What the Texas Department of Public Safety Requires

To get a driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), you must be at least 16 years old, a Texas resident, and able to pass a written test and driving test. You also need to prove your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency with documents the DPS accepts. The specific documents you bring depend on whether you were born in Texas, whether you have a current license from another state, and your immigration status.

Texas does not issue licenses to people without legal presence in the United States, with one exception: the state offers a separate document called a Temporary Visitor Driver License (TVDL) for people on certain visa types who cannot prove lawful permanent residency. This is a narrower category than a standard license and has different rules.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old, a Texas resident, and pass both a written knowledge test and a driving skills test to get a standard driver license.
  • The documents you need to bring depend on where you were born and whether you already hold a license from another state — the DPS website lists which documents count as proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency.
  • If you do not have legal presence in the United States, you cannot get a standard Texas driver license, but you may be able to get a Temporary Visitor Driver License if you hold certain visa types.
  • You must pass a vision screening at the DPS office before you take the written test, and you cannot take the driving test until you pass the written test first.

Age and Residency Requirements

You must be at least 16 years old to get a driver license in Texas. If you are 16 or 17, you can get a license, but you must first hold a learner permit for at least six months and be supervised by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the learner permit step and go straight to the written and driving tests.

To prove you are a Texas resident, the DPS accepts documents like a current lease or mortgage statement, a utility bill, a bank statement, or a government document with your name and Texas address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 90 days. If you just moved to Texas, bring a document from your previous state showing your old address, plus a new Texas document showing your current address.

Identity and Social Security Documentation

You must bring a document that proves your identity and date of birth. The DPS accepts a certified birth certificate, a passport, a military ID, or a previous driver license from any state. If you were born outside the United States, a passport or certified birth certificate works. If you were born in Texas, a certified copy of your birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics office is the most straightforward proof.

You must also provide your Social Security number. You can bring your Social Security card, or the DPS can verify your number through the Social Security Administration if you provide it verbally. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a standard driver license in Texas.

Legal Presence and Immigration Status

Texas law requires that you have legal presence in the United States to get a standard driver license. Legal presence means you are a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or hold a visa that allows you to work or study in the United States. If you do not fall into one of these categories, you cannot get a standard license.

If you are on a visa that does not allow work authorization — such as a B-1 business visa or B-2 tourist visa — you may be able to get a Temporary Visitor Driver License instead. This document allows you to drive in Texas but is not a standard driver license and has a shorter validity period. You must bring your passport and visa documentation to the DPS office to explore for a TVDL.

The Written Test and Vision Screening

Before you take the written test, you must pass a vision screening at the DPS office. The screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you cannot take the written test that day, and you must return after you have corrected your vision.

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which the DPS publishes and makes available online and at DPS offices. The test has 30 questions, and 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 or come back another day.

The Driving Test and What Happens Next

You cannot take the driving test until you have passed the written test. The driving test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors.

If you pass the driving test, the DPS will issue your license on the spot. A standard driver license is valid for six years if you are under 85 years old. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day. You do not have to retake the written test if you have already passed it.

Fees and Processing Time

The fee for a standard driver license depends on how long you want it to be valid. A six-year license costs one amount, and a shorter-term license costs less. The DPS also charges a separate fee for the written test and driving test combined. Fees vary slightly, so check the DPS website or call your local DPS office for the exact amount.

You receive your license when ready after you pass the driving test. The DPS will take your photo and print your license at the office. You can drive with your printed license right away, though you should also receive a temporary paper license that you can carry until your plastic card arrives by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have a driver license from another state?

You can transfer your out-of-state license to a Texas license without retaking the written and driving tests. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency. The DPS will issue a Texas license valid for six years from the date you transfer it.

Can I get a license if I have a suspended or revoked license from another state?

No. The DPS checks the National Driver Register, which tracks suspensions and revocations from all states. If your license is suspended or revoked anywhere, you cannot get a Texas license until the suspension or revocation is lifted in that state. You must contact the state where the suspension occurred to find out how to restore your driving record.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport, military ID, or other government-issued ID that shows your date of birth. If you were born outside the United States and do not have a birth certificate, a passport is the most common alternative. If you do not have any of these documents, you may need to contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born to request a certified copy.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Texas driver license?

Yes. Texas law requires a Social Security number to get a standard driver license. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a license. If you are on a visa and do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to get a Temporary Visitor Driver License, which has different requirements.

How long does it take to get a driver license after I pass the test?

You receive your printed license when ready at the DPS office after you pass the driving test. You will also get a temporary paper license to carry until your plastic card arrives by mail, which usually takes one to two weeks.