Where to get a Texas driver license and what you need to bring

You get a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), which runs the Driver License Division. You cannot get one online or by mail — you must visit a DPS office in person. Texas has about 130 DPS driver license offices across the state, and you can go to any of them; you do not have to use the one nearest your home.

Before you go, gather these documents: a valid passport, passport card, or birth certificate (to prove citizenship or legal residency); a Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number; two documents showing your current Texas address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement; and proof of your current name if it differs from your birth certificate, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree. Bring the originals — photocopies are not accepted.

You will also need to pass an eye test at the office and pass a written knowledge test about traffic laws. If you are under 18, you must also pass a driving test with an examiner. Bring your current license if you have one, or bring a completed DL 44 form (the process) if you do not — you can fill it out at home or at the office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS driver license office in person; there is no online or mail option for a new license.
  • Bring original documents proving citizenship, your Social Security number, your current address, and your current legal name.
  • You will take an eye test and a written knowledge test at the office; drivers under 18 must also pass a driving test.
  • A standard Texas driver license costs around $16 and is valid for six years, or eight years if you are 85 or older.
  • You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.

How to find a DPS office and check wait times

Go to the Texas DPS website (dps.texas.gov) and use the Driver License Office Locator tool. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool will show you all nearby offices, their addresses, phone numbers, and hours. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments.

The same tool shows current wait times at each office, updated throughout the day. If one office has a long wait, you can often drive to another nearby office with a shorter line. Some offices take appointments through the online system, which can save you time — check when you look up the office location.

Call the office directly if you have questions about what documents they need or whether they can handle your specific situation, such as a name change or a license renewal after it has expired for more than two years.

What happens during your visit to the DPS office

When you arrive, you will check in and wait for your number to be called. A DPS employee will review your documents to make sure they are complete and original. They will ask you questions to verify your identity and address. If anything is missing or unclear, they will tell you what you need to bring back.

Next, you will go to the eye test station, where an examiner will check your vision. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the eye test, you will not be able to get a license that day and will need to see an eye doctor and return.

Then you will take the written knowledge test on a computer. The test has 30 questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can usually take it again the same day or come back another day.

If you are under 18, you will also schedule a driving test with an examiner, which happens on a separate day. If you are 18 or older and this is your first license, you may be able to take the driving test the same day or schedule it for later, depending on the office.

Costs and how long your license lasts

A standard Texas driver license costs around $16 for a six-year license. If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for eight years and costs the same amount. You pay at the office when you explore. The office accepts cash, debit, and credit cards.

Your license will be mailed to the address you provide within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive. Keep that temporary license with you while you drive.

Renewing or replacing an expired or lost license

If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew it in person at a DPS office or online through the Texas DPS website, which is faster. You will need your current Social Security number and a valid email address. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than an in-person renewal.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must explore in person as if it were your first license. You will need to bring the same documents and take the written test again, though you may not need to take the driving test depending on your age.

If your license was lost or stolen, report it to the DPS office or online, then explore for a replacement. A replacement license costs less than a new license and arrives in the same timeframe.

Special situations: name changes, address changes, and endorsements

If your name has changed since your last license, bring your original marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. You can update your address at a DPS office without getting a new license, though you will receive a new card with the updated address.

If you want to add an endorsement to your license — such as a motorcycle endorsement (M), a commercial driver license (CDL), or a hazmat endorsement — you must pass an additional written test and, for motorcycles, a riding test. Each endorsement has its own fee and requirements. Ask at the DPS office or check the website for details about the endorsement you need.

What to do if you fail the written test or driving test

If you fail the written test, you can usually take it again the same day at no extra cost, or you can come back another day. Most people pass on the second or third attempt. Study the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website, before you try again.

If you fail the driving test, you must schedule another test for a later date. There is a fee each time you take the driving test. You can take it as many times as you need. Many people pass on the second attempt after practicing with a licensed driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver license online?

Yes, if your license expired less than two years ago and you have a valid email address and Social Security number. Go to the Texas DPS website and select the online renewal option. It takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still get a Texas driver license. Bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a document from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for a number. The DPS office will help you through the process.

Do I need a driving test if I already have a license from another state?

No. If you are moving to Texas and have a valid out-of-state license, you can exchange it for a Texas license without taking the driving test. You will still take the written knowledge test and eye test. Bring your out-of-state license and the other required documents to a DPS office.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the tests?

Your plastic license card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for driving when ready. Keep it with you until your plastic card arrives.

What if I cannot pass the eye test?

If you fail the eye test, you cannot get a license that day. See an eye doctor, get corrective lenses if needed, and return to the DPS office to try again. You do not have to pay a second process fee — just show up for the eye test.