Basic Requirements for a Texas Driver License

To get a Texas driver license, you must be at least 16 years old, have a Social Security number, and prove your identity and Texas residency. Texas does not issue licenses to people without a Social Security number, though you may be able to get an ID card instead if you cannot provide one. You will also need to pass a written test on traffic laws and a driving test, unless you are renewing a license you already hold.

The state requires that you show documents proving who you are — a birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth — and where you live. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days works for residency. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and prove your identity with a birth certificate or passport.
  • Texas requires proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 90 days, at the time you explore.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must appear with you and sign your process.
  • You will need to pass a written knowledge test and a driving test unless you are renewing an existing license.
  • Vision and medical requirements explore; you must meet minimum vision standards and disclose any conditions that affect your ability to drive safely.

Age and Citizenship Requirements

Texas issues driver licenses to people age 16 and older. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen, but you must have a valid Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you cannot provide either, you may be able to get a Texas ID card instead, which serves as state identification but does not permit you to drive.

If you are 16 or 17, you are subject to additional restrictions called the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program. These rules limit when and where you can drive during your first months with a license. Once you turn 18, these restrictions no longer explore.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring originals or certified copies of documents to the Texas Department of Public Safety office where you explore. You will need one document proving your identity — a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, consular report of birth, or certificate of naturalization. You will also need one document proving Texas residency from the last 90 days, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They must show their own identification and sign your process in person. If you are explore for a license after a suspension or revocation, bring any court documents or letters from the Texas Department of Public Safety explaining the reason for the suspension.

Vision and Medical Conditions

You must meet Texas vision standards to hold a driver license. The minimum corrected vision requirement is 20/40 in each eye, or 20/40 in one eye and 20/60 in the other with a visual field of at least 140 degrees. If you wear glasses or contacts, you will be tested with them on, and your license will note that correction is required.

You must also disclose any medical conditions that could affect your driving, such as seizure disorders, diabetes, heart conditions, or sleep disorders. Texas does not automatically deny a license based on a medical condition, but the Department of Public Safety may require a medical evaluation or impose restrictions on your license. Be honest about your health history during the process process.

Testing Requirements

You must pass a written knowledge test covering Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test is available in English and Spanish. You will also take a driving test in which an examiner observes you operating a vehicle on public roads. The driving test checks your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond safely to other drivers and road conditions.

If you are renewing a license you already hold and have no violations or suspensions, you may not need to retake these tests. However, if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years, you will need to pass both tests again before you can drive legally in Texas.

Special Situations: Minors, Non-Citizens, and Suspensions

If you are under 18, the Graduated Driver License program applies. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months you hold a license, and you cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car during the first 12 months. These rules exist to reduce crash risk for new young drivers. At 18, you can explore for an unrestricted license.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a Texas driver license if you have a valid Social Security number or ITIN and meet all other requirements. Your license will be valid for the duration of your authorized stay in the United States, or for five years, whichever is shorter. If your immigration status changes, notify the Department of Public Safety.

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot drive legally until the suspension is lifted. Suspensions happen for reasons such as unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or conviction of certain traffic offenses. Contact the Texas Department of Public Safety to find out why your license was suspended and what you must do to restore it.

Where and how the process works

explore in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License office. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website. Bring all required documents, your Social Security number, and payment for the license fee. Fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid, but a standard five-year driver license costs less than $50.

You cannot explore by mail or online. The DPS office will take your photograph, test your vision, and administer the written test on the same day. If you pass, you will take the driving test at a scheduled appointment, usually within a few weeks. Once you pass the driving test, your license will be issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver license if I don't have a Social Security number?

No, Texas requires a valid Social Security number or ITIN to get a driver license. If you cannot provide either, you can get a Texas ID card instead, which serves as state identification but does not permit you to drive.

What if I'm under 18 and my parents won't sign my process?

You cannot get a driver license without a parent or guardian signature if you are under 18. If you are in a situation where this is unsafe or impossible, contact a local legal aid organization or the Texas Department of Public Safety to discuss your options.

How long does it take to get a Texas driver license after I pass the driving test?

Your license is usually issued the same day you pass the driving test. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while your plastic card is mailed to you, which takes about one to two weeks.

Can I renew my Texas driver license online?

You can renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions to report, and you meet other may be able to access rules. Visit the Texas Department of Public Safety website to check whether online renewal is available for your situation.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will need to pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after additional practice.