What the Texas DPS driver's license is and who issues it
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues driver's licenses in Texas. This is the only state agency that can issue or renew a Texas driver's license — you cannot get one from a county office, city hall, or any other body. DPS operates driver's license offices across the state, and you must visit one in person to explore, renew, or make changes to your license.
A Texas driver's license serves as both proof that you are allowed to drive in the state and as a government-issued photo ID. It shows your name, date of birth, address, driving restrictions (if any), and an expiration date. The license is valid for six years from the date it is issued, though you can renew it up to one year before it expires.
You will need a driver's license to drive legally in Texas, and you will also need one to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or use it as identification for age-restricted purchases. If you do not have one and want to drive, you must first get a learner's permit, which allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the car.
Key Takeaways
- The Texas DPS is the only agency that issues driver's licenses, and you must explore in person at a DPS office.
- You need either a learner's permit or a valid out-of-state license to explore for a Texas driver's license.
- A Texas driver's license is valid for six years and can be renewed up to one year before the expiration date.
- You will need documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number before you visit a DPS office.
- DPS offices accept appointments and walk-ins, but appointment wait times are typically shorter.
Documents you need to bring to a DPS office
Before you visit a DPS office, gather the documents listed below. Bringing the right documents the first time saves you a trip back. DPS requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, a military ID, or a valid out-of-state driver's license. If you are explore for the first time and do not have any of these, you will need to obtain a birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the state where you were born.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, insurance policy, or bank statement. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you live with someone else and do not have a document in your name, you can bring a notarized affidavit from the person whose name is on the document, plus a document showing their residency.
For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a driver's license, but you will need to complete additional steps and bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number.
Getting your first Texas driver's license
If you have never held a Texas driver's license, you must first get a learner's permit. A learner's permit allows you to drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you. To get a learner's permit, visit a DPS office with your documents and 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.
After you have held your learner's permit for at least 30 days, you can explore for a driver's license. You will need to pass a driving test, which includes a pre-drive vehicle inspection, a written test, and an on-road driving test. The driving test takes about 30 minutes. You must bring your learner's permit, the documents listed above, and a vehicle that is registered and insured in Texas.
If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state, you do not need a learner's permit. You can explore directly for a Texas driver's license by visiting a DPS office with your out-of-state license and the other required documents. You will still need to pass a written test and a driving test.
Renewing your Texas driver's license
You can renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may need to retake the written and driving tests depending on how long it has been expired. DPS allows you to renew by mail, online, or in person — the method depends on your situation.
Renewing by mail is an option if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any violations in the past five years, and your address has not changed. To renew by mail, send your current driver's license, a completed renewal process (Form DL-44), and a check or money order to the DPS address listed on the renewal notice you receive in the mail. Processing takes about two to three weeks.
Renewing online through the DPS website is the fastest option if you meet the same requirements as mail renewal. You will need your driver's license number, your date of birth, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks.
Renewing in person at a DPS office is required if your address has changed, your name has changed, you want to update your photo, or you do not meet the requirements for mail or online renewal. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You will have a new photo taken and may need to retake the written test depending on your situation.
How to schedule an appointment and what to expect
You can schedule an appointment at a DPS office through the DPS website or by calling the office directly. Appointments are free and typically available within one to two weeks, depending on the office. Walk-ins are also accepted, but wait times can be two to four hours or longer during busy periods.
When you arrive for your appointment or walk-in visit, bring all the documents listed above and arrive 15 minutes early. A DPS employee will review your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. If you are explore for a driver's license for the first time, you will take the written test at this visit. If you are passing the driving test, you will be assigned a time slot, usually on the same day or within a few days.
The fee for a new driver's license is $33 for a six-year license. Renewal fees vary depending on whether you renew by mail, online, or in person, but typically range from $25 to $33. DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at offices, though some offices may have restrictions on payment methods.
What happens after you pass the driving test
After you pass the driving test, the DPS employee will issue you a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic driver's license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process within one to two weeks. Do not throw away the temporary license — you will need it to drive legally until the permanent license arrives.
If you do not receive your permanent license within three weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied. You can check the status of your license online using your driver's license number and date of birth. If your license is lost or stolen after it arrives, you can request a replacement at a DPS office or online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver's license if it has been expired for more than a year?
Yes, but you will likely need to retake the written test and the driving test. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must retake both tests in person at a DPS office. Contact your local DPS office to confirm the requirements for your situation.
What if I move to a different address in Texas?
You must update your address within 30 days of moving. You can update your address online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. If you update online or by mail, you do not need to pay a fee. You do not need to get a new license unless your current license is expiring soon.
Do I need to take the driving test again if I already have a valid driver's license from another state?
Yes. Even if you have a valid out-of-state license, you must pass the written test and the driving test to get a Texas driver's license. The driving test is the same whether you are a first-time applicant or transferring from another state.
What is the difference between a REAL ID and a standard Texas driver's license?
A REAL ID is a driver's license that meets federal security standards and can be used to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. A standard Texas driver's license cannot be used for these purposes. You can request a REAL ID when you explore for or renew your license by bringing an additional document proving your residency. The fee is the same as a standard license.
Can I get a Texas driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. You will still need to provide all other required documents and pass the written and driving tests.