What you need to know before you go to the DMV

In Texas, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues driver's licenses, not a separate DMV office. You will visit a DPS Driver License office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process takes multiple visits — you cannot walk in and leave with a license the same day.

Texas recognizes several types of driver's licenses depending on your age and citizenship status. A standard Class C license lets you drive a passenger car. A Class M license is required if you want to ride a motorcycle. Learner's permits and provisional licenses have different rules and restrictions. Your first step is deciding which type you need, because the documents and tests required differ.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS Driver License office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
  • Texas requires you to pass a written knowledge test and a driving test before you receive a license, and you cannot take both on the same day.
  • If you are under 18, you must first hold a learner's permit for at least six months and complete a driver education course before you can take the driving test.
  • The license fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, and you can renew online if you meet certain conditions.
  • You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring one document that proves your identity. A U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport all work. If you use a foreign passport, it must be valid or expired no more than two years ago. A school ID or a work ID does not count as proof of identity on its own.

Bring one document that proves you live in Texas. A utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check addressed to you all work. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 30 days. A post office box does not count as a residence address.

Bring proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return all work. If you do not have a Social Security number and cannot get one, you can use an ITIN instead — bring the letter from the IRS that assigned it to you.

If you are renewing a license that expired less than two years ago, you may be able to skip the written and driving tests. Bring your expired license along with your other documents. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will take the full test sequence.

The written test and what to study

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DPS office. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can request a reader or interpreter if you need one.

Study the Texas Driver Handbook, which the DPS publishes free on its website. The handbook covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. You can also take practice tests on the DPS website before you go to the office. Most people spend a few hours studying and pass on their first try.

You schedule the written test when you visit the DPS office for the first time. You take it the same day. If you pass, you receive a receipt. If you fail, you can retake it the next day or later — there is no waiting period between attempts.

The driving test and how it works

The driving test happens on a separate visit, usually at least one day after you pass the written test. A DPS examiner sits in the car with you and watches you drive for about 10 to 15 minutes. You demonstrate basic skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have valid license plates and working mirrors, lights, and wipers.

You can use someone else's car, but the owner must be present at the DPS office. The examiner will check that the vehicle meets safety requirements before you drive. If the car fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after three business days have passed. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on their first or second attempt.

Special rules if you are under 18

If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test. You also must complete a driver education course — either in-person at a school or online through an approved provider. The course takes about six hours and covers the same material as the written test plus additional safety information.

While you hold a learner's permit, you can only drive when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat with you. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18 or hold your license for one year, whichever comes later.

After you pass the driving test, you receive a provisional license if you are still under 18. A provisional license has the same restrictions as a learner's permit. It becomes a standard Class C license on your 18th birthday or one year after you received it, whichever comes first.

Renewing your license online or in person

You can renew your Texas driver's license online through the DPS website if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions that affect your driving, and you have not changed your address. The online renewal costs $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. You receive your new license by mail within two weeks.

If your license is expired, you have a medical condition, or you changed your address, you must renew in person at a DPS office. You bring the same documents as you would for a new license, but you do not retake the written or driving tests. The in-person renewal also costs $33 or $66 depending on the term you choose.

Your license is valid for four or eight years depending on which term you selected when you received it. You can check your license expiration date on the front of your card. The DPS sends you a reminder by mail about 45 days before your license expires.

Finding a DPS office and checking wait times

Texas has DPS Driver License offices in every county. Use the office locator on the Texas DPS website to find the office nearest you and see its hours. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, but some have extended hours or weekend appointments. Call the office directly if the website does not show the information you need.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. The DPS website shows estimated wait times for many offices, updated throughout the day. Mornings and early afternoons usually have shorter waits than late afternoons. Tuesdays through Thursdays are typically less busy than Mondays and Fridays.

Some DPS offices let you schedule an appointment online. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available. If your office does not offer appointments, you arrive and take a number, and you are served in order.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You need proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. A valid foreign passport counts as proof of identity. You follow the same process as a U.S. citizen and take the same tests. Your license will show that it is valid for driving only, not for federal identification purposes.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it after three business days have passed. You pay the test fee again each time you retake it. There is no limit to how many attempts you get. Most people pass within two or three tries.

Do I need to take the written test again if my license expired?

No, if your license expired less than two years ago. You renew without retaking any tests. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must pass the written test and the driving test again, as if you were getting a license for the first time.

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

No. You must pass the written test first, then schedule the driving test for a later visit. Most people schedule the driving test a few days after passing the written test.

What if I lose my driver's license?

You can replace it at any DPS office by bringing your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. You do not retake any tests. The replacement fee is $11. You receive your new license by mail within two weeks.