How to Change to a Texas Driver's License

What You Need to Do to Switch to a Texas License

To change to a Texas driver's license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a vision test, and pay the fee. If you hold a valid license from another state, you do not need to take a written or driving test — Texas recognizes out-of-state licenses and will issue you a Texas license based on your existing record. The entire process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes at the office.

Texas issues licenses valid for eight years (or five years if you are under 18). You can change your license at any time after you move to Texas or establish residency, but you are required by law to do so within 60 days of becoming a Texas resident. Waiting longer than 60 days does not prevent you from getting a license, but it means you are driving on an out-of-state license in violation of state law.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and payment for the license fee.
If you hold a valid out-of-state license, you skip the written and driving tests and receive your Texas license based on your existing driving record.
Texas law requires you to change your license within 60 days of becoming a resident, though you can change it at any time.
A standard Texas driver's license costs $33 for an eight-year license and is valid for that full period unless you renew early or change your information.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

You need three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your current out-of-state license. For identity, bring your current out-of-state driver's license, passport, or military ID. A Social Security card alone is not enough — DPS requires a government-issued photo ID.

For Texas residency, bring one document that shows your name and a Texas address dated within the last 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement. A piece of mail from a government agency (such as a tax notice or voter registration card) also works. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a notarized affidavit of residency signed by someone who lives at your address, though this is slower and requires a notary.

Bring your current out-of-state license with you. If it is expired, you can still use it as proof of identity, but DPS will note the expiration. You do not need to bring your Social Security card, but having it available speeds up the process because DPS will verify your number against Social Security Administration records.

Finding a DPS Office and Scheduling an Appointment

Texas DPS operates driver license offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Search for "driver license office" and enter your city or county to see locations, hours, and whether the office takes walk-ins or requires appointments.

Most DPS offices now require you to schedule an appointment online through the same website. You select your office, choose a date and time, and receive a confirmation. Walk-in service is available at some offices but typically means a longer wait. During busy periods (late month, before holidays), appointments fill up weeks in advance, so schedule as soon as you know you will need a license.

If you cannot reach an office online or have questions about what documents you need, call the DPS Customer Service line at 1-844-DPS-TEXAS (1-844-377-8329). They can confirm your documents and help you find an appointment time.

What Happens During Your Office Visit

When you arrive at your appointment, check in at the front desk and provide your confirmation. A DPS employee will review your documents, verify they meet the requirements, and take your photograph. You will also take a vision test — you must be able to read the eye chart at the required distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the office.

The employee will ask you to sign the license process and confirm your address and other information. Because you hold a valid out-of-state license, you will not take a written test about traffic laws or a driving test. DPS will check your driving record with your previous state to make sure there are no suspensions, revocations, or disqualifications that would prevent Texas from issuing you a license.

You will pay the license fee at the end of the visit. A standard eight-year license costs $33. If you are under 18, the license is valid for five years and costs $16. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your plastic license is printed and mailed to you.

Timeline for Receiving Your Plastic License

Your temporary paper license is valid when ready and can be used to drive, board a plane, or prove identity for 30 days. Your plastic license is printed and mailed to the address you provided at the office. Standard mailing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you visit the office, though it can take longer during high-volume periods or if the address you provided is outside Texas.

If your plastic license does not arrive within two weeks, contact DPS to confirm it was mailed. If it was lost in the mail, DPS can issue a replacement. You can continue using your temporary paper license until the plastic arrives, and you can also use your old out-of-state license as backup proof of identity.

Changing Your Address or Other Information on Your License

If you need to change your address, name, or other information after you receive your Texas license, you can do so at any DPS office. An address change costs nothing and can be done in person or by mail. A name change (due to marriage, divorce, or court order) requires you to bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your current license.

You do not need to renew your license to change your address. straightforward visit a DPS office with your current license and proof of your new address, and the employee will update your record and issue a new plastic license with the updated information. This takes the same amount of time as getting your initial Texas license.

Special Cases: Military Members and People Without Residency Documents

If you are active-duty military stationed in Texas, you can use your military ID and a military housing document or leave and earnings statement as proof of residency. You do not need a utility bill or lease in your name.

If you do not have a document showing your Texas address, you have two options. First, you can obtain a notarized affidavit of residency from someone who lives at your address and is willing to sign it in front of a notary. Second, you can contact your local DPS office to ask about alternative documents — some offices accept letters from homeless shelters, transitional housing programs, or other organizations if you are experiencing housing instability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take a written test or driving test to get a Texas license?

No. If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, Texas recognizes it and will not require you to take either test. DPS will check your driving record with your previous state to make sure you are not suspended or disqualified.

What if my out-of-state license is expired?

You can still use an expired license as proof of identity at the DPS office. However, if your license has been expired for more than a year, DPS may require additional documents or may ask you to take a written test. Contact your local DPS office before your visit to confirm what you need to bring.

Can I change to a Texas license before I move if I know I am moving soon?

No. DPS requires proof of Texas residency, which means you must have a document showing a Texas address dated within the last 90 days. You cannot change your license until you have actually moved and have a document (such as a lease or utility bill) in your name at a Texas address.

How much does a Texas driver's license cost?

A standard eight-year license costs $33. If you are under 18, the license is valid for five years and costs $16. You pay this fee at the DPS office during your visit. There are no additional fees unless you request a duplicate or replacement license.

What if I lost my out-of-state license?

You can still change to a Texas license, but you will need another form of government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or military ID. Bring that ID along with your proof of Texas residency, and DPS will issue your Texas license. You do not need to replace your out-of-state license first.

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.