What you need to do to transfer your license to Texas
To transfer a driver's license to Texas, you visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring your current out-of-state license and proof of residency, pass a vision test, and pay a fee. Texas does not accept mail-in transfers or online processing — you must appear at a DPS office yourself. The entire process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
You do not need to retake the written knowledge test or driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and not suspended. However, you will need to provide proof that you live in Texas, which is one of the most common reasons transfers get delayed or rejected at the counter.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with your current out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, and proof of Social Security number or tax identification.
- Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days — a piece of mail alone is not enough.
- The vision test is required but the written and driving tests are waived if your out-of-state license is valid and not expired or suspended.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and the permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; the fee varies by license type and validity period.
- DPS offices have different hours and some require appointments, so check the office nearest you before you go.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring your current, valid out-of-state driver's license. If it is expired, you can still transfer it, but you will need to pass the written test as well as the vision test. Bring the original or a certified copy — a photo of your license on your phone is not accepted.
Bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, a 1099 form, or a birth certificate. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) document instead.
Bring two forms of proof of Texas residency. At least one must show your name and current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, homeowners insurance policy, or bank or credit union statement dated within the last 30 days. A government-issued ID with your Texas address also counts. A single piece of mail is not enough — DPS requires documentation that shows you actually live here, not just that you received something in the mail.
If you changed your name since your out-of-state license was issued, bring the document that shows the legal change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, your new license will be issued under your old name.
Where to go and how to schedule an appointment
Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov. The site lists every office location, hours, and phone number. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Hours vary widely, so do not assume your local office is open when you plan to go.
Many DPS offices now require appointments, especially in larger cities. You can schedule an appointment online through the DPS website or by calling the office directly. Walk-ins are still accepted at some locations, but you may wait 1 to 3 hours. Calling ahead to ask whether your office takes walk-ins is faster than showing up and finding out it does not.
If you are military or a dependent of military personnel stationed in Texas, some DPS offices offer expedited service. Ask when you call to schedule.
The vision test and what happens if you fail
The vision test at DPS checks whether you can read letters and numbers on a chart from a specific distance. You do not study for it — it is a basic screening, not a knowledge test. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them and wear them during the test.
If you fail the vision test, you cannot receive your license that day. DPS will tell you to see an eye doctor, get a corrective lens prescription if needed, and return with documentation from the eye doctor stating that your vision meets Texas standards. You do not need a full eye exam report — a letter from your optometrist or ophthalmologist saying your corrected vision is 20/40 or better is enough. You can then return to the same DPS office and retake the vision test at no additional charge.
Fees and payment methods
The fee for a Texas driver's license depends on how long you want it to be valid. A license valid for 4 years costs less than one valid for 8 years. As of 2024, fees range from approximately $16 to $32, but check the DPS website or call your local office for the exact amount, as fees can change.
DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but this varies by location — call ahead if you plan to pay by check. You cannot pay online; payment is made at the counter when you submit your documents.
Your temporary license and when your permanent card arrives
When you complete your transfer at the DPS office, you receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid when ready and works for driving, traffic stops, and identification purposes. Keep it with you until your permanent card arrives.
Your permanent plastic license card is mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you applied. If you do not receive it within 14 business days, call the DPS office where you applied and provide your process number (printed on your temporary license).
Do not discard your temporary license when your permanent card arrives. Keep both until you are certain the permanent card is correct. If there is an error on the permanent card — wrong address, misspelled name, wrong class — return to the DPS office with both licenses and the documents that prove the correct information.
What to do if your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked
If your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked, you cannot transfer it to Texas. DPS will discover this when they check your driving record during the transfer process. You will be turned away at the counter.
Contact the DPS office in the state that suspended or revoked your license to find out why and what you must do to restore it. Some suspensions are automatic (unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support) and can be cleared by paying what you owe. Others require a hearing or completion of a program. Once your license is restored in that state, you can return to a Texas DPS office and complete your transfer.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the DPS office in your current state before you travel to Texas to transfer it. This saves a wasted trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take the written driving test to transfer my license?
No, if your out-of-state license is valid and not expired or suspended. You only take the vision test. If your license is expired, you must pass the written test and the vision test, but not the road test.
Can I transfer my license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. Bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) document instead. If you have neither, contact the DPS office in advance to ask what alternative documents they will accept.
What if I moved to Texas but have not updated my address on my out-of-state license yet?
That is fine. Bring your out-of-state license with the old address and your proof of Texas residency. DPS will issue your new Texas license with your current Texas address.
How long is a Texas driver's license valid?
You choose when you explore: 4 years or 8 years. The 8-year license costs more but is cheaper per year. If you are under 18, your license is valid for 4 years only.
What if I lose my temporary license before my permanent card arrives?
Call the DPS office where you applied and ask for a replacement temporary license. Bring your process number. There is usually a small fee, and you receive a new temporary license the same day or within a few days by mail.