What you need to do to transfer your license to Texas
If you move to Texas from another state, you must get a Texas driver's license within a certain timeframe. Texas does not allow you to keep your out-of-state license once you become a resident. The process involves visiting a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bringing specific documents, and passing a vision test. You do not need to retake the written driving test or road test if your out-of-state license is valid and you meet Texas residency requirements.
The exact timeline depends on your situation. If you are moving to Texas permanently, you should transfer your license as soon as you establish residency. If you are a student or military member stationed in Texas temporarily, different rules may explore — you can sometimes keep your out-of-state license longer, but you will eventually need to transfer if you stay beyond a certain period.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Texas DPS office in person with an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, proof of Texas residency, and your current out-of-state license.
- Texas does not require you to retake the written or road test if your out-of-state license is valid, but you will pass a vision screening.
- The fee for a standard five-year license is $45, and processing usually takes a few minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.
- Your new Texas license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days; you can drive legally on your out-of-state license until it arrives.
- Military members and students may have different residency timelines, so check with your local DPS office if your situation is temporary.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Texas requires an original or certified copy of your birth certificate as proof of identity and citizenship. If you do not have your birth certificate, you can bring a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad instead. You will also need your current out-of-state driver's license.
For proof of Texas residency, bring one document from the approved list. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 90 days. A bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail addressed to you at your Texas address also works. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, ask the DPS office about alternative documentation — they have procedures for this situation.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. You will also need to fill out Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License) before you arrive or at the office. You can read this form from the Texas DPS website, but the office will have copies available if you prefer to fill it out there.
Where to go and how long it takes
Find your nearest Texas DPS Driver License office using the office locator on the Texas DPS website. Enter your city or zip code to see addresses, hours, and phone numbers. Some offices are busier than others — rural offices often have shorter wait times than those in major cities. You can call ahead to ask about current wait times, though this varies by location.
Processing time at the office usually ranges from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on how many people are waiting. Bring all your documents in one visit to avoid having to return. After you complete the process and pass the vision test, you will receive a temporary paper license you can use when ready. Your permanent Texas license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The vision test and photo requirements
You will take a vision screening at the DPS office. This is not a full eye exam — it checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you may be required to get an eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist and bring the results back to the DPS office.
The DPS will take a new photo for your Texas license. Wear something you feel comfortable in — the photo will be on your license for five years. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that obscures your face, except for religious head coverings. Smile or keep a neutral expression; both are acceptable.
License fees and renewal timeline
A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $45. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting in 2025), the cost is $50. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the DPS office. Some offices accept card payments only, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.
Your new Texas license will be valid for five years from the date you receive it. You do not need to renew it based on your old out-of-state license's expiration date. When your Texas license expires, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, depending on your situation at that time.
Special situations: students, military, and temporary residents
If you are a college student from out of state, you may not need to transfer your license when ready. Texas allows students to keep their out-of-state license as long as they maintain a valid student status and do not establish permanent residency. However, if you work in Texas, get a job, or stay beyond your school term, you become a resident and must transfer your license. Check with your university's registrar or the local DPS office about your specific situation.
Military members stationed in Texas on active duty have different rules. You can keep your out-of-state license while on active duty, but if you are stationed in Texas for more than a certain period or if you establish residency (such as buying a home), you must transfer. Military spouses and dependents may have different timelines. Contact your local military legal office or the DPS office near your base for clarification.
If you are moving to Texas temporarily for work or other reasons but plan to return to your home state, ask the DPS office whether you must transfer your license. In most cases, if you establish residency — such as signing a lease, getting a job, or registering to vote — you are considered a Texas resident and must transfer your license regardless of your long-term plans.
What happens if you do not transfer your license
Driving on an out-of-state license after you become a Texas resident is against the law. If you are pulled over, you can be cited for driving with an invalid license. This is a traffic violation that can result in a fine and points on your driving record. Insurance companies may also deny claims if you are in an accident while driving on an invalid license.
Additionally, if you are stopped and the officer discovers you are a Texas resident with an out-of-state license, you may be required to transfer your license when ready or face further penalties. It is simpler and faster to transfer your license when you first move to Texas than to deal with legal consequences later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take the written driving test again?
No. If your out-of-state license is valid and not suspended or revoked, Texas will not require you to retake the written test or the road test. You only need to pass the vision screening and provide the required documents.
Can I transfer my license online or by mail?
No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS office to transfer your license. You must bring your original documents and take the vision test in person. There is no online or mail-in option for license transfers.
What if my out-of-state license is expired?
An expired license complicates the transfer. You may still be able to transfer it, but you should contact your local DPS office first to confirm. In some cases, you may need to renew your out-of-state license before transferring to Texas, or you may need to provide additional documentation.
How long do I have after moving to Texas to transfer my license?
Texas law requires you to transfer your license within a reasonable time after establishing residency. There is no specific grace period stated in the law, so it is best to transfer as soon as you move. If you are unsure whether you have established residency, contact your local DPS office.
What if I lost my birth certificate?
You can order a replacement from the state where you were born. Most states allow you to order by mail or online. While you wait for it to arrive, bring an alternative document such as a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad. The DPS office can accept any of these as proof of identity and citizenship.