What you need to know before you go to the DPS office
A Texas driver's license is issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), not your city or county. 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 take your photo, test your vision, and administer a written exam and a driving test (unless you are renewing without changes).
The process takes different amounts of time depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or updating an existing license. Each path has different document requirements, so knowing which category you fall into before you go saves a trip.
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.
- A standard Texas driver's license is valid for eight years if you are under 85 years old, and costs between $16 and $32 depending on how long you want it to last.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you will retake the written test and driving test; if it expired within two years, you may only retake the vision test.
- You can check wait times and schedule an appointment at your nearest DPS office through the Texas DPS website before you go.
- A Real ID-compliant license costs more but is required for domestic air travel and federal building entry starting in 2025.
Getting your first Texas driver's license as an adult
If you have never held a Texas driver's license, you will need to pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test. The written test covers traffic laws and safe driving practices specific to Texas. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website.
Bring these documents to your DPS office visit: a valid passport, a birth certificate, or a state ID card (proof of identity); a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement showing your current Texas address (proof of residency); and your Social Security card or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number card. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation of your immigration status.
The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner and takes about 30 minutes. You will drive on public roads and demonstrate basic skills like parking, turning, and stopping. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Some DPS offices allow you to use their test vehicle for an additional fee if you do not have your own.
Renewing your Texas driver's license
If your license is still valid or expired within the last two years, you can renew without retaking the written and driving tests. You will still need to visit a DPS office for a new photo and vision test. Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or ITIN card.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you are treated as a new applicant and must retake both the written test and the driving test, just as if you were getting your first license. This is true even if you have held a Texas license before.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. The DPS will mail you a reminder when your license is within 60 days of expiration, but you do not have to wait for the reminder to renew.
Updating your name, address, or license class
If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update your license. Bring your current license, proof of your legal name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your new address if you also moved. You will get a new photo taken but will not retake any tests.
If you move to a new address within Texas, you can update it online through the DPS website without visiting an office, as long as your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo. If you want a new photo or your license is expired, you must visit an office.
If you want to add a motorcycle endorsement or a commercial driver's license (CDL) to your existing license, you will need to pass additional written tests and a driving test specific to that vehicle class. These require separate office visits and additional fees.
Real ID versus standard license
Texas offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. A standard license costs less but cannot be used as identification for domestic air travel or entry to federal buildings. A Real ID license meets federal security standards and can be used for these purposes.
Starting in 2025, you will need a Real ID license, a passport, a military ID, or another federally accepted form of identification to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you plan to fly domestically or visit a federal facility, a Real ID license is worth the extra cost now rather than scrambling for an alternative later.
To get a Real ID license, bring the same documents as you would for a standard license, plus additional proof of your Social Security number (your actual Social Security card, a W-2, or a tax return). The Real ID license costs a few dollars more than a standard license and is valid for the same eight-year period.
Costs and how long it takes
A standard Texas driver's license costs between $16 and $32 depending on whether you choose a four-year or eight-year license. A Real ID license costs between $28 and $44 for the same terms. These prices do not include fees for retaking tests if you are a new driver or if your license has been expired for more than two years.
Wait times at DPS offices vary widely. Some offices have same-day appointments available; others have waits of several weeks. You can check current wait times and book an appointment on the Texas DPS website. Walk-ins are accepted at most offices, but you may wait longer than if you schedule ahead.
Once you pass your tests and pay your fee, you will receive a temporary paper license that day. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
What to do if you lose your license or it is damaged
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at a DPS office. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a renewal. You will get a new photo taken. A replacement license costs the same as a renewal.
If your license was stolen, you may also want to report the theft to local police and monitor your credit report for fraud. A stolen license can be used to open accounts or commit identity theft in your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license online?
You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you do not need a new photo, and you are not changing your name or address. Most people still need to visit an office at least once every 16 years for a new photo. Check the DPS website to see if your specific situation qualifies for online renewal.
What if I fail the written test or driving test?
You can retake either test the same day at most DPS offices, though you may have to wait and pay a retest fee. You are allowed to retake the test as many times as you need. Many people study the Texas Driver Handbook more thoroughly after a first failure and pass on the second attempt.
Do I need to take a vision test every time I renew?
Yes, you will take a vision test at every renewal, even if you renewed online. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to your DPS office visit. If you fail the vision test, the DPS will restrict your license to require corrective lenses while driving.
What happens if I drive with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Texas. You can be stopped and ticketed. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will be treated as an unlicensed driver, which carries steeper penalties. Renew before your license expires to avoid this.
Can I get a Texas driver's license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You can get a standard Texas driver's license with a valid passport, visa, or other immigration document. You cannot get a Real ID license without proof of lawful presence in the United States. Bring your immigration documents and Social Security card or ITIN card to your DPS office visit.