What You Need to Get a Texas Driver's License
A Texas driver's license is issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and requires you to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. You cannot get one by mail or online — you must visit a DPS driver license office in person. The office will take your photograph and fingerprints during that visit.
Before you go, gather these documents: proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID), proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and your current out-of-state license if you have one. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and bring proof of their identity and residency.
You will also need to pass the written knowledge test, which covers Texas traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS publishes free online. Many people study for a few days or a week before taking the test.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with proof of identity, Texas residency, and your Social Security number.
- The written test covers 30 questions on traffic laws and road signs, and you need to answer at least 21 correctly.
- You will take a vision test and a driving test at the same office visit, so bring a vehicle if you have one.
- A Texas driver's license is valid for six years if you are 18 or older, and you can renew it in person, by mail, or online if you meet certain conditions.
- If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you to the office.
The Vision Test and Driving Test
After you pass the written test, you will take a vision screening at the same office. The screener will check whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
Next comes the driving test, which lasts about 20 to 25 minutes. You will drive a vehicle on public roads while a DPS examiner watches and scores your performance. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you do not have access to a vehicle, some DPS offices allow you to use a vehicle provided by a driving school, though you will pay a fee for that service.
The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. You will also drive on streets and possibly highways. You must follow all traffic laws during the test. Common reasons people fail include speeding, running a stop sign, unsafe lane changes, or hitting a curb while parking.
How Long a Texas License Lasts and When to Renew
A Texas driver's license is valid for six years if you are 18 or older. If you are 18 to 20 years old, your license is valid for four years. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card.
You can renew your license in three ways: in person at a DPS office, by mail, or online through the DPS website. You can renew by mail or online only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any major traffic violations in the past five years, and your address has not changed. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person.
Online renewal takes a few minutes and costs less than in-person renewal. You will receive your new license by mail within two weeks. Mail renewal takes longer — usually three to four weeks — and also costs less than going to an office. In-person renewal is fastest if you need your license when ready, though you may wait in line at the office.
Costs and Fees
The cost of a Texas driver's license depends on how long it is valid and whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. A six-year license costs around $48 if you renew online, $54 if you renew by mail, and $60 if you renew in person. A four-year license for drivers 18 to 20 costs less. A new license for a first-time driver costs more — typically $65 to $75 — because it includes the cost of the tests.
Some DPS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Others accept only certain payment methods. Call the office before you go to confirm what they take.
If you lose your license or it is stolen, you can get a replacement at a DPS office. A replacement costs less than a renewal — usually around $11 to $13 — and takes about 20 minutes if you already have an appointment or walk in during a slow time.
What to Do If You Fail the Test
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you may have to pay a small fee each time you take the test. Most people pass on their second or third try.
If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one day before you can retake it. You can schedule another test online or by phone, or you can walk into an office and ask to take it again. You will pay the test fee again. Many people pass on their second attempt after practicing the maneuvers they struggled with the first time.
Renewing Your License by Mail or Online
To renew by mail, you will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form and instructions. You fill out the form, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the notice. Your new license arrives by mail in three to four weeks.
To renew online, go to the DPS website and log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. You will answer questions about whether anything has changed since your last license — your address, your name, your health status. You pay by debit or credit card. Your new license is mailed to you within two weeks.
If you renew online or by mail and your address has changed, you must update it before you renew. If you do not, your new license will be mailed to your old address. You can update your address online through the DPS website or in person at a DPS office.
Special Situations: Name Changes, Address Changes, and Lost Licenses
If you change your name — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you must update your driver's license. Bring your new legal name document (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to a DPS office along with your current license. The office will issue a new license with your new name. This usually costs around $11 to $13 and takes about 20 minutes.
If you move to a new address in Texas, you must update your address within 30 days. You can do this online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at an office. Updating your address online is free and takes a few minutes. You do not need a new physical license card unless your current one is expiring soon.
If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the DPS and get a replacement. You can do this in person at any DPS office. Bring your proof of identity and residency. A replacement costs around $11 to $13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Texas driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Texas law requires proof of a Social Security number to get a driver's license. If you do not have one, you cannot get a standard license. Some states offer an alternative ID card for people without a Social Security number, but Texas does not.
How many times can I retake the written test if I keep failing?
There is no legal limit on how many times you can retake the written test. You can take it as many times as you need to pass. Each attempt costs a small fee, usually around $5 to $10. Most people pass within two or three tries.
What happens if my license expires while I am out of state?
You can still drive on an expired Texas license for a short time in most states, though it is not legal. You should renew your license before it expires. If it has already expired, you can renew it by mail or online from anywhere, and your new license will be mailed to your Texas address.
Do I need an appointment to take the driving test?
Most DPS offices require an appointment for the driving test, though some allow walk-ins during certain hours. You can schedule an appointment online through the DPS website or by calling your local office. Appointments usually fill up weeks in advance, so schedule early.
Can I renew my license if it has been suspended?
No. You cannot renew a suspended license. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension — usually by paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or paying child support. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license in person at a DPS office.