What you need to know before you visit the DPS office
A Texas driver license is issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), not by your local county office or city hall. You will need to visit a DPS driver license office in person — you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. The office will check your identity documents, take your photograph, and administer a written test and a driving test (unless you are renewing and meet certain conditions).
Texas issues different types of licenses depending on your age and citizenship status. A standard driver license is valid for six years if you are under 85 years old. If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for two years. You can renew by mail or online if you meet specific requirements, but a first-time license always requires an in-person visit.
The process takes longer than many people expect. Bring all required documents on your first visit, because going back for a missing form costs you another trip and delays your license. Plan to spend one to three hours at the office, depending on how busy it is that day.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
- Texas requires you to pass a written knowledge test and a driving test before you receive your first driver license, unless you are transferring from another state.
- A standard Texas driver license costs between $16 and $27 depending on how long you want it to be valid, and you pay at the time of your visit.
- You can find your nearest DPS office and check current wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.
- If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need one form of primary identification, which can be a U.S. passport, a passport card, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or a military ID card. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of secondary documents, but the process becomes more complicated and may require additional paperwork.
You also need proof that you live in Texas. A utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government-issued document with your current address will work. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 90 days. A driver license from another state counts as proof of residency if it shows a Texas address.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You will also need to provide your date of birth and your current address.
If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the original or certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order. Without this, the DPS cannot issue a license in your new name.
The written test and what to study
The written knowledge test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 70 out of 100 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and in several other languages; ask the DPS office which languages are available at your location.
You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the DPS website. The handbook covers everything the test covers. Many DPS offices also have printed copies you can pick up in person. Some people study for a few days; others spend a week or more. There is no penalty for taking the test multiple times if you do not pass on your first attempt, but you will pay the license fee again each time you test.
The test is taken on a computer at the DPS office. You will sit at a terminal and answer questions one at a time. The computer tells you when ready whether you passed or failed. If you fail, you can schedule another test, usually within a few days.
The driving test and what the examiner checks
After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, wipers, and mirrors. If the examiner finds a safety problem with the vehicle, you cannot test that day.
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. You will drive on city streets and possibly on a highway, depending on which DPS office you visit. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, proper use of signals, awareness of other vehicles, and ability to follow traffic laws.
You must pass the driving test to receive your license. If you fail, you can schedule another test. There is no limit to how many times you can test, but you pay the license fee each time. Most people pass on their second or third attempt if they practice between tests.
Special rules if you are under 18
Texas requires anyone under 18 to complete a driver education course before they can take the driving test. The course can be taken online or in person, and it covers traffic laws and safe driving. After you complete the course, you receive a certificate that you must bring to the DPS office.
You also must hold a learner permit for at least six months before you can test for your license. A learner permit allows you to drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat. During those six months, you build driving experience under supervision.
To get a learner permit, visit a DPS office with your documents and pass the written knowledge test. You do not take a driving test for the permit. The permit is valid for two years and costs less than a full driver license.
Renewing or replacing your license
If your license is expiring soon, you can renew online or by mail if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must not have any medical conditions that would affect your driving, and you must not have changed your name. If you meet these conditions, you can renew without visiting an office.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit a DPS office to get a replacement. Bring your documents as if you were getting a new license. You will not retake the written or driving test, but you will pay a replacement fee and have a new photograph taken.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must contact the DPS to find out why it was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. This process varies depending on the reason for the suspension.
Finding your nearest DPS office and checking wait times
The Texas DPS website has a tool that shows all driver license offices across the state, their hours, and current wait times. You can search by city or zip code. Some offices are busier than others; visiting a less-busy location can cut your wait time significantly.
Many DPS offices now allow you to schedule an appointment online. If your office offers appointments, booking one in advance will save you time. Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, but you may wait longer.
Call ahead if you have questions about which documents to bring or whether your specific situation requires extra paperwork. The office staff can tell you over the phone whether you are missing anything, which saves you a wasted trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The DPS offers the written test in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin Chinese, and several other languages. Not every office offers every language, so call your local DPS office to confirm which languages are available there before you visit.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can schedule another driving test, usually within a few days. There is no limit to how many times you can test. You will pay the license fee again for each test attempt. Most people pass after practicing between attempts.
Do I need a learner permit before I can take the driving test?
Only if you are under 18. Adults 18 and older can take the driving test without holding a learner permit first. However, you must still pass the written knowledge test before you take the driving test.
Can I renew my Texas driver license online?
You can renew online if your license is not suspended, you have no medical conditions affecting your driving, and you have not changed your name. If any of these explore to you, you must visit a DPS office in person to renew.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the driving test?
You receive a temporary paper license at the office on the day you pass. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving until the permanent one arrives.