Who Can Get a Driver's License in Texas

Texas driver's license requirements depend on your age, residency, and whether you already hold a valid license from another state

To get a Texas driver's license, you must be at least 16 years old, a resident of Texas, and pass a written test and driving test. If you already have a valid license from another state, you can often skip the written and driving tests and move straight to the renewal process. Texas also issues licenses to people without a Social Security number, though the process differs slightly.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver's licenses. You cannot get one online or by mail — you must visit a DPS office in person with the required documents.

Key Takeaways

You must be at least 16 years old and a Texas resident to get a driver's license; residency is proven with documents like a lease, utility bill, or bank statement showing your Texas address.
If you hold a valid license from another state, you can transfer it to Texas without retaking the written and driving tests.
You will need proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a letter from Social Security if you do not have one.
Minors under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign their process, and must complete a driver education course before taking the driving test.
You must visit a DPS office in person; there is no online or mail process for a new license.

Age and residency requirements

You must be at least 16 years old to get a Texas driver's license. There is no upper age limit. Texas considers you a resident if you have lived in the state for at least 30 days and intend to stay. You do not need to own property or have a job in Texas to meet this requirement.

To prove residency, bring one document showing your name and a Texas address dated within the last three months. Acceptable documents include a lease or rental agreement, utility bill, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail. A piece of mail from a government agency (like a tax notice or court document) also works. If you are homeless or do not have access to these documents, ask the DPS office about alternative proof — they may accept a letter from a shelter, social service agency, or other organization.

Documents you need to bring

You will need three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or a statement that you do not have one.

For identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. If your birth certificate is not certified (it does not have an official seal or stamp), the DPS office will not accept it. You can order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the state where you were born.

For Social Security, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, such as a tax return or W-2. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. You can request this letter by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security office.

Transferring a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you can transfer it to Texas without taking the written or driving test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number to any DPS office. The office will keep your old license and issue you a Texas license.

Your out-of-state license must be valid (not expired) at the time you explore. If it has expired, you will need to retake the written and driving tests. Some states issue licenses that are valid for longer than others, so check your license to see when it expires.

Requirements for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your process in person at the DPS office. You cannot explore without them present. Bring the same documents listed above, plus your parent or guardian's ID.

Before you can take the driving test, you must complete a driver education course approved by the Texas Education Agency. This course teaches traffic laws and safe driving practices. Many high schools offer it for free during the school day. If your school does not offer it, you can take it through a private driving school, though you will pay a fee. Once you finish the course, you will receive a certificate to bring to the DPS office.

Texas also has a graduated licensing system for minors. If you are 16 or 17, you will receive a license with restrictions — for example, you may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you may not have passengers under 21 unless a parent is in the car. These restrictions lift when you turn 18.

Getting a license without a Social Security number

You can get a Texas driver's license without a Social Security number. Instead of bringing a Social Security card, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. This applies to some immigrants, refugees, and other people who do not may have access to for a Social Security number under federal law.

The process is otherwise the same: bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and the letter from Social Security. Your license will be marked to show that you do not have a Social Security number, but it will work the same way as any other license.

What happens at the DPS office

When you arrive at the DPS office with your documents, a staff member will review them to make sure they are complete. If anything is missing or incorrect, they will tell you what you need to bring back. If everything is in order, you will pay the fee (the amount varies by license type and how long it is valid) and move to the next step.

Next, you will take a written test on Texas traffic laws. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take it on a computer or on paper. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another time. If you already hold a valid license from another state, you skip this step.

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test. The DPS office will give you a date and time, which may be weeks away depending on how busy the office is. On the day of your test, bring the same documents you brought to explore, plus your vehicle and proof of insurance. A DPS examiner will ride with you and watch you drive. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic skills like parking, turning, and stopping. You must pass to get your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Texas issues driver's licenses to people who are not U.S. citizens, including immigrants with work visas, refugees, and people with pending immigration cases. You still need proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or a letter stating you do not have one. Your identity document can be a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa.

What if my birth certificate is not certified?

The DPS office will not accept an uncertified birth certificate. You must order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics office (if you were born in Texas) or from the vital records office in the state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs between $15 and $30. You can order it online, by mail, or in person.

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

The written test and initial paperwork take about 30 minutes to an hour at the DPS office. The driving test is scheduled for a later date, which may be weeks away. Once you pass the driving test, you receive your license the same day. The total time from your first visit to having a license in hand is usually one to three months, depending on how busy your local DPS office is.

Can I use my passport as proof of identity?

Yes. A U.S. passport or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa both work as proof of identity for a Texas driver's license. You do not need to bring any other identity document if you bring a passport.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. There is usually a fee each time you retake it. You can schedule your next test at the DPS office right after you fail, or you can come back another day. Many people practice more and retake the test within a week or two.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.