What you need to know about Texas driver licenses right now
A Texas driver license is issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and serves as your legal proof that you can drive in Texas and other states. In 2025, the process for getting a new license or renewing an existing one follows the same basic steps it has for several years, though some documents and fees may have changed. You will need to visit a DPS office in person — you cannot complete this entirely online — and bring specific documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number.
Texas offers different types of licenses depending on your age and driving history. A standard driver license is valid for six years if you are under 85 years old. If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for two years. A commercial driver license (CDL), which allows you to drive large trucks or buses for work, has different requirements and a separate testing process.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with original or certified documents proving your identity, Texas residency, and Social Security number.
- A standard Texas driver license costs around $35 to $40 for a six-year license, though the exact fee depends on which office you visit and whether you are renewing or getting a new license.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test (unless you are renewing without major changes to your record).
- Processing times vary, but most people receive their license in the mail within two to three weeks after passing all tests.
- If you are moving to Texas from another state, you have a limited window to exchange your out-of-state license for a Texas one before you must take the full test.
Documents you must bring to a DPS office
The Texas DPS requires original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need one document that proves your identity (such as a U.S. passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate), one document that proves you live in Texas (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 30 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form).
If you are renewing a license and your name has not changed, you can sometimes use your current Texas license as proof of identity. However, if you are getting a license for the first time in Texas or your name has changed due to marriage or court order, you will need the full set of documents listed above. Bring originals whenever possible; the DPS office staff will tell you if a certified copy is acceptable for your situation.
If you are under 18, you will also need written consent from a parent or legal guardian, and that parent or guardian must be present at the DPS office when you explore.
The testing process for a new license
If you are getting a Texas driver license for the first time or your license has been expired for more than two years, you must pass three tests: a written knowledge test on Texas traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test. The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is available free on the DPS website and at every DPS office.
The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. The driving test takes place on a closed course or quiet road near the DPS office, and a DPS examiner sits in the car with you to watch your driving skills. You must demonstrate that you can start the car, control steering, brake smoothly, park, and follow traffic laws.
If you are renewing a license that is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you typically skip the tests and renew by mail or online through the DPS website, depending on your situation. However, if you have had traffic violations or your license was suspended, you may be required to retake the tests even during a renewal.
Fees and how long processing takes
A standard six-year Texas driver license costs between $35 and $40, depending on the DPS office and whether you are renewing or getting a new license for the first time. If you are 85 or older, a two-year license costs less. Some DPS offices accept cash, check, and card; others accept card only. Call your local DPS office before you go to confirm what payment methods they take.
After you pass all tests and pay the fee, the DPS mails your physical license to the address you provided. This usually takes two to three weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DPS office that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive. Keep that temporary license with you while driving.
Moving to Texas from another state
If you hold a valid driver license from another state and you move to Texas, you have 60 days to exchange it for a Texas license. During this 60-day window, you can renew your out-of-state license at a DPS office without retaking the written and driving tests — you will only need to pass the vision test and provide your documents proving Texas residency.
After the 60 days have passed, you must take the full test (written, vision, and driving) to get a Texas license. If your out-of-state license has already expired, you will also need to take all three tests regardless of how long you have lived in Texas. The 60-day window starts from the date you establish Texas residency, which is usually the date on your lease or utility bill.
Renewing your license by mail or online
If your Texas driver license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, and you have no major changes to report (such as a name change or address change), you may be able to renew by mail or through the DPS website without visiting an office. The DPS website has a tool that tells you whether you are may be able to access for online renewal based on your license number and date of birth.
Mail renewal takes longer than in-person renewal — typically four to six weeks — because your documents must be mailed to the DPS, processed, and your new license mailed back to you. Online renewal is faster and you can track your process status on the DPS website. However, not everyone is may be able to access for either option; if you have had certain violations or your license was suspended, you must renew in person at a DPS office.
Special situations: CDL, duplicate licenses, and address changes
A commercial driver license (CDL) is required if you drive a truck over 26,000 pounds or any vehicle carrying hazardous materials for work. The CDL process is more involved than a standard license: you must pass additional written tests on vehicle safety and cargo handling, pass a medical examination, and pass a more rigorous driving test. You must also hold a valid standard Texas driver license first. The CDL costs more than a standard license and takes longer to process.
If you need a duplicate license because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request one at a DPS office or online. A duplicate costs less than a new license and does not require retesting. If you are changing your address only (not your name), you can update it online through the DPS website or at a DPS office without renewing your entire license, though you will receive a new card with the updated address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver license online if it expired more than two years ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must visit a DPS office in person and retake the written, vision, and driving tests. The two-year window is strict, so check your license expiration date before you try to renew online.
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. You will pay the test fee again each time you retake it. Most DPS offices allow you to schedule your next test right away or online through the DPS website.
Do I need to take a test if I am renewing my license and my record is clean?
If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago and you have no violations or suspensions, you typically only need to pass a vision test during renewal, or you may skip tests entirely if you renew by mail or online. However, if you have had traffic violations, your license was suspended, or you are over 85, different rules explore.
How do I find the DPS office nearest to me?
The Texas DPS website has a location finder where you can enter your city or ZIP code to see all nearby offices, their hours, and which services they offer. Some offices handle only renewals, while others handle new licenses and CDLs. Call ahead to confirm they offer the service you need.
What if my name changed since I got my last license?
You must visit a DPS office in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will need to retake the written and driving tests unless you are renewing within the normal window and meet other renewal conditions.