Texas DPS sets specific requirements before you can hold a license

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues driver's licenses only to people who meet certain age, residency, and identity requirements. You must be at least 16 years old to hold any class of license, though the rules differ slightly depending on whether you want a learner permit, a restricted license, or an unrestricted license. You also must prove you live in Texas, show your legal name and date of birth, and demonstrate that you have a valid Social Security number or a valid reason you cannot provide one.

The state does not issue licenses to people who are not lawfully present in the United States, with one exception: Texas allows certain undocumented immigrants to hold a license under the Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL) program, which requires proof of continuous residence in Texas for at least two years and a valid foreign passport or consular ID. Most other states do not recognize a TVDL outside Texas.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old and a Texas resident to hold any driver's license issued by DPS.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or a valid reason you do not have one.
  • Texas allows certain undocumented immigrants to hold a Temporary Visitor Driver's License if they have lived in Texas continuously for at least two years.
  • If you have had your license suspended or revoked, you must resolve the reason for suspension before DPS will issue a new one.

Age and license class requirements

Texas issues three classes of driver's license based on age. A learner permit is available at age 14 if you are enrolled in a driver education course, or at age 15 if you complete the course. A learner permit allows you to drive only with a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front seat, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

A restricted license is available at age 16 if you have held a learner permit for at least six months and have not received any traffic violations or been involved in a crash during that time. A restricted license lets you drive without supervision during daylight hours but still prohibits driving between midnight and 5 a.m. You can remove the restrictions at age 17 or after you have held the restricted license for six months without violations.

An unrestricted license is available at age 18 without any prior permit or license, or earlier if you meet the conditions above. Once you hold an unrestricted license, you can drive at any hour and carry passengers of any age.

Documents you must bring to DPS

DPS requires you to bring original or certified documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. For proof of identity, you can bring a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular ID card, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. A school ID or a library card will not work on its own.

For proof of residency, you need a document dated within the last 90 days that shows your name and a Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a property tax bill, or a government notice. A cell phone bill or a credit card statement will not work unless it is from a bank or financial institution.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one, or you can sign an affidavit under penalty of perjury stating that you do not have one. DPS will issue a license without a Social Security number if you provide one of these documents.

Residency requirements and how to prove them

You must be a Texas resident to hold a standard driver's license. DPS defines residency as living in Texas with the intent to remain there, not just visiting or passing through. You do not need to own a home or have lived in Texas for a specific length of time — renting an apartment, staying with family, or living in a shelter all count as residency if you can show a document with your name and Texas address dated within the last 90 days.

If you have recently moved to Texas and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can bring a letter from your landlord or a family member on their letterhead stating that you live at that address, along with a copy of their ID and proof of their residency. Some DPS offices will also accept an affidavit signed in front of a DPS employee stating your address and intent to remain in Texas.

When DPS will deny or delay your license

DPS will not issue a license if you have an active suspension or revocation on your driving record. A suspension usually results from unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court. A revocation usually results from a DUI conviction, reckless driving, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. You must resolve the underlying issue — pay the fine, appear in court, or complete a required program — before you can renew or obtain a license.

DPS will also deny a license if you do not pass the written test, the vision test, or the driving test. You can retake any of these tests, but you must wait at least one day between attempts. If you fail the written test, you can study the Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS provides free online and at every DPS office. If you fail the vision test, you may need glasses or contacts, or you may need to see an eye doctor to rule out a medical condition.

If you are under 18, DPS will not issue a license if you do not have proof that you are enrolled in school or have a high school diploma or GED. This requirement applies to learner permits and restricted licenses but not to unrestricted licenses issued at age 18 or older.

Temporary Visitor Driver's License for undocumented immigrants

Texas allows certain undocumented immigrants to hold a Temporary Visitor Driver's License (TVDL) under a state law that went into effect in 2015. To hold a TVDL, you must prove that you have lived in Texas continuously for at least two years, provide a valid foreign passport or consular ID, and pass the written, vision, and driving tests. You do not need a Social Security number or proof of lawful presence.

A TVDL is valid for two years and can be renewed for another two years. It looks similar to a standard Texas driver's license but has the words "Temporary Visitor" printed on it and does not have a star in the upper right corner (which indicates a REAL ID-compliant license). A TVDL is not valid for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building, but it is valid for driving and for some state purposes such as opening a bank account or obtaining car insurance.

How to renew or replace your license

If your license is expiring soon or has expired, you can renew it online through the DPS website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must not have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive, and you must not be changing your name or address. If you renew online, you do not need to visit a DPS office or bring documents, and the new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DPS office in person and bring the same documents you would bring to obtain a new license. If your license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement by visiting a DPS office or by mail. A replacement license costs less than a renewal and does not require you to retake the tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver's license if I have a criminal record?

A criminal record alone does not disqualify you from holding a license. However, certain convictions — such as a DUI, reckless driving, or a felony involving a vehicle — can result in a suspension or revocation. You must resolve the suspension or revocation before DPS will issue a license. Contact your local DPS office or check your driving record online to find out whether you have an active suspension.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can hold a Texas driver's license without a Social Security number if you bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one, or if you sign an affidavit under penalty of perjury stating that you do not have one. DPS will issue the license with a different identifier in place of the Social Security number.

How long does it take to get a Texas driver's license?

If you pass all the tests on your first visit, DPS will issue your license on the same day. If you fail a test, you must wait at least one day before retaking it. If you renew online, your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Processing times at DPS offices vary by location and can range from 30 minutes to several hours depending on how busy the office is.

Do I need a REAL ID-compliant license to fly domestically?

Yes, as of May 2025, you must have a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of ID to board a domestic flight. A standard Texas driver's license with a star in the upper right corner is REAL ID-compliant. A Temporary Visitor Driver's License is not. You can upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license by visiting a DPS office and bringing additional proof of identity and residency.