What a Texas driver's license is and who needs one

A Texas driver's license is a state-issued photo ID that proves you are legally allowed to drive in Texas. You need one to operate any motor vehicle on public roads in the state. The license shows your name, date of birth, address, a photograph, and a driver's license number unique to you.

Texas also issues a non-driver ID card that looks similar to a driver's license but does not permit you to drive. Many people use this for identification purposes only — to board a plane, enter a federal building, or open a bank account. The process to get a non-driver ID is nearly identical to getting a driver's license, except you skip the driving test.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person to get or renew a driver's license; you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail.
  • A new driver's license requires proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, proof of your Social Security number, and a passing score on a written test and driving test.
  • Renewals by mail are available only if your license is not expired by more than two years and you have no medical conditions that require DPS review.
  • Texas driver's licenses are valid for six years for most adults, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
  • Fees vary by license type and age, but a standard six-year license costs around $33 for a first-time applicant and $25 for a renewal.

Getting a new Texas driver's license for the first time

To get a new driver's license, you must visit a DPS office in person. You cannot complete this process online or by mail. Bring the following documents: a valid passport, birth certificate, or state ID (proof of identity); a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your current Texas address (proof of residency); and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

At the DPS office, you will take a written test covering Texas traffic laws and road signs. The test is multiple choice and you must score at least 70 percent to pass. After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test, which is usually offered at the same location. During the driving test, a DPS examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you provide) and evaluate your ability to handle basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping.

Once you pass both tests, the DPS will take your photograph and issue your license. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The entire process typically takes one to two hours at the DPS office, not counting wait time.

Renewing your Texas driver's license

If your license is still valid or expired by less than two years, you may renew by mail without visiting a DPS office. To renew by mail, you must have no medical conditions that require DPS review, no address changes, and no name changes. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires. Follow the instructions on the notice, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail the form and payment to the address listed.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you have a medical condition on file, or you want to change your address or name, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired license, proof of any address or name changes, and payment for the renewal fee. You will not need to retake the written or driving test unless the DPS requests it based on your age or driving record.

Texas driver's licenses are valid for six years. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiration date. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — it will still be good for six years from the renewal date.

Documents you need and how to prove your identity

Texas requires three types of proof when you get a new license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. For identity, the DPS accepts a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID from another state, a military ID, or a tribal ID. The document must show your full name and date of birth.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days showing your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government check. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a notarized affidavit of residency signed by someone who lives at your address and can verify you live there.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a document from a government agency that shows your Social Security number, such as a benefit statement.

Fees and how long the process takes

The cost of a Texas driver's license depends on your age and whether you are getting a new license or renewing. A standard six-year license for an adult costs approximately $33 for a first-time applicant and $25 for a renewal. If you are under 18, the fee is lower. If you need a duplicate license because yours was lost or stolen, the fee is around $11.

When you visit a DPS office for a new license, plan to spend one to two hours there, though this varies by location and how busy the office is. Some DPS offices are busier than others, and wait times can be longer during certain times of day or certain days of the week. You can check wait times for your local DPS office on the Texas DPS website before you go.

If you renew by mail, the process takes about two to three weeks from the time the DPS receives your process. Your new license will arrive by mail. If you need your license sooner, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

What happens if your license expires or is suspended

If your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Texas. If you are caught driving with an expired license, you can be cited and fined. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to renew in person and may need to retake the written and driving tests.

A suspended license is different from an expired license. Your license can be suspended if you accumulate too many traffic violations, fail to pay traffic fines, or fail to maintain car insurance. If your license is suspended, you should not drive. To learn about your license is suspended, you can check the Texas DPS website or call your local DPS office. To reinstate a suspended license, you typically must pay any outstanding fines or fees and meet other requirements set by the DPS or the court.

Getting a non-driver ID card instead of a driver's license

If you do not drive or do not want a driver's license, you can get a non-driver ID card from the Texas DPS. This card serves as a photo ID for purposes like boarding a plane, entering federal buildings, or opening a bank account. It looks similar to a driver's license and includes your photograph, name, date of birth, and address.

The process to get a non-driver ID is the same as getting a driver's license, except you do not take the written or driving test. You still need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. A non-driver ID is valid for six years and costs approximately $16 for a first-time applicant and $13 for a renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license online?

You cannot renew your license entirely online, but you can start the process on the Texas DPS website if you meet certain conditions. If you are renewing a license that is not expired by more than two years and have no medical conditions on file, you can complete part of the renewal online and then mail in your documents. For most renewals, you must either renew by mail or visit a DPS office in person.

What do I do if I lost my driver's license?

Visit a DPS office and request a duplicate license. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number, just as you would for a renewal. You will have your photograph taken again, and the DPS will issue a new license with a new driver's license number. The fee for a duplicate is around $11.

How do I change my address on my Texas driver's license?

If you move within Texas, you must update your address with the DPS. You can change your address online through the Texas DPS website if your license is not expired. If your license is expired, you must renew in person at a DPS office and provide proof of your new address. You do not need to take any tests to update your address.

What if I fail the written or driving test?

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. If you fail the driving test, you must schedule another appointment, usually within a few days. There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test, though you may need to pay a fee each time you test.

Can I get a Texas driver's license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Texas issues driver's licenses to people who are not U.S. citizens, including people with valid visas and people who are in the process of becoming citizens. You will need to bring proof of your legal presence in the United States, such as a valid passport with a visa, an employment authorization document, or a green card. The requirements are otherwise the same as for U.S. citizens.