Where to get a Texas driver's license and what the process looks like

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the state agency that issues driver's licenses. You cannot get a Texas license from any other office — all applications go through DPS, either in person at a local driver's license office or online for renewals. The process differs depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost or damaged card.

Most people visit a DPS driver's license office in their county to explore. You will need to bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole visit usually takes one to three hours, depending on how busy the office is that day. If you are renewing a license that is still valid, you can often skip the tests and do it online or by mail instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas Department of Public Safety operates all driver's license offices and is the only place to get a Texas license.
  • First-time applicants must visit in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a written knowledge test, and pass a driving test.
  • You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.
  • Renewals of valid licenses can often be done online or by mail, which is faster than visiting an office.
  • Fees vary by license type and how long you want the license to last — typically between $16 and $60.

Documents you need to bring to a DPS office

DPS requires you to prove your identity and your Texas residency before they issue a license. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a previous Texas driver's license. You will also need to show proof that you live in Texas — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address usually works.

If you are explore for your first license, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You will also need to fill out an process form (DL 43) at the office, though you can read it beforehand from the DPS website to save time. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present with you at the office. They will need to bring their own ID and sign your process.

The written test and driving test

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Texas Driver's Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you will need to schedule another appointment and come back.

After you pass the written test, you will take a driving test with a DPS examiner. The examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you bring) and watch you perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You must pass both tests on the same day to move forward with your license.

If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state, Texas may waive the written test. Bring your out-of-state license to the office and ask whether you may have access to.

Fees and how long a license lasts

A standard Texas driver's license costs between $16 and $60 depending on how long you want it to be valid. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. You can choose which length you prefer when you explore. DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices.

Licenses issued to people under 18 expire on their 18th birthday. After that, you can renew for four or eight years at a time. Senior drivers (age 85 and older) can get a four-year license at a reduced rate.

Renewing a license online or by mail

If your Texas license is still valid and you have not had any major changes to your name, address, or vision, you can renew online through the DPS website without visiting an office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks.

You can also renew by mail if you prefer not to go online. Request a renewal process from the DPS website or call your local driver's license office, fill it out, and mail it back with the fee. Mail renewal takes longer — usually four to six weeks — because of postal delays.

You cannot renew online or by mail if you need to update your address, change your name, add or remove restrictions, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. In those cases, you must visit a DPS office in person.

Finding your nearest DPS office and checking wait times

Texas has driver's license offices in every county. The DPS website has a tool where you can enter your county or city and see all nearby offices, their hours, and current wait times. Some offices are busier than others — offices in large cities often have longer waits, while smaller towns may be faster. You can also call ahead to ask about wait times before you go.

Many DPS offices now offer online appointment scheduling. If your local office has this option, you can book a specific time slot instead of waiting in line. Check the DPS website to see whether your office takes appointments.

What happens after you pass the tests

Once you pass both the written and driving tests, DPS will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days, depending on the office. Your temporary paper license is valid when ready for driving. The plastic card arrives by mail and is valid for the number of years you selected when you applied.

If you fail either test, you can schedule another appointment and try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the tests, but you will need to pay the fee again for each attempt at most offices.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a document from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. DPS will issue a license with an alternative number instead.

How long does it take to get a Texas driver's license after I pass the tests?

Your temporary paper license is valid for driving when ready after you pass. The plastic card is mailed to you and usually arrives within three to five business days, though it can take longer during busy periods.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can schedule another appointment and retake the test. There is no limit to how many attempts you get. You will need to pay the test fee again unless your local office waives retake fees — call ahead to ask about your office's policy.

Do I need an appointment to visit a DPS driver's license office?

Many offices now offer appointments, but not all require them. Check the DPS website for your local office to see whether appointments are available or required. Walk-ins are usually accepted, but you may wait longer without an appointment.

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing. This means you will need to take the written and driving tests again and bring all the documents required for a first-time process.