texas. You will need one before you can legally operate a vehicle, and you get it by passing a written test, a vision test, and a driving test at a DPS office. The process takes several weeks from start to finish, so plan ahead if you have a specific date you need to be licensed.
Texas offers different types of licenses depending on your age and what you want to drive. A standard Class C license lets you drive passenger cars and light trucks. If you want to drive a motorcycle, you need a separate motorcycle endorsement. Teens under 18 follow a graduated licensing system with restrictions that ease over time.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person to get a Texas driver license; there is no online or mail-in option for first-time applicants.
- You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — the specific documents accepted are listed on the DPS website.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices; you can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook available free online.
- Renewal by mail or online is available if your license is not expired more than two years and you have no medical conditions that affect driving.
- The cost varies by license type and validity period, ranging from about $16 to $60 for a standard license.
Documents you must bring to a DPS office
The Texas DPS requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot get a license without all three, so gather them before you go to the office.
For proof of identity, you can bring a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your current Texas address. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining why.
If you are under 18, you will also need a completed process for a Minor's Driving License (Form DL-44M) signed by a parent or guardian, and proof that you have completed a driver education course or a defensive driving course.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and also in other languages at some locations.
The Texas Driver Handbook, published by the DPS, covers everything on the test. You can read it free from the DPS website or pick up a printed copy at any DPS office. Most people study the handbook for a few days before taking the test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day at no extra charge.
During the test appointment, you will also take a vision screening. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you will be referred to an eye doctor before you can get your license.
The driving test and scheduling your appointment
After you pass the written and vision tests, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. The DPS examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition, and you must bring someone who is at least 21 years old and holds a valid driver license to sit in the car with you.
You can schedule your appointment online through the DPS website, by phone at 1-800-558-9368, or in person at a DPS office. Wait times vary by location and season. Some offices have appointments available within days; others may have a wait of several weeks. If you cannot make an appointment, you can add yourself to a waitlist and be notified if an earlier slot opens.
Cost and how long a license is valid
A standard Class C driver license costs $16 if you are 85 years old or older, $32 if you are between 18 and 84, and $27 if you are under 18. A motorcycle endorsement costs an additional $10. These prices are current as of 2024 and are subject to change.
A license issued to someone 18 or older is valid for six years. A license issued to someone under 18 is valid until their 18th birthday, then you must renew it to get a six-year license. If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for two years. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires.
Renewing your license by mail or online
If your license is not expired more than two years, you do not have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive, and you have not had any address changes, you can renew by mail or online without visiting a DPS office. You will not need to retake the written or driving test.
To renew online, go to the DPS website and follow the renewal portal. You will need your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The renewal takes a few minutes and costs the same as an in-person renewal. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
To renew by mail, read the process for Renewal of Driver License (Form DL-43) from the DPS website, fill it out, and mail it with your current license and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal, usually 15 to 20 business days.
Special situations: name changes, address changes, and lost licenses
If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must visit a DPS office in person to update your license. Bring your current license and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.
If you move to a new address within Texas, you can update your address online through the DPS website without renewing your license. If you move out of Texas and then move back, you must get a new license.
If your license is lost or stolen, you can report it and request a replacement online or in person at a DPS office. A replacement license costs the same as a renewal and is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the DPS office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test before I have all three types of documents?
No. The DPS requires all three categories of documents — proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — before you can take any test. Bring them all to your first appointment.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. There is no extra charge for retakes. You can schedule another appointment online, by phone, or in person. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must go through the full process again: take the written test, pass the vision test, and take the driving test. You cannot renew by mail or online.
Do I need to take a new driving test if I renew my license?
No. If you renew before your license expires or within two years after it expires, you only need to pay the renewal fee. You do not retake any tests unless you have a medical condition that affects your driving.
How do I get a motorcycle endorsement on my Texas driver license?
You must pass a written test and a riding test specific to motorcycles. You can study using the Texas Motorcycle Operator Manual, available free on the DPS website. The riding test is performed on a motorcycle, and you must bring your own or use one provided by an approved training course.