What the Texas Department of Public Safety requires to get a driver's license

To get a Texas driver's license, you must be at least 16 years old, have a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and provide proof of identity and Texas residency. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) also requires you to pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test — though some people may be exempt from the driving test under specific circumstances.

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to get a Texas driver's license. Texas issues licenses to people who are lawfully present in the United States, which includes permanent residents, people with valid work visas, and people with certain immigration statuses. If you are undocumented, you cannot get a standard driver's license, but Texas does offer a separate document called a Driving Privilege Document (DPD) if you meet other requirements.

Age matters for what you can do with your license. At 16, you can get a learner's permit or a restricted license. At 18, you can get an unrestricted license. If you are between 16 and 18, your license will have restrictions on when you can drive and who can be in the car with you.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old, have a valid Social Security number or ITIN, and show proof of identity and Texas residency to get a driver's license.
  • Texas issues licenses to lawfully present residents, including permanent residents and people with valid work visas, but not to undocumented immigrants — though a Driving Privilege Document may be available to you.
  • You will need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test, though some people with medical conditions or disabilities may be exempt from the driving test.
  • If you are under 18, your license will have restrictions on driving hours and passenger limits until you turn 18 or meet other conditions.
  • You will need to bring original documents or certified copies to a DPS office — photocopies and digital images are not accepted.

Documents you need to bring to a DPS office

The Texas DPS requires you to bring original documents or certified copies. Photocopies, faxes, and digital images on a phone or tablet will not be accepted. You will need one document that proves your identity — such as a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid visa or travel document.

You also need to prove Texas residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, or a property tax statement. The document must show your name and a current address in Texas, and it must be dated within the last 90 days. A school ID, a work ID, or a student visa alone will not count as proof of residency.

Bring your Social Security card or an ITIN letter from the IRS. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS before you go to the DPS office. You will also need to bring your current driver's license or ID if you have one, even if it is expired or from another state.

Age-based rules and restrictions for drivers under 18

At age 16, you can get a learner's permit or a restricted license. A learner's permit allows you to drive only with a licensed adult in the front seat. A restricted license lets you drive alone during daylight hours and with an adult after dark, though the exact hours depend on when you turn 17.

Once you turn 17, your restrictions loosen. You can drive alone at any time, but you cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car unless a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat. This rule stays in place until you turn 18.

At 18, you get an unrestricted license with no passenger limits or driving-hour restrictions. If you received your license before age 18 and followed the restrictions, you do not need to take another test when you turn 18 — your license automatically becomes unrestricted.

Immigration status and driver's license options

If you are a permanent resident, a person with a valid work visa (such as an H-1B or L-1), or a person with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), you can get a standard Texas driver's license. You will need to bring your immigration documents — such as your green card, visa, or TPS approval letter — along with your other proof of identity and residency.

If you are undocumented, you cannot get a standard driver's license. However, Texas offers a Driving Privilege Document (DPD), which is a separate document that allows you to drive legally in Texas. To get a DPD, you must show that you have lived in Texas for at least two years, pass the same tests as a regular license holder, and provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). A DPD does not count as a valid ID for air travel or federal purposes, but it is recognized by Texas law enforcement and insurance companies.

If you have a visa that is about to expire, you may still be able to get a license if your status is still valid. Bring your current visa and any other immigration documents you have. The DPS will check your status in the system.

Medical conditions and exemptions from the driving test

If you have a medical condition or disability that affects your ability to take the standard driving test, you may be exempt from the test or allowed to take it in a modified way. Examples include people who are deaf, people who use a wheelchair, people with severe arthritis, and people with certain neurological conditions. You will need a letter from a licensed physician stating your condition and how it affects your driving ability.

Bring the physician's letter to the DPS office when you explore. The DPS will review it and may waive the driving test, allow you to use adaptive equipment during the test, or ask you to take the test in a different format. Some people may be required to take a medical examination by a DPS-approved doctor before a decision is made.

If you are blind or have severe vision loss, you cannot get a standard driver's license. However, you may be able to get a non-driver ID card from the DPS, which is useful for identification purposes even though it does not allow you to drive.

Renewing or replacing a license you already have

If you already have a Texas driver's license and it is about to expire, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Online renewal is available if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any address changes, and you do not need to update your photo. The renewal fee varies but is typically less than the cost of an in-person renewal.

If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it in person at a DPS office. Bring your proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a new license. A replacement usually takes a few minutes if you already have a valid Texas license in the system.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person, and you may need to show proof that the reason for the suspension or revocation has been resolved — such as proof that you paid a traffic fine or completed a defensive driving course.

How to schedule an appointment and what to expect at the DPS office

Most DPS offices now require you to schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices, but wait times can be long, and you may be turned away if the office is at capacity. Scheduling an appointment online usually takes a few minutes and lets you choose a date and time that works for you.

When you arrive at the DPS office, bring all your documents in a folder or envelope. The staff will check your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. You will then take the written knowledge test on a computer. If you pass, you will take the vision test. If you pass both, you will be scheduled for a driving test on a different day — unless you are exempt or renewing a license you already have.

The driving test usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will drive in local traffic while a DPS examiner watches and scores your performance. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, proper use of signals, smooth braking and acceleration, and correct lane changes. You must use your own vehicle or a vehicle provided by a DPS-approved driving school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS and use that instead. You will need to bring your ITIN letter from the IRS to the DPS office. The process to get an ITIN takes a few weeks, so plan ahead if you do not have one yet.

What happens if I fail the written test or the driving test?

If you fail the written test, you can take it again the same day or schedule another appointment. If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one day before you can take it again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test, but you will pay a fee each time.

Can I get a Texas driver's license if I live in another state but work in Texas?

No. To get a Texas driver's license, you must be a Texas resident. If you work in Texas but live in another state, you should keep your license from your home state. However, if you move to Texas permanently, you must get a Texas license within 60 days of establishing residency.

How long does it take to get a Texas driver's license after I pass all the tests?

Your temporary license is printed on the spot after you pass the driving test, and you can use it to drive when ready. Your permanent license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within that time, contact the DPS office where you applied.

What is the difference between a driver's license and a non-driver ID card?

A driver's license allows you to drive a vehicle legally in Texas and counts as a valid ID for most purposes. A non-driver ID card is for identification only and does not allow you to drive. You might get a non-driver ID if you are blind, do not want to drive, or are not yet old enough for a license but need an ID.