Texas DPS driver license requirements depend on your age, citizenship status, and whether you are getting your first license or renewing

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires all applicants to prove identity, residency, and Social Security number status before issuing a driver license. The exact documents you bring depend on whether you are a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a visa holder. Texas also has different rules for minors, adults, and people renewing after their license expires.

You cannot get a Texas driver license by mail or online. You must visit a DPS driver license office in person, bring original documents (not copies), and pass a written test and driving test. The office will take your photograph and fingerprints during your visit.

Key Takeaways

  • All applicants must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
  • U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents follow the standard path; visa holders and undocumented immigrants have separate processes with different document requirements.
  • Texas requires a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs, plus a behind-the-wheel driving test before you receive your license.
  • Minors under 18 need parental consent, proof of school enrollment or graduation, and must complete a driver education course before taking the driving test.
  • You must visit a DPS office in person with original documents; the process cannot be completed online or by mail.

Documents required for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents

If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you need three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

For proof of identity, bring one of these original documents: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate with a raised seal, a military ID card, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A photocopy or digital image will not be accepted. If your birth certificate does not have a raised seal, DPS will not accept it.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days showing your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name. A post office box does not count as proof of residency. If you live with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for one.

What visa holders and undocumented immigrants must bring

Texas issues driver licenses to people who are not U.S. citizens if they meet specific conditions. The document requirements differ from the standard path.

Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) follow the same process as U.S. citizens but must bring their green card as proof of identity instead of a passport or birth certificate. Bring the same residency and Social Security documents as any other applicant.

Visa holders (people on temporary visas such as H-1B, F-1, or L-1) can get a driver license if their visa is valid and they have a valid passport. Bring your passport, visa, and I-94 arrival/departure record (available at cbp.gov). You still need proof of residency and either a Social Security number or an ITIN. Your license will expire on the same date as your visa or your passport, whichever comes first.

Undocumented immigrants can get a Texas driver license under the Temporary Visitor Driver License (TVDL) program if they have been in Texas for at least six months. You must bring a birth certificate, proof of residency (dated within 30 days), and an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You cannot use a Social Security number for a TVDL. The TVDL is valid for two years and cannot be renewed; you must reapply after expiration.

Age-specific requirements for minors

Applicants under 18 must meet additional requirements beyond the standard identity and residency documents. Texas has a graduated licensing system that restricts what minors can do while driving.

You must bring parental consent in the form of a notarized affidavit or a parent or legal guardian present at the DPS office. If a parent cannot attend, you can bring a notarized statement signed by that parent. DPS will not accept a photocopy of a notarized document; the original must be presented.

You must also bring proof of school enrollment or graduation. Bring a current school ID, a letter from your school on official letterhead, a transcript, or a high school diploma or GED certificate. If you are homeschooled, bring a letter from your parent stating you are enrolled in a homeschool program.

Before you can take the driving test, you must complete a driver education course approved by the Texas Education Agency. This is a classroom course, not an online course. You will receive a certificate of completion that you must bring to the DPS office. Minors who complete driver education can take the driving test at age 15; those without it must wait until age 16.

Written test and driving test requirements

After you submit your documents, you will take a written knowledge test covering Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. 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 return another day; there is no waiting period between attempts.

Once you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test with a DPS examiner. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working seat belts, mirrors, lights, and wipers. If the vehicle fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day.

You are allowed to take the driving test three times within a 12-month period. If you fail all three attempts, you must wait 12 months before you can retake the test. You do not have to retake the written test if you pass it; your written test score remains valid for one year.

Renewal and replacement of an expired or lost license

If your Texas driver license has expired, you can renew it in person at a DPS office or online through the DPS website if your license expired fewer than two years ago and you have not had any address changes. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and does not require a new photograph or test.

If your license was lost or stolen, you must report it to DPS and request a replacement. Bring your identity and residency documents to a DPS office. A replacement license costs the same as a renewal and will have a new license number. You do not need to retake the written or driving test for a replacement.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license as if you are getting your first one. You will need to retake both the written test and the driving test. Bring all the same documents you would bring for a first-time applicant.

Fees and how long the process takes

A Texas driver license costs between $16 and $32 depending on how long you want it to be valid. A standard license is valid for five years and costs $32. A license valid for eight years costs $48. Minors under 18 receive a license valid until their 18th birthday, which costs $16. TVDL licenses for undocumented immigrants cost $32 and are valid for two years.

The written test can be taken the same day you submit your documents, usually within an hour of arriving at the DPS office. The driving test is scheduled for a later date; wait times vary by location but typically range from one week to several weeks depending on how busy the local office is. Some DPS offices allow you to book a driving test appointment online; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

After you pass both tests, your license is printed on-site and you receive it before you leave the office. You do not have to wait for it to arrive by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy of my birth certificate or passport instead of the original?

No. DPS requires original documents only. A photograph, PDF, or digital image of your birth certificate or passport will not be accepted. You must bring the physical document to the DPS office.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident without a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for one. If you are a visa holder or undocumented immigrant, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. An ITIN is issued by the IRS and can be obtained by filing a tax return.

Do I have to take the driving test if I already have a license from another state?

Yes. Texas requires all new applicants to pass the written test and driving test, even if you hold a valid driver license from another state. You do not need to retake these tests if you are renewing a Texas license you already hold.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test up to two more times within 12 months without retaking the written test. If you fail all three attempts, you must wait 12 months before you can test again. You do not lose your written test score if you fail the driving test.

Can a minor get a driver license without completing driver education?

No. Driver education is required for all minors in Texas. Without it, you must wait until age 16 to take the driving test. With a driver education certificate, you can take the driving test at age 15.