Where to get a Houston driver's license and what documents you need
In Houston, you get a driver's license from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), not from a city office. The DPS runs all driver's license operations in Texas, including the Houston area. You can visit a DPS Driver License office in person — there are multiple locations across Houston and Harris County — or you can renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions.
To get a new license in Houston, bring your Social Security card (or a document showing your number), proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days), proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and proof of lawful presence in the U.S. (a passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card). If you are renewing and your license is not expired or suspended, you may not need to bring all of these — the rules are different for renewal.
The DPS also requires you to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test unless you are renewing a valid license. If you are renewing, you typically skip both tests. Bring your current license if you have one.
Key Takeaways
- Texas driver's licenses are issued only by the Department of Public Safety, and Houston has multiple DPS Driver License offices where you can explore in person.
- New applicants must bring proof of identity, Social Security number, Texas residency, and lawful presence, plus pass a vision and written test.
- Renewals by mail or online are available if your license is not expired more than two years and you have no suspensions or restrictions that require a new photo.
- Processing times vary: in-person applications are usually completed the same day, while mail renewals take two to three weeks.
- You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit and 18 to get an unrestricted license without parental consent.
DPS Driver License office locations in the Houston area
The Houston area has several DPS Driver License offices. The main office is located at 4007 Director Beltway, Houston, TX 77092. Other locations include offices in Pasadena, Pearland, Katy, and The Woodlands. You can find the full list and hours on the Texas DPS website under "Driver License Offices" or by calling the DPS at 1-800-252-8371.
Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some offer limited Saturday hours. It is common for offices to close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m. Arriving early in the day or mid-week typically means shorter wait times than Friday afternoons.
You do not need an appointment at most Houston DPS offices, but some locations now offer optional online scheduling through the DPS website. Scheduling does not may provide a specific wait time, but it can reduce the time you spend in the office.
What the written test covers and how to prepare
The Texas driver's license written test has 30 questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and what different road signs mean. Questions are asked in English, and if you need the test in another language, the DPS offers it in Spanish and several other languages — ask at the office when you arrive.
The Texas DPS provides a free study guide called the "Texas Driver's Handbook," available on the DPS website as a PDF or in print at any DPS office. The handbook covers everything on the test. Many people study it for a few hours the night before and pass easily. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most offices, though you may have to pay the retest fee again.
The vision test requires you to read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you will be required to wear corrective lenses while driving, and your license will be marked with that restriction.
Renewing your license by mail or online instead of in person
If your Texas driver's license is not expired more than two years, you do not have any suspensions or restrictions, and you do not need a new photo, you can renew by mail or online. Online renewal is faster and available through the Texas DPS website — you pay the renewal fee online and receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks. Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license, a completed process form (DL-44), and a check or money order for the renewal fee.
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been suspended, if you have certain medical conditions that require a new photo, or if you are changing your name or address. In those cases, you must visit a DPS office in person. You also cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than two years — at that point, you must explore for a new license in person and retake the written and vision tests.
The renewal fee for a standard five-year license is currently $25 for online or mail renewal. A new license obtained in person costs more. Fees can change, so check the DPS website or call before you send payment.
Learner's permits and graduated licensing for drivers under 18
If you are under 18, Texas requires you to get a learner's permit before you can get a full driver's license. A learner's permit allows you to drive only with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front seat. You must be at least 14 years old to get a learner's permit in Texas.
To get a learner's permit, visit a DPS office with proof of identity, Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful presence. You will take the written test and vision test. Once you have held the permit for at least six months and have not had any traffic violations or crashes, you can explore for a provisional license (also called a Class M license). A provisional license allows you to drive alone, but with restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot have more than one passenger under age 21 in the car.
At age 18, you can explore for an unrestricted license. You do not need to retake the written or vision test if your provisional license is still valid — you just pay the fee and get a new license without the restrictions.
Fees, processing times, and what to expect on the day you visit
A new driver's license in Texas costs $25 for a five-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. A learner's permit costs $25. Renewal fees are $25 for five years or $50 for eight years. If you need to replace a lost or stolen license, the fee is $11. The DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices.
If you explore in person at a DPS office, you will usually receive your license the same day. The office will take your photo, run a background check, and print your license on the spot. You will leave with your license in hand. If you renew by mail or online, expect two to three weeks for delivery. If you renew online, your new license will be mailed to the address on file.
On the day you visit, bring all required documents, arrive early if possible, and be prepared to wait. Bring a pen in case you need to fill out forms by hand. If you fail the written test, you can usually retake it the same day, but you will pay the test fee again. If you fail the vision test, you will be referred to an eye doctor and will need to return with a vision correction certificate before you can get your license.
Name changes, address changes, and other updates to your license
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, proof of the name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of identity. You will get a new license with your new name. The fee is $25 for a five-year license.
If you move to a new address in Texas, you can update your address online through the DPS website if your license is not expired. If your license is expired, you must renew it in person and update your address at the same time. You do not need to get a new physical license just to change your address — the DPS will update their records, and your current license remains valid.
If you need to add or remove restrictions (such as corrective lenses or an automatic transmission restriction), you must visit a DPS office. Restrictions are usually added based on the results of your vision or medical exam, but you can request a change if your circumstances have changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Texas driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No, Texas requires a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have one, you must explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a license if you have lawful presence status and a valid Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day at most DPS offices. You will pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people pass on the second or third attempt after studying the Texas Driver's Handbook more carefully.
How long does a Texas driver's license last?
A standard Texas driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You can choose an eight-year license instead, which costs more but lasts longer. Licenses for drivers age 85 and older are valid for two years. Your license expiration date is printed on the front of your card.
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than two years?
No, if your license has been expired for more than two years, you must explore for a new license in person and retake the written and vision tests. You cannot renew by mail or online. This is treated as a new process, not a renewal.
What do I do if my license is suspended or revoked?
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot drive legally in Texas. You must contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension to find out why and what steps you need to take to restore it. Suspensions are usually due to unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, or DWI convictions. Restoration fees and requirements vary depending on the reason for the suspension.