What you need to know before you go to the DPS office
A Texas driver's license is issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), not by your city or county. You get one by visiting a DPS driver license office in person, bringing specific documents, and passing a written test and vision check. You cannot complete this entirely online or by mail — the state requires you to show up and prove your identity.
The process takes different forms depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost card. Each path has different document requirements and different wait times. Knowing which category you fall into before you go saves you a trip back home for a missing document.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number — no online or mail-in option exists for initial licenses.
- First-time applicants need a birth certificate or passport, proof of Texas residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
- Renewals by mail are available if your license is not expired more than two years and you have no address changes, but most people renew in person at a DPS office.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official DPS driver handbook, available free on the DPS website.
- Processing times vary by location, but expect to spend 30 minutes to two hours at the office depending on how busy it is that day.
Documents you must bring for a first-time license
The DPS requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot substitute one for another, and you cannot use expired documents for identity or residency.
For identity, bring your birth certificate (long form, not the short form), U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card. For residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days showing your current Texas address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. For Social Security, bring your actual Social Security card, or a W-2, tax return, or pay stub showing your number.
If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the state where you were born. This takes one to three weeks by mail. If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring the document that shows the legal change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Renewing a license that is still valid or expired less than two years
If your license is not yet expired or expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail without visiting an office. The DPS will send you a renewal process by mail if you request one, or you can read the form from the DPS website. Fill it out, include a new photo (you can take one yourself or use a recent passport photo), and mail it back with the fee.
Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time the DPS receives your process. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can print a temporary license from the DPS website to carry while you wait. If you have moved, changed your name, or want to correct information on your license, you must renew in person at a DPS office instead of by mail.
The renewal fee is lower than the fee for a first-time license. Check the DPS website for the current fee, as it changes periodically. You pay by check or money order when you mail in your process.
Getting a replacement if your license is lost or stolen
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit a DPS office in person to get a replacement. Bring your proof of identity and residency the same way you would for a renewal. You do not have to retake the written test or vision test unless your license has been expired more than two years.
A replacement costs less than a new license but more than a renewal. The DPS will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. If your license was stolen, you can also file a report with the DPS at the same time.
Passing the written test and vision screening
First-time applicants must pass a written test on Texas traffic laws and road signs. 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 have to schedule another appointment to try again.
Study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website and covers everything the test asks about. The handbook is also available in Spanish. You can take practice tests on the DPS website to see what kinds of questions appear. The vision screening is not a test you can fail — the DPS checks that you can see well enough to drive safely, and if you cannot, they will require you to wear corrective lenses while driving.
You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner permit and at least 18 to get an unrestricted license. If you are 16 or 17, you get a license with restrictions on when you can drive and who can be in the car with you.
Finding a DPS office and what to expect when you arrive
Texas has DPS driver license offices in most cities and towns. Use the office locator on the DPS website to find the one nearest you and check its hours. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Many offices now use an online appointment system where you can reserve a time slot instead of waiting in line.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The DPS will take your photo at the office, so wear something you are comfortable being photographed in — the photo stays on your license for years. Bring cash or a debit card to pay the fee; not all offices accept checks.
If the office is very busy, you may wait an hour or more. If you have an appointment, your wait is usually shorter. After you pass the vision test and written test, the DPS takes your information and photo, and you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your plastic license arrives by mail in one to two weeks.
Understanding license types and restrictions
Texas issues several types of driver's licenses depending on your age and citizenship status. A standard Class C license is what most people get and allows you to drive a regular passenger vehicle. A commercial license (Class A, B, or C with a commercial endorsement) is required if you drive a truck or bus for work.
If you are under 18, your license comes with restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to work, school, or a medical appointment, and you can only have one passenger under 21 in the car with you (with some exceptions for family members). These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after you have held your license for one year, whichever comes first.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a driver's license if you have a valid visa or are a permanent resident. You will need to bring your passport and visa or green card instead of a birth certificate. If you are in Texas without legal status, you cannot get a standard driver's license, but you may be able to get an ID card for other purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
No. Texas does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired more than two years and you have not moved or changed your name. Otherwise, you must visit a DPS office in person.
What if I fail the written test?
You can take the test again at your next appointment. Schedule another visit to the DPS office and bring the same documents. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it, but you pay the fee each time.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the test?
You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day you pass. Your plastic license is mailed to the address on your process and usually arrives within one to two weeks. If it does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DPS to check the status.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
Many DPS offices now require appointments, which you can book online. Some offices still accept walk-ins, but wait times are often longer. Check your local office's website to see whether appointments are required or recommended.
What if I moved to Texas from another state?
You must get a Texas license within 60 days of moving. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, and proof of identity. You will have to take the written test and vision screening again, even if your other license was valid.