How to Get and Renew a Texas Driver License

What the Texas DPS driver license is and who issues it

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues driver licenses in Texas. A DPS driver license is your legal proof that you are allowed to drive on public roads in the state. It shows your name, date of birth, address, and a photo, and it contains a unique license number. Texas also issues other documents through DPS — like ID cards for people who do not drive, and commercial driver licenses for truck drivers — but the standard driver license is what most people need.

You get your license from a DPS Driver License office, not from a county clerk or city hall. There are DPS offices in most Texas cities and towns. You cannot mail in your first process; you must appear in person at a DPS office to have your photo taken and to show your documents.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DPS Driver License office in person for your first license, and you will need to bring specific documents that prove your identity, Texas residency, and Social Security number.
The documents you bring depend on whether you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or a temporary resident, and DPS has a specific list of which documents count for each category.
You can renew your license by mail, online, or in person, but only if you are renewing — not getting your first license or changing your address.
The cost of a driver license varies by type and how long you want it to last, and you will pay at the DPS office when you explore.
You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.

Documents you need to bring to a DPS office

DPS requires you to bring documents in three categories: proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot use the same document twice — for example, a driver license counts as identity but not as residency, so you need a separate document for residency.

For identity, DPS accepts a U.S. passport, a passport card, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a permanent resident card, or a visa. For residency, you can bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank statement, or a government check. The residency document must show your current Texas address and must be dated within the last 90 days. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement from the government.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, the documents you can bring are different. Permanent residents need a permanent resident card (green card) and a valid passport. Temporary residents — people on a visa — need their visa and passport, plus an I-94 arrival/departure record. DPS will not issue a standard driver license to someone without legal status in the United States.

Getting your first Texas driver license

When you go to a DPS office, bring your documents, your Social Security number, and your current address. You will fill out an process form (Form DL-43) at the office. DPS will take your photo and your fingerprints, and they will check your documents against state and federal records.

DPS will also give you a written test on traffic laws and road signs. You must pass this test to get your license. The test is available in English and in Spanish. If you fail, you can take it again the same day or come back another day. You do not have to pay again if you fail and retake the test on the same visit.

After you pass the test, DPS will issue you a temporary paper license that you can use right away while your plastic card is being made. Your permanent card arrives in the mail within two to three weeks. If you do not receive it after four weeks, call the DPS Driver License office where you applied.

Renewing your driver license by mail or online

If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew it by mail or online without visiting an office. You cannot renew by mail or online if you need to change your address, if your name has changed, or if you are renewing for the first time.

To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and use their online renewal system. You will need your driver license number, your date of birth, and a valid email address. Online renewal costs less than renewing in person. You will receive your new card in the mail within two to three weeks.

To renew by mail, read the renewal form from the DPS website or pick one up at a DPS office. Fill it out, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes longer than online — usually four to six weeks from the time DPS receives your form.

Cost and how long your license lasts

The cost of a Texas driver license depends on how long you want it to be valid. A license valid for four years costs less than a license valid for eight years. The exact cost changes each year, so check the Texas DPS website for current prices before you go to the office.

Most people get an eight-year license, which lasts longer and costs more upfront but is cheaper per year. If you are under 21, your license is valid for four years and has a different appearance to show your age. If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for two years.

You pay the fee at the DPS office when you explore, or when you submit your renewal form by mail. DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you renew online, you pay with a credit or debit card.

What to do if you lose your license or it is damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at a DPS office. Bring your documents again — the same ones you brought for your original license. You will pay a replacement fee, which is usually less than the cost of a new license.

If your license was stolen, DPS recommends that you also report the theft to local police and to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) in case someone tries to use your identity. You do not need a police report to get a replacement license, but having one on file can help if fraud occurs later.

Finding a DPS office and checking wait times

Texas DPS has Driver License offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you on the Texas DPS website by entering your zip code. The website also shows the hours each office is open and the current wait time.

Wait times vary widely. Some offices have short waits in the morning on weekdays, while others have long waits all day. Checking the website before you go can save you time. Some DPS offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly. Check whether your local office offers appointments when you look up its location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. DPS requires proof of a Social Security number to issue a driver license. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can get a Texas ID card instead, which is a non-driving identification document. You will still need to bring the same documents to a DPS office.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can take the test again the same day at no extra cost. If you fail a second time, you can come back another day and try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you will pay the process fee again if you wait more than a certain number of days between attempts. Ask the DPS office for the exact rules.

Can I renew my license if I have moved to a different address?

No. If your address has changed, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your new residency document (dated within 90 days) along with your other documents. You cannot use mail or online renewal when your address is different from what is on your current license.

How long does it take to get my plastic driver license card after I explore?

Your permanent plastic card arrives in the mail within two to three weeks. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive right away. If you do not receive your card after four weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied to check on the status.

What if I am a permanent resident or on a visa — can I get a Texas driver license?

Yes. Permanent residents and people on valid visas can get a Texas driver license. Bring your green card or visa, your passport, and your other required documents. Your license will be valid only as long as your immigration status is valid, so DPS may issue you a shorter-term license if your visa expires soon.

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.