What you need to bring to the Texas DPS office

To get a new Texas driver license, you will need to visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person. Bring your current license if you have one, or a form of identification that shows your name and date of birth — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card all work. You will also need to show proof of your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or a W-2 form.

Proof of residency in Texas is required. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days and showing your current address. If you are a new Texas resident, bring documentation showing when you moved to the state — a signed lease or utility bill with your move-in date works.

If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order is what DPS will ask for.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person; you cannot renew or get a new license online or by mail.
  • Bring your current license or another photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof you live in Texas.
  • The fee for a new driver license is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license as of 2024, though fees may change.
  • You will take a vision test and written knowledge test at the DPS office, then a driving test at a separate appointment.
  • Processing time is usually one to two weeks for a standard license, but expedited options exist if you need it faster.

The vision and written tests at the DPS office

Once you arrive at the DPS office with your documents, you will take a vision screening to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. This is a straightforward test done at the office — no appointment needed for this part. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

Next comes the written knowledge test. This covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS publishes free online at the Texas DPS website. The test has 30 questions, and you need to answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You get one attempt on the day you visit, though you can return on another day if you fail.

The driving test and what happens after

The driving test is scheduled separately from your office visit — you cannot do it the same day. DPS will give you a date and time when you pass the written test. At your driving test appointment, a DPS examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you bring) and watch you perform basic driving tasks: starting, stopping, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. The test usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

If you pass the driving test, your new license is printed at that appointment or mailed to you within one to two weeks. If you fail, you can schedule another test, though there may be a waiting period before you can retake it.

Fees and how long it takes

A new four-year Texas driver license costs $33. An eight-year license costs $66. These are the standard fees as of 2024, though you should confirm the current fee when you visit or call your local DPS office, as fees can change. Payment is usually by cash, check, or card — ask your office which methods they accept.

From the day you pass your driving test to the day you receive your license in the mail typically takes one to two weeks. If you need your license faster, some DPS offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee — usually around $10 to $15 more — which can cut the time to a few business days. Call your local office to ask if this option is available.

If you are under 18 or a new resident

If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign your process at the DPS office. You will also need to complete a driver education course before you can take the written test — this is a state requirement. Many high schools offer this course, or you can take it through a private driving school.

If you are a new Texas resident and already have a valid driver license from another state, you can exchange it for a Texas license without retaking the written and driving tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Texas, and proof of your Social Security number. The fee is the same as for a new license.

Finding your nearest DPS office and scheduling

You can find the DPS office closest to you on the Texas DPS website. Most offices accept walk-ins, but wait times vary — some offices have long lines, especially on Fridays and at the end of the month. Many DPS offices now let you schedule an appointment online through their website, which can save you time. Check your local office's page to see if appointments are available.

Call ahead if you are unsure whether you have all the documents you need. DPS staff can tell you exactly what to bring so you do not make a wasted trip. The phone number for your local office is on the DPS website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?

You will need to provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or another form of identification that DPS accepts in place of a Social Security number. Contact your local DPS office to ask what documents they will take as proof of identity in your situation.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test on another day at the same DPS office. There is usually no waiting period between attempts, though some offices may ask you to wait a few days. You will pay the test fee again if your office charges one separately.

Do I need to bring my vehicle to the driving test?

Yes, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will inspect it before the test. If you do not have access to a vehicle, ask your DPS office whether they have a list of local driving schools that provide test vehicles.

What if I move to a different Texas city after I get my license?

You do not need to get a new license if you move within Texas. Your license remains valid at your old address. However, you should update your address with DPS when you have time — you can do this online through the Texas DPS website or at any DPS office.

How long is a Texas driver license good for?

A four-year license expires four years from the date it is issued. An eight-year license expires eight years from the date it is issued. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail a few months before it expires.