What you need to get a Texas driver license

Texas issues driver licenses through the Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the process depends on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost card. 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 check your identity, take your photograph, and administer a written test and driving test if you are a new driver.

The state requires specific documents before you walk in. You must bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Security number or a document showing it. If you are renewing or replacing a license, you will also need your current or expired license card. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most documents.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with original identity documents, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
  • A standard five-year driver license costs $16 in Texas, and a REAL ID-compliant license costs $32 and requires additional documentation.
  • New drivers must pass a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test; renewal applicants do not take tests.
  • Processing times vary by office location, but most new licenses are issued the same day or within a few days if you pass all tests.
  • Texas offers a junior driver license for drivers under 18, which has restrictions on nighttime driving and passenger limits.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Texas groups required documents into three categories: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. For identity, bring one original document from the state's approved list — a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. A driver license from another state counts as identity proof if it is not expired.

For residency, bring one document dated within the last 90 days showing your current Texas address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, and insurance documents all work. A government check or tax return with your address is also acceptable. If you live with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus that bill itself, will satisfy the requirement.

For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a document from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a driver license, but you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for a number, or documentation of your immigration status.

Cost and license types in Texas

A standard five-year driver license costs $16. A REAL ID-compliant license, which meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings, costs $32 and requires one additional document — typically a birth certificate or passport. The REAL ID card has a gold star in the upper right corner and is valid for five years from issue.

Texas also issues a junior driver license for drivers under 18. This license costs $16 and is valid until the driver turns 18, at which point they must renew it as a standard adult license. A junior license comes with restrictions: the driver cannot operate a vehicle between midnight and 5 a.m. (with limited exceptions for school, work, or medical emergencies), and they cannot carry more than one passenger under 21 unless a licensed adult over 21 is in the vehicle.

If you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license, the replacement fee is $11. If you are renewing a license that has not yet expired, the cost is the same as a new license ($16 or $32 for REAL ID). Payment is cash, check, or card at the DPS office.

Written test and driving test requirements

If you are a new driver or your license has been expired for more than two years, you must pass a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test. The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass.

The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner at the license office or at a separate testing location. You will drive for about 10 to 15 minutes on public roads while the examiner watches and scores your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to hazards. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you may have to pay a retest fee (which varies by office) and wait a few days before your next attempt.

If you are renewing a license that expired less than two years ago, you do not have to retake the written or driving test. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.

How to find a DPS office and schedule an appointment

Texas has more than 130 DPS driver license offices across the state. You can find the office nearest you using the DPS office locator on the Texas Department of Public Safety website. The locator shows office hours, address, phone number, and services offered at each location.

Many offices now use an online appointment system. You can schedule an appointment through the DPS website, which often reduces wait times from several hours to 30 minutes or less. Walk-ins are still accepted at most offices, but you may wait longer. Some offices are busier than others — offices in large cities often have longer wait times than rural locations, and certain times of year (such as before school starts) see higher volume.

Call the office directly if you have questions about what documents to bring or whether you need an appointment. Staff can tell you what to expect and whether your specific situation requires anything beyond the standard documents.

Renewing or replacing your Texas driver license

If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes. You will need your driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed process form (DL-44), and payment to the DPS. The form is available on the DPS website. Processing takes about two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DPS office is when ready if you pass any required vision test and your documents are in order.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and will have to retake the written and driving tests. If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can report it to the DPS and request a replacement. A replacement is issued the same day if you visit an office in person.

Special situations: name changes, address changes, and out-of-state transfers

If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update your driver license. Bring your current license and a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You can update your name in person at a DPS office, and a new license will be issued the same day.

If you move to a new address within Texas, you must update your address on your driver license within 30 days. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. An address change does not require a new photo or test — it is a straightforward update that takes a few minutes.

If you are moving to Texas from another state and have a valid out-of-state driver license, you can transfer it. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of Social Security number to a DPS office. You will not have to retake the written or driving test if your out-of-state license is still valid, but you will have a new photo taken and pay the Texas license fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you pass both the written and driving tests at a DPS office, your license is usually issued the same day or within a few days. The office will give you a temporary paper license to use while your plastic card is printed and mailed. The plastic card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt. Some offices require you to wait longer or schedule a new appointment. You will pay a retest fee, which varies by location but is usually between $5 and $10. You can take the test as many times as needed until you pass.

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

You can renew online only if your license expired less than two years ago. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at a DPS office and retake the written and driving tests. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as in-person renewal.

Do I need a REAL ID driver license to fly within the United States?

Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant driver license or passport is required to board domestic flights in the United States. A standard Texas driver license without the gold star will not be accepted at airport security. You can upgrade to a REAL ID license by visiting a DPS office and paying the additional $16 fee, plus bringing the required extra identity document.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still get a Texas driver license without a Social Security number. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for a number, or bring documentation of your immigration status (such as a visa or work permit). The DPS will issue you a license with a different identifier instead of a Social Security number.