How to Transfer Your Driver's License to Texas

What you need to do to transfer your license to Texas

To transfer your 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, and pay a fee. Texas will not mail you a new license — you must appear at the office, pass a vision test, and have your photo taken. The whole process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes if you have all your documents, though wait times at busy locations can stretch longer.

You do not need to take a written driving test or a road test unless your license has been expired for more than two years, or unless Texas has reason to believe you are not a safe driver. If your out-of-state license is still valid, the transfer is straightforward. If it has expired, you will need to take both tests.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DPS office in person with your current out-of-state license and proof that you live in Texas.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your Texas address — it must be dated within the last 30 days.
The fee for a standard five-year license is $25; a Real ID license costs $32 and requires additional identity documents.
If your out-of-state license expired more than two years ago, you will take a written test and a driving test before receiving your Texas license.
You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.

Documents to bring to the DPS office

Bring your current out-of-state driver's license and one document proving you live in Texas. The proof of residency must show your name and a Texas address and be dated within the last 30 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in someone else's name (a spouse, parent, or roommate) plus a document showing you live at that address together — for example, a lease with both names, or a utility bill plus a marriage certificate.

You will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a birth certificate or passport instead.

If you want a Real ID license (which you will need to fly domestically after May 2025), bring the documents listed above plus one additional proof of identity. A passport, passport card, birth certificate, or military ID all count. Real ID licenses cost $7 more than a standard license.

When you need to take a written test and driving test

If your out-of-state license is still valid on the day you transfer it, you skip both tests. You only need the vision test and photo that happen at the office.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must take a written test about Texas traffic laws and a driving test before you receive your license. You can study for the written test using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. The driving test happens at the same DPS office where you explore, though you may need to schedule it for a different day. Some offices have long waiting lists for driving tests, so call ahead to ask how far out appointments are booked.

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you do not take either test — you transfer it as if it were still valid.

How to find a DPS office and what to expect

Go to the Texas DPS website and use the office locator tool to find the DPS office nearest you. The site shows each office's hours, phone number, and current wait time. Some offices are much busier than others — if your local office has a two-hour wait, a DPS office 15 minutes away might have a 20-minute wait. Call ahead if you want to confirm they have the documents you plan to bring or if you have questions about your specific situation.

You do not need an appointment for a license transfer at most offices, but a few do require one. The office locator tool will tell you whether appointments are required at your location. If they are, you can book one on the DPS website or by phone.

Bring all your documents in originals — photocopies do not work. Arrive early in the day if you can; wait times tend to be shorter in the morning and longer after 2 p.m. Bring a pen in case you need to fill out a form by hand.

The fee and how long your new license lasts

A standard Texas driver's license costs $25 and is valid for five years. If you want a Real ID license, the cost is $32 for the same five-year term. You pay at the DPS office when you complete your transfer.

Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide at the office. Standard mail delivery takes about two weeks. If you need to drive before your license arrives, ask the DPS office for a temporary paper license — they can print one on the spot that is valid for 45 days.

What happens to your out-of-state license

When you transfer to a Texas license, the DPS office will take your out-of-state license and destroy it. You will not get it back. If you want to keep it as a souvenir or for identification purposes, ask the DPS staff before they take it — some offices will let you keep it if you ask, though this is not may provide.

Once you have a valid Texas license, you should not drive using your old out-of-state license. Doing so can result in a traffic ticket for driving with an invalid license.

If your out-of-state license was suspended or revoked

Texas will not transfer a suspended or revoked license. Before you go to the DPS office, check the status of your out-of-state license on that state's DMV website. If it is suspended or revoked, you will need to resolve that issue in the state that issued it before Texas will issue you a license.

Contact the DMV or driver licensing agency in the state where your license was suspended. They can tell you what you need to do to clear the suspension — this might involve paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period. Once that state confirms the suspension is lifted, you can transfer to Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my license by mail or online?

No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS office. You must pass a vision test and have your photo taken, and both must happen at the office. There is no mail-in or online option for license transfers.

What if I do not have proof of residency in my name?

Bring a document in someone else's name (a spouse or parent) that shows your shared address, plus a document linking you to that address — a lease, utility bill, or insurance policy. A marriage certificate or birth certificate can connect the names. Call the DPS office ahead of time to confirm they will accept your specific combination of documents.

Do I have to take a new photo for my Texas license?

Yes. The DPS office takes a new photo when you transfer your license. You cannot use the photo from your old license. Wear something you feel comfortable in — the photo will be on your license for five years.

How long does it take to get my license in the mail?

Standard mail delivery takes about two weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask for a temporary paper license at the DPS office — they can issue one on the spot that is valid for 45 days.

What if I moved to Texas but have not updated my address on my out-of-state license?

That is fine. Bring your out-of-state license (even though it shows your old address) and proof that you now live in Texas. The DPS office will transfer your license based on your Texas residency, not on what your old license says.

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.