What you need to know about Texas driver's licenses
A Texas driver's license is an identity document issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that lets you legally drive in Texas and serves as proof of identity almost everywhere. You can get one in person at a DPS office, and the process takes about 30 minutes if you bring the right documents. Texas licenses are valid for six years, though you can renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions.
The cost varies depending on what you're doing: a new license costs around $30 to $35, and renewal costs less. If you're under 18, the rules are different — you'll need parental consent and may face driving restrictions. If you've moved to Texas from another state, you can trade in your old license at a DPS office.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person for your first Texas license, bringing proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
- Texas licenses last six years, and you can renew online or by mail if your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions that changed.
- If you're under 18, you need a parent or guardian to sign off, and your license will have restrictions on when and where you can drive.
- You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.
Getting your first Texas driver's license
To get a new license, you must go to a Texas DPS office in person. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, a document proving your identity (like a passport or birth certificate), and two documents proving you live in Texas (like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). The DPS office will take your photo, test your vision, and give you a written test about traffic laws.
If you pass the written test, you'll get a temporary paper license on the spot and can drive legally while you wait for your plastic card to arrive by mail, usually within two weeks. If you fail the written test, you can take it again the same day or come back later. There is no driving test required for a standard license — that only applies if you want to drive a commercial truck.
Bring your Social Security card itself if you have it; if you don't, bring a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form instead. The DPS will not accept a photo of your documents — they need originals or certified copies. If any of your documents are in a language other than English, bring an official English translation as well.
Renewing your Texas license by mail or online
If your license is not yet expired and you have no new medical conditions, you can renew online through the Texas DPS website or by mail without visiting an office. Online renewal takes a few minutes and costs less than in-person renewal. You'll need your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
Mail renewal takes longer — you'll fill out an process form, mail it with a check or money order, and wait several weeks for your new license. You can read the form from the Texas DPS website. If your license is already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online; you must go to a DPS office in person.
You cannot renew online or by mail if you've had a name change, if you need to update your address, or if you have a medical condition that might affect your ability to drive. In those cases, you must visit a DPS office.
What to do if you're under 18
If you're under 18, you need a parent or guardian to come with you to the DPS office and sign your process. You'll also need to show proof of completing a driver's education course — either a classroom course or an online course approved by the state. Some schools offer driver's ed as part of their curriculum; if yours doesn't, you can take it through a private provider.
Your first license will have restrictions printed on it. For the first six months, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you can only have one passenger under 21 in the car (unless they're a family member). After six months, the midnight-to-5-a.m. restriction lifts, but the passenger limit stays until you turn 18. These restrictions are enforced by police, so breaking them can result in a ticket.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DPS office. Bring your Social Security card or proof of your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency — the same documents you'd need for a new license. If your license was stolen, you can also report it to the DPS by phone or online, which may help if someone tries to use it fraudulently.
A replacement license costs less than a new license and is usually ready within two weeks. You'll get a temporary paper license to use while you wait for the plastic card. If your license was damaged but still readable, the DPS may ask you to turn it in.
Changing your name or address on your license
If you've changed your name or moved to a new address in Texas, you must update your license at a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (like a marriage certificate or court order) or proof of your new address (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or proof of your Social Security number.
You cannot change your name or address online or by mail — you must visit an office in person. The DPS will take a new photo and issue a new license with your updated information. This counts as a renewal, so your new license will be valid for six years from the date you update it.
Finding a DPS office and checking wait times
The Texas DPS website has a tool that shows every DPS office location, hours, and current wait times. Some offices are much busier than others, and wait times can change throughout the day. If one office near you has a long wait, you can check another location a few miles away and may find a much shorter line.
Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to make an appointment online first. Check your local office's page on the DPS website to see which system it uses. If appointments are full, you can usually walk in, but you may wait longer. Early mornings and weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded than lunch hours and late afternoons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired?
No. If your license has been expired for any length of time, you must visit a DPS office in person to renew it. You cannot use online or mail renewal. Bring the same documents you would for a new license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
What if I don't have a Social Security card?
You don't need the card itself — you can bring a tax return, W-2, 1099, or other official document showing your Social Security number. The DPS needs to verify the number, not see the physical card. If you don't have any of these documents, you can contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you go to the DPS.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the test?
You'll get a temporary paper license when ready after you pass the written test and can drive legally right away. Your plastic license card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If it takes longer, you can contact the DPS to check on it.
Can I get a license if I have an out-of-state license?
Yes. Bring your current out-of-state license along with proof of identity, proof of residency in Texas, and proof of your Social Security number. You'll take the written test and vision test, and your old license will be returned to you or destroyed. You do not need to formally surrender it to your old state.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can take the test again the same day at most DPS offices, or you can schedule another appointment for a later date. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Many people study the Texas Driver Handbook (available free on the DPS website) between attempts and pass on the second try.