What you need to get a Texas driver's license

To get a Texas driver's license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The entire process typically takes several weeks from process to receiving your license in the mail. You cannot complete this entirely online or by mail — you must appear at a DPS office for the written and driving exams.

Texas issues different types of licenses depending on your age and citizenship status. A standard driver's license is valid for six years if you are between 18 and 84 years old. If you are under 18, your license is valid for four years and comes with restrictions on when and where you can drive. You will need to decide which type of license fits your situation before you gather your documents.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to a DPS office — a birth certificate, utility bill, and Social Security card are the most common documents.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website.
  • The driving test happens at the same DPS office on the same day as your written test if you pass; you must bring a vehicle and a licensed adult to supervise if you are under 18.
  • The total fee is currently $33 for a six-year license, though this amount may vary; you pay at the DPS office when you explore.
  • Your license arrives by mail within two to three weeks after you pass both tests.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Texas requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot explore without all three, so gather everything before you go to the office.

For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, a consulate ID, or a military ID. A photocopy of your birth certificate does not work — it must be an original or certified copy from the vital records office in the county where you were born. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or consulate-issued ID.

For proof of residency, bring a current utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your current Texas address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 30 days. A cell phone bill, credit card statement, or insurance policy also works. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents that show your name and address, even if one is older than 30 days.

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 still get a license, but you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number.

How to prepare for the written test

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can request a test in other languages if you need one — call your local DPS office ahead of time to arrange this.

Study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the DPS website. The handbook covers everything on the test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies. Read through it at least once before your test date. Many people pass on their first try if they spend 30 minutes to an hour reviewing the handbook.

You can take the written test as many times as you need to pass, but you must wait one day between attempts. If you fail, you can schedule another test at the same DPS office or a different one. There is no additional fee for retaking the test.

Scheduling your DPS office visit and taking the driving test

Most DPS offices now require you to schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website. Go to the DPS homepage, select "Schedule an Appointment," choose your county and city, and pick a date and time that works for you. Some offices still accept walk-ins, but wait times are often several hours. Scheduling ahead saves time.

When you arrive at your appointment, you will take the written test first. If you pass, you will take the driving test the same day. For the driving test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that your lights, wipers, horn, and brakes work. If you are under 18, you must bring a licensed adult (parent, guardian, or someone at least 21) to supervise the test.

The driving test lasts about 20 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. They will also ask you to drive on city streets and possibly a highway. You must follow all traffic laws during the test. Common reasons people fail include rolling through stop signs, speeding, improper lane changes, and not checking mirrors. If you fail, you can retake the test after one day.

What happens after you pass both tests

Once you pass the written and driving tests, the DPS office will take your photograph and process your process. You will receive a temporary paper license that day, valid for 45 days. This temporary license allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

Your permanent Texas driver's license will arrive within two to three weeks. It is a plastic card with your photograph, signature, and license number. Check it carefully when it arrives to make sure all information is correct. If there is an error, contact your local DPS office to request a correction.

Your license is valid for six years from the date it is issued. You can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office starting 60 days before it expires. Renewal is simpler than the initial process and does not require another driving test unless the DPS requests one.

Special situations: under 18, non-citizens, and license suspensions

If you are under 18, you must first obtain a learner's permit before you can get a driver's license. The permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You must hold the permit for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test for a full license. The permit process process is the same as the license process, but the written test is slightly different and focuses more on safe driving for new drivers.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a Texas driver's license if you have a valid visa or other immigration document. Bring your passport and visa (or other immigration document) instead of a birth certificate. You do not need a Social Security number to get a license; you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration or straightforward leave that field blank on the process.

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot get a new one until the suspension or revocation period ends. Contact the DPS to find out the status of your license and when you are may be able to access to reapply. Suspensions are usually due to unpaid traffic tickets, DUI convictions, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations.

Fees and payment options

The current fee for a six-year Texas driver's license is $33. If you are under 18, the fee for a four-year license is $27. These fees are paid at the DPS office when you explore, and you can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card. Some offices may have different payment options, so call ahead if you want to confirm.

If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, the replacement fee is $11. If you need to change your name or address on your license, you can do this at a DPS office for $11, or you can renew your license early and pay the full renewal fee. Renewing early is sometimes cheaper if your license is close to expiring anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver's license if I was not born in Texas?

Yes. You can get a Texas driver's license no matter where you were born, as long as you bring proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or consulate ID), proof of residency in Texas, and proof of your Social Security number. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or consulate-issued ID instead of a birth certificate.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after waiting one day. There is no additional fee. You do not need to retake the written test unless more than one year has passed since you passed it. Schedule another appointment at a DPS office and bring the same vehicle and supervising adult (if you are under 18).

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

The timeline depends on how quickly you schedule your DPS appointment and how many attempts you need. If you pass both tests on your first try, you can complete the tests within a few weeks of scheduling. Your permanent license then arrives by mail within two to three weeks. Total time is typically four to six weeks, but can be longer if you need to retake either test.

Can I renew my Texas driver's license online?

Yes, if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not had certain medical conditions reported to the DPS. You can renew online starting 60 days before your license expires. Go to the DPS website, select "Renew Your License," and follow the steps. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal and takes about two weeks for your new license to arrive by mail.

What if I move to a different address in Texas?

You can update your address at a DPS office for $11, or you can wait and update it when you renew your license. You do not need to get a new license just to change your address. Bring proof of your new residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) to the DPS office to update your records.