What documents and information Texas requires

To get a Texas driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence in the United States. Texas does not accept all documents equally — some count as primary proof, others as secondary. You also need to pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision screening, and a driving test (unless you are renewing or transferring from another state under certain conditions).

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the licensing system. You cannot complete the entire process online; you must visit a DPS driver's license office in person at least once. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can cut your wait time significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document proving your identity, one proving where you live in Texas, and one proving your Social Security number — originals or certified copies, not photocopies.
  • A U.S. passport, passport card, or REAL ID-compliant state ID counts as primary identity proof; a birth certificate does not and requires a second document.
  • A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days proves residency; a PO box address does not.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test, vision screening, and driving test unless you are renewing an existing Texas license or transferring from certain other states.
  • The entire process takes one office visit plus scheduling time; bring all documents at once to avoid a second trip.

Identity documents that Texas accepts

Texas divides identity documents into two categories: primary and secondary. A primary document proves who you are on its own. These include a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, military ID, REAL ID-compliant state ID from another state, tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, or a permanent resident card (green card). If you bring any of these, you do not need a second identity document.

A secondary document requires a second form of proof. Birth certificates, school records, and medical records count as secondary. So do documents issued by a foreign government, even if they are official. If you only have secondary documents, bring two of them. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies do not count, and Texas will not accept a copy you made yourself even if you certify it in writing.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must also bring proof of lawful presence. This can be a green card, employment authorization document (EAD), I-94 arrival/departure record, or visa. Undocumented immigrants cannot get a standard Texas driver's license, but may be able to get a driving privilege document under different rules.

Proof of residency in Texas

You must show that you live in Texas. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowners insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must show your name and current Texas address, and must be dated within the last 90 days. A PO box address does not count as proof of residency.

If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in someone else's name plus a signed affidavit stating that you live at that address. The affidavit must be notarized. This route is slower and requires an extra step, so bring a document in your own name if you have one.

Social Security number proof and other requirements

You must bring proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable documents are a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

You must also be at least 16 years old (15 years 9 months to take the test), have a valid Social Security number or ineligibility letter, and not have an active suspension or revocation on your Texas driving record. If you have been convicted of certain crimes or have unpaid traffic fines, you may be ineligible. The DPS website allows you to check your driving record before you go to the office.

The written test, vision screening, and driving test

At your office visit, you will take a written knowledge test covering Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 30 questions; you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though some require you to wait a few days.

You will also have a vision screening. Texas requires you to see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without correction. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision screening, you cannot get a license that day and must see an eye doctor.

The driving test checks whether you can operate a vehicle safely. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in working condition. An examiner will ride with you and score your ability to start the car, control steering, brake smoothly, park, and follow traffic laws. If you fail, you can retake it, but scheduling another test may take weeks depending on office wait times.

Fees and processing time

A Texas driver's license costs $16 for a two-year license or $32 for a five-year license. You choose the term when you explore. Payment is cash, check, or card at the office. There is no fee to take the written or driving test.

Processing time varies. If you pass all tests on your first visit, you receive a temporary paper license that day and your plastic card arrives by mail within two weeks. If you fail a test, you must schedule another appointment, which can take several weeks depending on how busy your local office is. Scheduling an appointment online before you go cuts wait time but does not may provide you will not wait once you arrive.

Renewing or transferring a license from another state

If you already have a valid Texas driver's license, you can renew it by mail or online without taking the written or driving test again. You must renew before your license expires. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must retake all tests as if you were a new applicant.

If you are moving to Texas from another state and have a valid license there, you can transfer it. You still must visit a DPS office and bring your out-of-state license plus the same identity, residency, and Social Security documents as a new applicant. You do not have to retake the written test if your out-of-state license is valid, but you must pass a vision screening and may be required to pass a driving test depending on your age and the state you are coming from.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a birth certificate as my only identity document?

No. A birth certificate is a secondary document, so you need a second form of identity proof. Bring a birth certificate plus a school record, medical record, or other secondary document. If you have a passport or military ID, bring that instead — it counts as primary proof on its own.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. You must request this letter from the SSA before you go to the DPS office. Undocumented immigrants and some visa holders may fall into this category.

Do I have to take the driving test if I am transferring from another state?

Not always. If your out-of-state license is valid, you do not have to retake the written test. However, you must pass a vision screening, and DPS may require a driving test depending on your age and which state you are coming from. Call your local DPS office to ask whether a driving test is required for your situation.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at most offices, though some require you to wait a few days. There is no extra fee. You have unlimited attempts, but each failed test counts against you if you are trying to get a license quickly. Study the Texas Driver's Handbook before you go — it covers everything on the test.

How long does it take to get my plastic license card after I pass all tests?

You receive a temporary paper license the same day you pass. Your plastic card arrives by mail within two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the card to arrive.