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

What Texas offers and who needs what

Texas issues two main documents through the Department of Public Safety: a driver's license if you want to drive, and a Texas ID card if you don't drive but need a state-issued photo ID. Both serve as proof of identity and residency. The choice depends on whether you plan to operate a vehicle — if you do, you need a driver's license; if you don't, the ID card is simpler and costs less.

You cannot hold both at the same time. If you already have a driver's license and later decide you no longer want to drive, you can surrender it and get an ID card instead. The reverse is also true: if you have an ID card and want to start driving, you can upgrade to a driver's license.

Key Takeaways

Texas issues driver's licenses for people who drive and ID cards for people who need state photo identification but don't drive.
You will need proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number to get either document.
First-time driver's license applicants must pass a written test, vision test, and driving test; ID card applicants do not take any tests.
You can explore in person at any Texas Department of Public Safety office, and processing typically takes a few weeks.
Texas ID cards and driver's licenses are valid for six years, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation.

Documents you need to bring

The Department of Public Safety requires three categories of proof. First, proof of identity: a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or military discharge papers (DD-214). Second, proof of Texas residency within the last 45 days: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. Third, proof of your Social Security number: your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return.

If you were born outside the United States and are not a U.S. citizen, you will also need to show immigration documents — a valid passport and visa, a permanent resident card, or an employment authorization document. If you have changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The Department of Public Safety will not accept notarized copies of birth certificates — they must be certified by the vital records office that issued them. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get an ID card or driver's license, but you will need to fill out Form DL-44 and provide a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number.

Steps to get a driver's license for the first time

Start by visiting a Texas Department of Public Safety office in person with your documents. You cannot complete a first-time driver's license process online or by mail. At the office, you will fill out Form DL-44, pay the fee (currently $33 for a six-year license), and have your photo taken.

Next, you take a written test covering Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which the Department of Public Safety provides free online and in print at every office. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost.

After passing the written test, you take a vision screening. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You then schedule a driving test at a later date — the office will tell you available times. During the driving test, an examiner rides with you in your own vehicle and watches you perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. You must pass this test to receive your license.

Steps to get a Texas ID card

Visit any Texas Department of Public Safety office with your documents. Fill out Form DL-44, pay the fee (currently $16 for a six-year card), and have your photo taken. That is the entire process — there are no written tests, vision tests, or driving tests for an ID card.

You will receive a temporary paper ID on the spot that you can use when ready for identification purposes. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you need the card sooner, some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though availability varies by location.

Renewing or replacing your license or ID

If your driver's license or ID card is expiring or expired, you have three renewal options. Online renewal is available if your license or ID is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any address changes, and your vision has not changed significantly. You can renew online through the Department of Public Safety website up to one year before expiration.

Mail renewal is an option if you meet the same conditions as online renewal. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your card expires; follow the instructions on that notice to renew by mail. In-person renewal is required if your license or ID is suspended, revoked, or if you have changed your address, name, or vision prescription. You will need to bring updated documents and pay the renewal fee.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement by visiting a Department of Public Safety office in person. Bring your documents and pay the replacement fee (currently $11). A replacement card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Where to find a Department of Public Safety office

Texas has over 130 Department of Public Safety offices across the state. You can find the office nearest you by visiting the Department of Public Safety website and using their office locator tool, or by calling 1-844-DPS-5555. Many offices operate by appointment only, especially since the pandemic, so check the website or call ahead before you go.

Wait times vary widely depending on the office and time of day. Offices in smaller towns often have shorter waits than those in major cities. If you are explore for a driver's license for the first time, plan to spend at least two to three hours at the office for the written test, vision screening, and photo. If you are renewing an ID card or license in person, plan for one to two hours.

Costs and what affects the price

A six-year Texas driver's license currently costs $33. A six-year Texas ID card currently costs $16. A replacement card costs $11. These fees can change, so check the Department of Public Safety website for the most current pricing before you visit an office.

Some offices charge an additional fee for expedited service, which speeds up mail delivery of your card. The amount varies by office. If you need your card urgently, ask at the office whether expedited service is available and what it costs. Some offices also offer mobile services or satellite locations with different hours, which may be more convenient depending on where you live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's 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 as if you were getting one for the first time, which means taking the written test, vision test, and driving test again. To avoid this, renew before your license expires or within one year of expiration.

What if I move to Texas from another state?

You must get a Texas driver's license or ID card within 60 days of moving to the state. You will need to explore in person at a Department of Public Safety office. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you may not have to take the driving test again, but you will still take the written and vision tests. Bring your out-of-state license along with your other documents.

Can I get a Texas ID card if I have a suspended or revoked driver's license?

No. You cannot hold both a driver's license and an ID card at the same time, and you cannot get an ID card while your driver's license is suspended or revoked. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation through the Department of Public Safety, then surrender your driver's license before you can get an ID card.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. There is no limit on the number of attempts. Each time you take the test, you pay the test fee again (currently $11). You must schedule a new appointment for each attempt. Many people pass on their second or third try after practicing more.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring something else?

You do not have to bring your Social Security card specifically. You can bring a W-2, 1099, tax return, or other document that shows your Social Security number. If you have lost your Social Security card and do not have any of these documents, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement or a letter confirming your number.

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.