Texas requires you to get a new driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency, even if your old license is still valid

When you move to Texas, you cannot legally drive on your out-of-state license for more than 60 days. After that window closes, you must hold a Texas license. Texas does not issue a temporary permit or extension — the 60-day clock starts the moment you establish residency, which the state defines as getting a job, enrolling in school, registering to vote, or signing a lease or deed in Texas.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver's licenses. You cannot renew an out-of-state license in Texas or convert it without taking a new test. You will need to visit a DPS driver's license office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written exam and a driving test, and pay the fee. The process typically takes one to three weeks from the day you pass your driving test to the day you receive your license in the mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 60 days from the date you establish residency in Texas to obtain a Texas driver's license, or you cannot legally drive.
  • You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID.
  • You will take a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test; you cannot skip either one even if your out-of-state license is current.
  • Your Texas license arrives by mail within one to three weeks after you pass the driving test; you receive a temporary paper license on the day you test.
  • DPS offices operate by appointment in most cities, and wait times for appointments range from same-day to several weeks depending on your location.

Documents you need to bring to the DPS office

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies and digital images are not accepted. You need three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

For proof of identity, bring your current out-of-state driver's license or passport. If you do not have either, you can use a military ID, a state ID card, or a certified birth certificate plus one additional document like a Social Security card or school transcript. For proof of Texas residency, bring one document dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and a Texas address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you are homeless or living with someone else, you can bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the utility bill or lease, plus a copy of that bill or lease.

You must provide your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS before your DPS appointment, or you can visit the DPS office and request a waiver form to sign. Bring your passport or other identity document if you are explore for a waiver.

The written test and what it covers

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 DPS also offers it in other languages by request — contact your local office ahead of time if you need a language other than English or Spanish.

You can study using the Texas Driver's Handbook, which DPS publishes free online and also provides in print at every DPS office. The handbook covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. Many people study the handbook for a few hours the day before their test and pass on the first try. If you fail, you can retake the written test the same day at no extra charge, though you may have to wait a few hours.

You are allowed to take the written test before you schedule your driving test, which can be helpful if you want to know whether you are ready. Some DPS offices let you walk in for the written test without an appointment, though this varies by location — call ahead to check.

The driving test and scheduling your appointment

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. A DPS examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: starting the car, backing up, turning, parking, and driving on local streets. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, not perfect technique. Common reasons people fail are not checking mirrors, rolling through stop signs, or hitting the curb while parking. You can retake the driving test, but you must wait at least one day and pay the fee again.

Most DPS offices require you to schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website or by phone. Go to the DPS website, select your county, and choose an available date and time. Some offices have same-day or next-day appointments; others have waits of several weeks. If you cannot find an appointment near you, try offices in neighboring counties — you can take your test anywhere in Texas.

Bring your own vehicle for the driving test. It must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn all work. If your vehicle fails this safety check, you cannot test that day.

Fees and what you receive

A Texas driver's license costs between $16 and $32 depending on how long you want it to be valid. A four-year license costs $16; a six-year license costs $24; an eight-year license costs $32. You choose the length when you explore. DPS accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most offices, though a few accept cash only — call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.

On the day you pass your driving test, you receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within one to three weeks. The paper license has the same legal weight as the plastic one — you can drive, get pulled over, and show it as proof of licensure. Keep it until your plastic license arrives.

If your plastic license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DPS office where you tested. Licenses are occasionally lost in the mail, and DPS can issue a replacement.

Special situations: military, commercial, and name changes

If you are active military stationed in Texas, you can use your military ID as proof of residency instead of a utility bill or lease. Bring your military ID and a copy of your military orders showing your Texas duty station.

If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL) to drive a truck or bus for work, the process is longer and requires additional tests. You must pass the written test for your vehicle class, a pre-trip inspection test, and a driving test in the actual vehicle you will be driving. Schedule a CDL appointment at a DPS office — not all offices offer CDL testing, so check the DPS website to find one near you.

If you have changed your name since your out-of-state license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will not issue a license if the name on your identity document does not match the name you are explore under.

What happens if you drive without a Texas license after 60 days

Driving on an out-of-state license after your 60-day window closes is a traffic violation in Texas. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation. The fine ranges from $100 to $200, and you may be required to appear in court. The violation does not add points to your driving record, but it does create a court record.

If you are stopped and cannot show proof that you have a valid license or a valid out-of-state license, the officer may also cite you for driving without a license, which is a more serious charge. The best protection is to schedule your DPS appointment as soon as you move, even if you do not plan to test right away. Once you have an appointment scheduled, you have evidence that you are working toward compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my out-of-state license to drive in Texas while I wait for my appointment?

Yes, for the first 60 days after you establish residency. After 60 days, you cannot legally drive on an out-of-state license, even if it is still valid. The 60-day clock starts when you get a job, sign a lease, enroll in school, or register to vote in Texas — not when you physically move.

Do I have to take the driving test if I have a valid license from another state?

Yes. Texas does not waive the driving test for out-of-state license holders. You must pass both the written test and the behind-the-wheel test to get a Texas license, regardless of how long you have been driving or how clean your record is.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it, but you must wait at least one day and pay the fee again. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test. Many people pass on the second or third attempt after practicing the specific maneuvers the examiner checks.

Can I take the written test without scheduling a driving test appointment?

Some DPS offices allow walk-ins for the written test, but this varies by location. Call your local DPS office to ask whether you can take the written test without an appointment. Taking the written test first can help you decide whether you are ready to schedule the driving test.

What if I move to Texas but do not plan to drive?

You do not need a driver's license if you do not drive. However, if you want a form of ID for other purposes — opening a bank account, buying alcohol, traveling — you can get a Texas ID card instead. It costs the same as a driver's license and requires the same documents, but you do not take a driving test. You can explore for a Texas ID card at any DPS office.