How to Get and Renew Your Texas Driver's License

What the Texas Department of Public Safety Does for Driver's Licenses

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the state agency that issues driver's licenses, handles renewals, and manages the written and driving tests you need to pass. You cannot get a Texas driver's license from any other state office — DPS is the only place that issues them. When you need a new license, a renewal, a replacement, or a name change on your license, you go to a DPS Driver License office.

DPS operates driver license offices across Texas in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your county or city. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary by location and time of day. Many offices now let you check the current wait time online before you go.

Key Takeaways

The Texas Department of Public Safety is the only agency that issues Texas driver's licenses, and you must visit a DPS Driver License office in person for most transactions.
You need proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to get a new license; the exact documents accepted are listed on the DPS website.
A standard driver's license is valid for six years in Texas, and you can renew it in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation.
DPS charges a fee for each transaction — new licenses, renewals, and replacements all have different costs that you pay at the time of your visit.
If you fail the written or driving test, you can retake it after a waiting period; DPS staff will tell you when you are may be able to access to test again.

Documents You Need to Bring to a DPS Office

Before you go to a DPS Driver License office, gather three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. DPS has a specific list of documents that count for each category, and not all documents work for all purposes.

For proof of identity, DPS accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a previous Texas driver's license or ID card. If you are explore for your first license and do not have a passport or military ID, a certified birth certificate (ordered from the vital records office in the county where you were born) works. For proof of residency, DPS accepts a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your current address — it must be dated within the last 30 days. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration.

The DPS website lists all accepted documents for each category. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies usually do not work. If you are unsure whether a document will be accepted, call the DPS office you plan to visit before you go.

Getting a New Driver's License for the First Time

If you have never had a Texas driver's license, you must visit a DPS office in person. You cannot do this by mail or online. Bring the three types of documents listed above, plus a completed DL 43 form (the process for a driver's license), which you can print from the DPS website or fill out at the office.

At the office, you will take a written test about Texas traffic laws and road signs. The test is multiple choice and covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, and what different signs mean. You can study using the Texas Driver's Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test. The driving test is usually scheduled for a different day, and DPS will tell you when your appointment is. During the driving test, a DPS examiner sits in your car while you drive and evaluates whether you can safely operate a vehicle.

Once you pass both tests, DPS will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days, depending on the office. You will pay a fee at the time of your visit — the cost varies depending on the type of license and how long it is valid for.

Renewing Your Texas Driver's License

A standard Texas driver's license is valid for six years. You can renew it before it expires, and DPS recommends doing so at least 60 days before the expiration date printed on your license. Depending on your situation, you have three options: renew in person at a DPS office, renew by mail, or renew online.

Online renewal is available if your license is not expired and you have not had any major changes (like a new address or name change). You go to the DPS website, enter your license number and other information, pay the fee with a credit or debit card, and your renewed license is mailed to you. This takes about one to two weeks.

Renewal by mail is also available for some people. You fill out a form, include a check or money order, and mail it to the DPS address listed on the form. This takes longer than online renewal — usually three to four weeks — because the mail has to travel both ways.

In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license is expired, if you have changed your name or address, or if you want to update your photo. You bring your current license and pay the renewal fee. You do not have to retake the written or driving test unless DPS asks you to.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can get a replacement. Go to a DPS office and bring proof of identity and proof of residency (the same documents listed above). You will fill out a form and pay a replacement fee, which is usually lower than the cost of a new license. DPS will issue your replacement on the spot or mail it to you within a few days.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police as well, though this is not required to get a replacement from DPS. Reporting it creates a record in case someone tries to use your stolen license.

Changing Your Name or Address on Your License

If you change your name (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change) or move to a new address, you must update your license. You can do this at a DPS office by bringing your current license, proof of your new name or address, and the required identity and residency documents. DPS will issue you a new license with the updated information and charge a fee for the change.

You do not have to wait until your license expires to make these changes. It is a good idea to update your address as soon as you move, because your license is used as proof of residency for many other purposes.

Understanding DPS Fees and Processing Times

DPS charges different fees depending on what you are doing: getting a new license costs more than renewing one, and a replacement costs less than either. Fees also vary based on how long your license is valid for — a six-year license costs more than a shorter-term license. You pay the fee at the time of your visit or when you submit your process by mail or online.

Processing times depend on how you explore. If you renew online or by mail, your license is mailed to you and takes one to four weeks to arrive. If you explore in person at a DPS office, you may get your license the same day or it may be mailed to you within a few days — the office will tell you which. If you fail a test and need to retake it, DPS sets a waiting period before you can test again; the office will tell you the exact date you are may be able to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license online if it is already expired?

No. Online renewal is only available if your license is still valid. If your license has expired, you must renew in person at a DPS office or by mail. Bring your expired license and proof of residency.

What happens if I fail the written or driving test?

You can retake the test after a waiting period set by DPS. The office will tell you the exact date you are may be able to access to test again. You do not have to pay the full license fee again — you only pay a retest fee, which is lower.

Do I need an appointment to visit a DPS Driver License office?

Some DPS offices accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. Check the DPS website for your local office to see whether you need to schedule ahead. Many offices let you book an appointment online or by phone.

What if I move to Texas from another state and already have a driver's license?

You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Texas license at a DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of residency in Texas, and proof of your Social Security number. You will take a written test but usually not a driving test, unless DPS determines it is necessary.

How long does it take to get a Texas driver's license if I am explore for the first time?

The whole process usually takes two to four weeks from your first visit to a DPS office. You take the written test at your first visit, schedule the driving test for a later date, and once you pass both tests, your license is issued or mailed to you.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.