How to Get a Texas Driver's License or ID Card

What You Need to Know Before You Go to the DMV

Texas issues two separate documents: a driver's license if you want to drive, and a Texas ID card if you need state identification but don't drive. Both are issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), not a separate DMV office. You cannot get either one online or by mail — you must visit a DPS driver license office in person, bring specific documents, and pay a fee at that time.

The process takes about 30 to 45 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You'll take a photo, pass a vision test, and answer questions about your address and driving history. If you're renewing an existing license or ID, the steps are simpler than getting one for the first time.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Texas DPS driver license office in person with original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency.
A driver's license costs $33 and is valid for eight years; a Texas ID card costs $16 and is valid for six years.
You'll need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test if you're getting a driver's license for the first time.
You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.

Documents You Must Bring to the Office

Bring originals, not copies. The DPS will not accept photocopies or digital images. You need three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, or a consular report of birth. If you're under 18, your parent or guardian must be present with their own ID.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. A tax return also works.

For proof of Texas residency, bring one document dated within the last 30 days showing your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government check. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

If you're renewing and your address hasn't changed, you may not need a residency document — bring your current license and ask the clerk. If you're changing your name, bring the original court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that shows the legal change.

Getting a Driver's License for the First Time

If you've never held a Texas driver's license, you'll take a written knowledge test and a driving test. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which the DPS publishes free on its website. Most people study for a few hours to a few days before taking the test.

The driving test happens after you pass the written test. 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 backing up. You must have a valid learner's permit or a license from another state to take the driving test. If you don't have either, you'll need to get a learner's permit first, which requires passing the written test and paying a separate fee.

If you fail either test, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake a test, but you'll pay the full license fee each time you test.

Renewing or Replacing an Existing License or ID

If your Texas license or ID is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew it without retaking the written or driving test. Bring your current license or ID card along with your other documents. The process is faster than getting one for the first time because you skip the tests.

If your license or ID was lost, stolen, or damaged, you're replacing it rather than renewing it. Bring a police report if it was stolen. You'll pay the same fee as a renewal and won't need to retake tests. If your license expired more than two years ago, you'll need to retake the written test and may need to retake the driving test depending on how long it's been expired — ask the clerk when you arrive.

Texas allows you to renew your license or ID by mail if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired more than two years, you must be between 18 and 84 years old, and you must not have any medical conditions that affect your driving. If you're may be able to access, you can request a renewal form from the DPS website or ask for one at any driver license office.

Fees and How Long Your License Lasts

A driver's license costs $33 and is valid for eight years from the date of issue. A Texas ID card costs $16 and is valid for six years. Both fees are paid at the office when you complete your process — cash, debit card, and credit card are accepted.

If you're under 18, your license is valid for four years instead of eight and costs $16. Once you turn 18, you can renew it for the full eight-year term at the regular $33 price.

Your license or ID card will be mailed to the address you provide at the office. Standard mail delivery takes about 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, you can request expedited delivery for an additional fee, though this is not available at all offices.

Finding an Office and Checking Wait Times

Visit the Texas DPS website and use the driver license office locator tool. Enter your city or ZIP code to find offices near you, their hours, and current wait times. Wait times are updated throughout the day and can vary widely — some offices have 15-minute waits while others have two-hour waits at the same time of day.

Offices are typically less crowded early in the morning on weekdays and more crowded during lunch hours and late afternoons. Avoid Mondays and Fridays if possible, as these tend to be busier. Some offices accept walk-ins only, while others allow you to reserve a time slot online — check your local office's policy before you go.

If your nearest office has a long wait, check whether a different office in your area has a shorter one. You can visit any DPS driver license office in Texas, not just the one closest to your address.

What Happens If You Fail the Vision or Knowledge Test

The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you fail, you can retake it when ready at the same office. If you fail again, you'll need to see an eye doctor and bring a letter from them stating you can drive safely. Some people need to wear glasses or contacts while driving — if that's the case, your license will have a restriction code noting this.

If you fail the written knowledge test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There's no waiting period between attempts. Study the Texas Driver Handbook more thoroughly before your next attempt, or ask friends or family who have passed the test what topics they found most important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas ID card if I already have a driver's license?

Yes, but there's no practical reason to. A driver's license serves as both a driving permit and a state ID card. If you want to stop driving and keep only an ID card, you can surrender your license and get an ID card instead, but you cannot hold both at the same time.

What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use a military ID, a consular report of birth, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. If you don't have any of these, contact the DPS office before you go — they can tell you what other documents might work in your situation.

Do I need to take the written test again if I'm renewing my license?

No, not if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. If it's been expired longer than two years, you'll retake the written test. You won't retake the driving test unless your license has been expired more than a certain period — ask the clerk when you call or visit.

What if I moved to Texas from another state?

You'll need to get a Texas license or ID card. Bring your out-of-state license along with your other documents. If you're getting a driver's license, you can use your out-of-state license as proof that you've already passed a driving test in another state — you may not need to retake the Texas driving test, though you will take the written test. Ask the clerk about this when you arrive.

How do I change my name on my license?

Bring the original court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that shows your legal name change. You'll fill out a new process and pay the full license fee. The process is the same as renewing, except you'll get a new license with your updated name instead of just renewing your current one.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.