What You Need to Do to Get a Texas Driver's License
To get a Texas driver's license, you will visit a 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 start to finish because you cannot take both tests on the same day — you must pass the written test first, then schedule your driving test afterward. Most people complete everything within four to six weeks if they schedule appointments promptly.
Texas does not mail licenses to your home. You pick up your license at the DPS office where you passed your driving test. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present for both the written test and the driving test.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original birth certificate or passport, proof of Texas residency (like a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number to your first DPS visit.
- The written test covers traffic laws and road signs and you can take it at any DPS office; you do not need to schedule an appointment for this part.
- After you pass the written test, you schedule your driving test separately, which is the only part that requires an appointment.
- The total fee for a five-year license is $16 for those 18 and older; the fee varies for drivers under 18 and for commercial licenses.
- You can renew your license by mail or online if you are not changing your address, name, or other information, but your first license must be obtained in person.
Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
Bring an original birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport. A photocopy will not work — DPS staff will examine the original document. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card.
You also need proof of Texas residency. Acceptable documents include a current utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement with your name and current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.
Bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number visible. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring the original or a certified copy.
Taking the Written Test at a DPS Office
Walk into any DPS office during business hours with your documents. You do not need an appointment for the written test. Tell the staff member at the counter that you want to take the written test for a driver's license. They will check your documents, take your photograph, and collect the fee. For a five-year license if you are 18 or older, the fee is $16.
You will then sit at a computer terminal and take a 30-question multiple-choice test about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 45 minutes to complete it. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no additional cost, or you can leave and return another day.
Once you pass the written test, you will receive a receipt. Keep this receipt — you will need it when you schedule your driving test. The written test result is valid for one year, so you have 12 months to schedule and pass your driving test.
Scheduling and Taking Your Driving Test
After you pass the written test, you must schedule your driving test at a DPS office. You can schedule online at the Texas DPS website, by phone at 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-377-8935), or in person at any DPS office. You will need your receipt from the written test. Driving test appointments typically have a wait of two to four weeks depending on the office location and the time of year.
On the day of your driving test, bring your receipt from the written test, your original documents again (birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number), and a vehicle that is registered and insured in Texas. The vehicle must be in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before you drive.
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You will drive on local streets while the examiner watches and scores your performance. You will be tested on basic skills like starting the vehicle, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must schedule another appointment and wait for the next available slot.
Picking Up Your License and What Happens Next
After you pass your driving test, you do not leave with a license in hand. Instead, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office within 7 to 10 business days. You should receive it within two weeks in most cases.
While you are waiting for your permanent license to arrive, the temporary paper license is your legal proof that you can drive. Keep it with you when you drive. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid.
If your permanent license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DPS by phone or visit a DPS office in person. Bring your temporary license and ask them to check the status of your order.
Renewing Your License Later
Once you have your first Texas license, renewing it is simpler. If you are renewing before your license expires and you are not changing your address, name, or other information, you can renew by mail or online. You will not need to take another written or driving test.
To renew online, visit the Texas DPS website and follow the renewal process. You will need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee for a five-year renewal is $16 for those 18 and older. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
If you are changing your address, name, or other information, or if your license has already expired, you will need to visit a DPS office in person and repeat parts of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my driving test in a different city than where I took my written test?
Yes. You can take your written test at one DPS office and schedule your driving test at a different DPS office in another city. Your written test result is valid statewide for one year. However, you will pick up your license at the office where you passed your driving test, so choose your driving test location with that in mind.
What if I fail my driving test?
You can retake it, but you must schedule a new appointment and wait for the next available slot. There is no additional fee for retaking the test. You can take the driving test as many times as you need, as long as your written test result has not expired (within one year of passing it).
Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured in Texas and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before you drive. You cannot use a vehicle belonging to the DPS office or the testing facility.
How long is a Texas driver's license valid?
A standard driver's license for someone 18 or older is valid for five years. Licenses for drivers under 18 are valid until age 18, then you must renew. Commercial driver's licenses have different validity periods depending on the type.
What if I move to Texas from another state and already have a valid driver's license?
You can drive on your out-of-state license for a limited time, but you must get a Texas license within a certain period. Contact the DPS or visit their website to learn the specific timeline for your situation. You will need to take the written test and driving test to get a Texas license, even if you have a valid license from another state.