How to Get a Texas Driver's License

Where to get a Texas driver's license and what to bring

You get a Texas driver's license from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), which runs a network of driver license offices across the state. You cannot get one online or by mail — you must go in person to a DPS office to take the written test, vision test, and have your photo taken.

Before you go, gather these documents: proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID card), proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and your Social Security number. If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form at the office. Bring the originals — photocopies are not accepted for identity and residency documents.

You can find your nearest DPS office and check its hours on the Texas DPS website. Many offices have wait times that vary by location and time of day. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead or checking online can help you pick a less crowded time.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Texas DPS office in person with original identity and residency documents to get a driver's license.
The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving; you can study using the Texas DPS driver handbook available free online.
You will take a vision test and have your photo taken at the office on the same day you pass the written test.
A standard driver's license costs around $16 to $25 depending on how long you want it to be valid, and you can choose validity periods of 4, 6, or 8 years.
If you already have a license from another state, you may not need to take the written test again, but you will still need to pass the vision test and provide Texas residency proof.

What the written test covers and how to study

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 you can request other languages through the DPS office.

The Texas DPS publishes a free driver handbook online that covers everything on the test. You can read it as a PDF from the DPS website or pick up a printed copy at any DPS office. Many people study the handbook for a few days before their test. The handbook is straightforward and written in plain language — it is the actual source material the test questions come from.

You get one chance to pass the test on your first visit. If you do not pass, you can retake it, but you will have to schedule another appointment and pay the fee again.

Vision test and photo requirements

At your DPS office visit, you will take a vision screening that checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you will be tested with them on. If the vision test shows you cannot see well enough even with correction, you will not be issued a license until you see an eye doctor and bring documentation of corrected vision.

Your photo will be taken at the office on the same day you pass the written test. Wear something you are comfortable in — the photo will be on your license for several years. The DPS has basic rules: no hats, no sunglasses, and a neutral background. Your photo must show your face clearly.

Cost and how long a license lasts

A Texas driver's license costs between $16 and $25, depending on how long you want it to be valid. You can choose a 4-year, 6-year, or 8-year license. The longer the validity period, the higher the cost. You pay this fee at the DPS office when you explore.

Your license will be mailed to the address you provide at the office. Standard mail delivery takes about two weeks. If you need your license sooner, some DPS offices offer a service to print a temporary license on the spot that you can use while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.

If you already have a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Texas, you do not have to retake the written test. You will still need to pass the vision test and provide proof of Texas residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take the full test — written, vision, and photo — just like a first-time applicant. The DPS will not issue a Texas license based on an expired out-of-state license.

Renewing or replacing a license

When your license is about to expire, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office. Renewal by mail or online is faster and does not require you to retake the test or vision screening — you just pay the renewal fee and submit your current license information. The DPS will mail your new license to you.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at a DPS office. You will need to pay a replacement fee (usually lower than the original license fee) and provide your Social Security number and proof of identity. You will not need to retake the written test, but you will need a new photo taken.

What to do if you fail the test or vision screening

If you do not pass the written test, you can retake it after a waiting period. The waiting period varies — some offices allow you to retake it the same day, while others require you to wait a few days. Call your local DPS office to find out their specific policy.

If you fail the vision test, the DPS will tell you what you need to do. Usually this means seeing an eye doctor, getting a corrective lens prescription, and bringing documentation back to the DPS office. Once you have corrected vision, you can return to take the vision test again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English or Spanish?

The test is routinely offered in English and Spanish at all DPS offices. For other languages, you will need to contact your local DPS office directly to ask whether they can accommodate your request. Some offices may be able to arrange an interpreter, but this is not may provide at every location.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN along with your other identity and residency documents to the DPS office. The process is otherwise the same.

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

Your physical license is mailed to you and typically arrives within two weeks. Some DPS offices can print a temporary license on the spot that you can use when ready while you wait for the permanent one. Ask at your office whether this service is available.

Do I need an appointment to visit a DPS office?

Many DPS offices now require appointments or use an online scheduling system to manage wait times. Check the Texas DPS website for your local office to see whether appointments are required or recommended. Walk-ins are sometimes accepted, but appointment holders are usually served first.

What happens if I move to a different address in Texas?

You do not need to get a new license just because you moved. However, you can update your address at a DPS office or online through the DPS website. Updating your address is free and does not require a new photo or test.

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.