What documents you need to bring to the DPS office

Texas requires you to bring five categories of documents when you explore for a driver license at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, proof of lawful presence in the United States, and a completed process form. The specific documents that satisfy each category vary — for example, a U.S. passport works for identity, but so does a certified birth certificate plus a government-issued photo ID.

The DPS website lists acceptable documents for each category, and you can bring more than one if you are unsure whether a single document will be accepted. Bringing extras is faster than making a second trip. 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, and you will receive a driver license without a number printed on it.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity, Social Security number, Texas residency, and lawful presence — the DPS website lists which documents count for each.
  • Your process form (DL-44) can be filled out at home before you go, which speeds up your visit to the DPS office.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process and bring their own ID to the office.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test — bring your current license or ID to the test appointment.
  • The fee for a five-year license is $33; a six-year license costs $48 (prices as of 2024 and subject to change).

How to fill out the DL-44 process form

The DL-44 is the official Texas driver license process. You can read it from the DPS website and fill it out at home, or you can fill it out in the office — either way saves time compared to handwriting it under pressure. The form asks for your full legal name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and whether you want to donate organs. It also asks whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving, such as epilepsy or severe hearing loss.

Answer the medical questions honestly. If you check yes to any of them, the DPS may require a medical evaluation from your doctor before issuing your license, but hiding a condition can result in your license being revoked later. Sign and date the form before you go to the office — if you are under 18, your parent or guardian must also sign it in front of a DPS employee.

What happens at your first DPS office visit

Bring all your documents, your completed DL-44 form, and your Social Security card or letter (if you do not have a number). A DPS employee will verify your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. You will then take a written test on Texas traffic laws — the test has 30 questions and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You will also take a vision test; if you do not meet the standard, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving.

After you pass the written and vision tests, you will schedule a driving test appointment. The DPS will issue you a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days while you wait for your appointment. This temporary license allows you to drive legally in Texas during that period. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no additional cost.

The driving test and what the examiner checks

Your driving test appointment will be scheduled within a few weeks of your office visit, though wait times vary by location. Bring your temporary license, your Social Security card or ID, and the vehicle you will be tested in — the vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that your mirrors are adjusted, your seat is positioned correctly, and your seatbelt works before you start driving.

During the test, the examiner watches how you handle basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. They also check that you obey traffic signs and signals, maintain safe speed, and stay in your lane. The test usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it, though you may have to pay a retest fee (the amount varies by DPS office). If you pass, the examiner will tell you on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks.

Age-specific requirements for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, you must first obtain a learner permit before you can take the driving test. To get a learner permit, you follow the same document and process process as an adult, but you must have a parent or guardian sign your DL-44 form in the office. You must also complete a driver education course — either a classroom course or an online course approved by the Texas Education Agency — and bring proof of completion to the DPS office.

Once you have your learner permit, you must hold it for at least six months before you can take the driving test. During those six months, you can only drive with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front passenger seat. After you pass the driving test, you will receive a provisional license, which has restrictions until you turn 18: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving (except in emergencies).

Renewing or replacing your Texas driver license

If your license is expiring, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office — the method depends on whether your license is still valid and whether you have had any changes to your name or address. If your license is still valid and you have not moved, you can renew online through the DPS website without visiting an office. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about one week.

If your license has expired, you have been convicted of a traffic offense, or you have changed your name or address, you must renew in person. If your license is lost or stolen, you can report it to the DPS and request a replacement at any DPS office. Bring your ID and proof of residency, and pay the replacement fee. A replacement license arrives by mail within two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the driving test in a vehicle that is not registered in my name?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured, but it does not have to be registered to you. Many people use a family member's vehicle for the test. Make sure the registration and insurance documents are in the vehicle so the examiner can verify them.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at no extra cost, or you can come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people pass on the second attempt after studying the Texas Driver Handbook, which the DPS provides free online.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or is a letter from Social Security enough?

Either one works. If you do not have your card, a letter from the Social Security Administration stating your number is acceptable. You can request a replacement card from Social Security if you have lost yours.

How long does it take to get my permanent license after I pass the driving test?

Your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks of passing the test. Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days, so you can drive legally while you wait. If you need your license sooner, some DPS offices offer expedited mail for an additional fee.

What if I move to Texas from another state — do I have to take the driving test again?

No. If you have a valid driver license from another state, you can exchange it for a Texas license without retaking the test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security card to a DPS office. You will still need to pass the written test on Texas traffic laws and the vision test.