What you need to do to switch to a Texas driver's license

If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a Texas license without retaking the written or driving test. Texas will accept your out-of-state license as proof that you passed those exams. You will need to visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring specific documents, and pay a fee. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location.

You do not have to switch when ready when you move to Texas. However, Texas law requires you to obtain a Texas license within 60 days of establishing residency in the state. If you are moving for work, school, or a permanent change of address, that 60-day clock starts when you move, not when you register your vehicle or change your address elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with your current out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
  • Texas will not make you retake the written or driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and you have not had it suspended or revoked.
  • You have 60 days from the date you establish Texas residency to switch your license, or you risk driving without a valid Texas license.
  • The fee for a standard five-year license is $25, and you will receive your new license in the mail within two weeks.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, even if it is expired within the last year. Texas will accept it as proof of your identity and driving history. If your license expired more than a year ago, bring it anyway along with a second form of ID such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card.

You will also need proof of Texas residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance policy dated within the last 60 days also works. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a longer list that includes voter registration cards, school enrollment letters, and employment verification letters.

Finally, bring proof of your Social Security number. An original or certified Social Security card works best. If you do not have your card, bring a W-2 form, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. A birth certificate alone is not enough.

Finding a DPS office and scheduling an appointment

Texas DPS offices are located in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Search by city or county, and the site will show you the address, phone number, and hours of operation.

You can walk in without an appointment at most offices, but wait times can be long, especially in urban areas. Many offices now offer online appointment scheduling through the DPS website. If your local office offers appointments, booking one will save you time. Some offices have separate windows for license exchanges, which move faster than new applicant lines.

Call ahead if you are unsure whether your office takes appointments or if you want to confirm they accept out-of-state license exchanges. A few smaller rural offices occasionally refer people to the nearest larger office, though this is uncommon.

What happens at the DPS office

When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. The DPS employee will review your documents, verify that your out-of-state license is valid and not suspended, and ask you to confirm your address and other information. They will take a new photo for your Texas license unless you request to use the photo from your out-of-state license (available in some cases).

You will pay the fee at the window. A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $25. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 2025), the fee is $27. The employee will explain the difference if you are unsure which you need.

You will not take a written test or driving test. The DPS employee will hand you a receipt showing your new license number. Your physical license will arrive by mail within two weeks. You can drive legally using your receipt and your old out-of-state license until your new Texas license arrives.

Real ID versus standard Texas license

A Real ID-compliant license meets federal security standards and is required to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings after May 7, 2025. If you do not travel by air or visit federal offices, a standard license is sufficient. The Real ID license looks the same but has a small star in the upper right corner.

To get a Real ID license, you must bring one additional document: either a certified birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers. If you are exchanging an out-of-state license, ask the DPS employee whether your current license is already Real ID-compliant. If it is, Texas may issue you a Real ID license automatically at no extra cost. If you want to upgrade to Real ID and your out-of-state license is not compliant, bring your birth certificate or passport to the office.

What to do if your out-of-state license is suspended or expired

If your out-of-state license is currently suspended or revoked, you cannot exchange it for a Texas license. You will have to take the written and driving tests as if you were a new driver. Contact the DPS office in your previous state to find out why your license was suspended and what you must do to clear it. Some suspensions can be resolved quickly; others require you to wait a set period or pay a reinstatement fee.

If your out-of-state license expired more than a year ago, Texas may still accept it for an exchange if it was valid when it expired. Bring it to the DPS office along with your second form of ID. The employee will verify the status with your previous state before deciding whether to process the exchange or require you to test.

After you receive your new Texas license

Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you provided at the DPS office. Once it arrives, you can discard your out-of-state license. Your Texas license is valid for five years from the date of issue. You can renew it online through the DPS website starting 60 days before expiration, or you can renew in person at a DPS office.

If you move to a different address within Texas, you must update your license within 30 days. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Updating your address online is free and takes a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mail in my out-of-state license instead of going to an office?

No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS office to exchange your license. You must be photographed and your identity must be verified face-to-face. There is no mail-in option for license exchanges.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You will need to bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN, such as a tax return or IRS letter. Contact the DPS office ahead of time to confirm they can process your exchange with an ITIN, as procedures vary slightly.

Do I have to switch my license if I am only staying in Texas temporarily?

If you are moving to Texas permanently or establishing residency, you must switch within 60 days. If you are visiting temporarily or stationed here for a short assignment, you can keep your out-of-state license as long as it remains valid. However, if you register a vehicle in Texas, you will be required to obtain a Texas license.

What if I lost my out-of-state license?

Bring a second form of ID such as a passport or military ID, plus proof of your Social Security number. The DPS office can verify your driving record with your previous state using your name and date of birth. You will still be able to exchange for a Texas license without retesting.

How long is my receipt valid while I wait for my license to arrive?

Your receipt is valid for 45 days. Your new license should arrive within two weeks, so you will have plenty of time. If your license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied.