How to Change to a Texas Driver's License

What you need to do to switch to a Texas driver's license

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and move to Texas, you must obtain a Texas driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) does not require you to pass a written test or road test if your out-of-state license is still valid, but you will need to visit a DPS driver license office in person, bring specific documents, and pay a fee. The process typically takes 30 to 45 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location.

Texas recognizes licenses from all U.S. states and territories as valid for the exchange. You cannot renew your old license by mail or online once you move to Texas — you must explore for a new Texas license at a DPS office. If your out-of-state license has already expired, you will need to take both a written test and a driving test, which adds time and complexity to the process.

Key Takeaways

You have 60 days from the date you move to Texas to obtain a Texas driver's license, or you risk driving without a valid license.
Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease), proof of Social Security number, and proof of identity to your DPS office visit.
If your out-of-state license is still valid, you will not take a written or road test; if it has expired, you must pass both.
DPS driver license offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, and some locations offer Saturday hours; check the DPS website to find your nearest office and current wait times.
The fee for a standard five-year Texas driver's license is $45, and payment is cash, check, or card depending on the office.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

The DPS requires four categories of documents: your current driver's license, proof of Texas residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of identity. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not be accepted.

For your current driver's license, bring the actual card from your previous state. For proof of Texas residency, bring one document dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and a Texas address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring two documents that together show your address, such as a rental agreement and a recent piece of mail.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. For proof of identity, bring a passport, a military ID, a birth certificate, or a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you bring a birth certificate, you will also need a second form of ID such as a passport or military ID. The DPS website lists all acceptable documents for each category.

The step-by-step process at the DPS office

First, find your nearest DPS driver license office using the office locator on the DPS website. You can search by city or ZIP code. Check the office's hours — most are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some close for lunch between noon and 1 p.m., and a few offer Saturday hours. Wait times are longest on Fridays and mid-morning on weekdays.

Arrive with all required documents and your completed process. You can fill out the process at home or at the office — the form is DL-43 for a standard driver's license. Bring your current out-of-state license with you. At the office, you will be called to a window where a clerk will review your documents, take a new photo, and collect your fee. If your out-of-state license is valid, you will not take any test. The clerk will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.

Your permanent Texas driver's license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary paper license is valid for driving during this time. If you need to renew your license before the plastic card arrives, bring the temporary license with you to the office.

When you must take a written test and road test

If your out-of-state license has expired, you cannot exchange it for a Texas license without testing. You will need to pass a written test covering Texas traffic laws and road signs, and a practical driving test with a DPS examiner. The written test has 30 questions and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The road test lasts about 10 minutes and covers basic driving skills such as starting, stopping, turning, and parking.

Schedule your test appointment at the DPS office when you submit your documents. Testing is available Monday through Friday at most offices. You will take the written test first, and if you pass, you can schedule your road test for the same day or a later date. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the next business day. If you fail the road test, you must wait at least one week before retesting.

Bring your expired out-of-state license, your documents, and a vehicle that is registered and insured in Texas for the road test. The vehicle must be in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, and windshield wipers before the test begins.

Fees and payment methods

A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $45. If you are 85 years or older, the license is free. If you are 60 to 84 years old, the license costs $20. Payment is due at the time you explore at the DPS office.

Most DPS offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. A few smaller offices may accept cash only, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods. If you pay by check, write it to the Texas Department of Public Safety. There are no additional fees for the temporary paper license or for mailing your permanent card.

What happens if you drive without a valid Texas license

Driving with an expired or out-of-state license after 60 days of Texas residency is a traffic violation. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation. The fine for driving without a valid license in Texas ranges from $100 to $200 for a first offense. You may also be required to appear in court.

If you are in an accident and do not have a valid Texas license, your insurance claim may be denied or delayed. Your vehicle registration is also tied to your driver's license, so you cannot renew your registration without a valid Texas license. Keep your temporary paper license with you at all times until your plastic card arrives.

Special situations and exceptions

If you are a military member stationed in Texas, you have 90 days instead of 60 days to obtain a Texas license. Bring your military ID and orders showing your duty station in Texas. If you are a temporary resident such as a student or visa holder, you may be able to keep your out-of-state license longer — contact the DPS for your specific situation.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) from another state, you cannot exchange it for a Texas CDL. You must explore for a new Texas CDL and pass the written and road tests. CDL testing is more extensive than standard license testing and requires a separate appointment. If you hold a CDL and need to drive commercially in Texas, contact the DPS CDL section for requirements.

If your out-of-state license was suspended or revoked, you cannot exchange it for a Texas license. You must wait until your suspension or revocation period ends in your previous state, then contact the DPS to begin the process. The DPS will verify your driving record with your previous state before issuing a Texas license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my out-of-state license by mail while living in Texas?

No. Once you move to Texas, you must obtain a Texas driver's license in person at a DPS office. Your out-of-state license becomes invalid for driving in Texas after 60 days of residency, even if it is not yet expired. You cannot renew it by mail or online.

What if I do not have proof of Texas residency yet?

You need at least one document dated within the last 30 days showing your name and Texas address. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease, bring two documents together such as a rental agreement and a recent piece of mail from a government agency. A bank statement or credit card statement with your new address also works.

How long does it take to get my permanent plastic license card?

Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 45 days, so you can drive legally while you wait. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status.

Do I have to take a driving test if my out-of-state license is still valid?

No. If your out-of-state license has not expired, you will not take a written test or road test. You only need to bring your documents and pay the fee. If your license has expired, you must pass both tests.

What if I fail the written test or road test?

You can retake the written test the next business day. For the road test, you must wait at least one week before retesting. There is no additional fee to retake either test. You can schedule your next test appointment at the DPS office or online.

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.