How to Get and Renew a Texas Driver License

What you need to get a Texas driver license

To get a Texas driver license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person. You cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. The DPS will require proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence in the United States.

Proof of identity means a document that shows your name, date of birth, and photograph — typically a U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID. If you do not have one of those, the DPS accepts a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a state ID from another state. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days and showing your name and Texas address.

You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the DPS office. The knowledge test covers traffic laws and road signs specific to Texas. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which the DPS publishes free online. After you pass both tests, you will take a driving test with a DPS examiner, unless you are renewing a license you already hold.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity, Texas residency, Social Security number, and lawful presence.
The DPS will give you a vision test and written knowledge test at the office; you study the Texas Driver Handbook beforehand.
First-time applicants must also pass a driving test with a DPS examiner before receiving a license.
A Texas driver license costs between $16 and $48 depending on the type and length of validity you choose.
You can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired more than two years and you have no medical restrictions.

Types of Texas driver licenses and what they cost

Texas offers several types of driver licenses. A standard Class C license allows you to drive a regular passenger vehicle and costs $16 for a two-year license or $32 for a five-year license. A Class C license with a Real ID designation costs more — $32 for two years or $48 for five years — but it meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings.

If you are under 18, you will receive a Graduated Driver License (GDL) first, which has restrictions on when and how you can drive. The GDL lasts until you turn 18, at which point you can renew as a standard Class C license. If you drive a motorcycle, you need a separate motorcycle endorsement, which adds to the cost of your license.

Commercial driver licenses (CDL) are required if you drive a truck or bus for work. The cost and requirements for a CDL are higher than a standard license, and you must pass additional written and driving tests specific to commercial vehicles.

How to renew your Texas driver license

If your license is not expired more than two years and you have no medical restrictions, you can renew by mail or online through the DPS website. Online renewal is faster — you upload a new photo, verify your information, and pay the renewal fee. The DPS will mail your new license to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license, a completed process form (DL-43), and a check or money order. You must mail these to the address listed on the DPS website for your region. Processing takes longer by mail — typically 15 to 20 business days — and you will not have a valid license during that time.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a DPS office in person and retake the written knowledge test and driving test, just as if you were explore for the first time. If you have medical restrictions or need to change information like your name or address, you also must visit an office in person.

Finding a DPS office and scheduling an appointment

The DPS operates driver license offices across Texas. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website. Many offices now require you to schedule an appointment in advance rather than walk in. You can book an appointment online through the DPS website or by calling the office directly.

Wait times vary by location and time of year. Urban offices tend to have longer waits, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you can visit early in the morning or on a weekday, you may wait less time. Some offices are busier in certain months — for example, many people renew before their license expires, so offices see higher volume in the weeks before expiration dates.

If you cannot reach an appointment at your nearest office, you can travel to another DPS office in your region. All DPS offices in Texas process the same types of licenses and accept the same documents, so you have flexibility in where you go.

What happens after you pass the tests

Once you pass the vision test, knowledge test, and driving test, the DPS will issue you a temporary license on paper. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while your permanent license is being made. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not receive your permanent license within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied. Occasionally licenses are delayed in the mail or there is an error in the address on file. The DPS can reissue your license or confirm that it is on the way.

Your Texas driver license is valid for the number of years you chose when you applied — either two or five years. The expiration date is printed on the front of the license. You should renew before that date to avoid driving with an expired license, which can result in a traffic citation.

Real ID and federal requirements

A Real ID is a driver license that meets federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or another federally approved ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard Texas driver license without the Real ID designation will no longer be accepted for these purposes.

To get a Real ID, you must visit a DPS office in person and provide the same documents as for a standard license, plus original or certified copies of your birth certificate and Social Security card. The Real ID costs more than a standard license but is valid for the same length of time — two or five years.

If you already have a Real ID and are renewing, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, as long as your license has not been expired more than two years. The DPS will issue you a new Real ID automatically when you renew.

Changing your name or address on your license

If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must visit a DPS office to update your license. Bring your current license and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will issue you a new license with your updated name.

If you move to a new address within Texas, you can update your address online through the DPS website without visiting an office or renewing your license. Your license remains valid; only your address on file changes. If you move out of Texas, you must obtain a driver license from your new state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You must show proof of lawful presence in the United States, which can be a visa, work permit, green card, or other immigration document. You do not need to be a citizen. The DPS will verify your status with federal immigration databases.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the test fee each time. Most DPS offices allow you to schedule another test appointment within a few days. You do not need to retake the written knowledge test unless your license expires before you pass the driving test.

How long does it take to get a Texas driver license from start to finish?

If you pass all tests on your first visit, you will receive a temporary paper license that day and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The entire process from your first DPS visit to receiving your permanent license typically takes two to three weeks. If you need to retake any test, it takes longer.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Early renewal does not extend your license beyond the normal expiration date — your new license will expire five years from your original expiration date, not five years from the renewal date. This means renewing early does not give you extra time.

What if my license is suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the DPS or the court that issued the suspension or revocation to find out what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. This may involve paying fines, completing a safety course, or waiting out a suspension period.

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.