Documents and identification you'll bring to the DPS office

To get a Texas driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to your local Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Texas accepts a narrow list of documents for each category, so bringing the wrong papers means a wasted trip.

For identity, bring one document from this list: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or a military ID. A school ID, library card, or expired license will not work. If you were born outside the U.S., the document must be certified — a photocopy does not count.

For residency, bring a document showing your current Texas address dated within the last 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a government check. A phone bill, apartment lease renewal, or mail from an employer usually works. A PO box address does not count as residency.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for one.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring one identity document (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), one residency document dated within 90 days (utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number to your DPS office.
  • Texas DPS offices require originals or certified copies — photocopies of identity documents will not be accepted.
  • You must pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test before you receive your license.
  • The fee for a five-year driver's license is $45, and processing usually takes a few minutes if all documents are correct.
  • If you are under 18, you need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form, and you must complete a driver education course first.

The written test, vision test, and driving test

After you turn in your documents, you will take a written test on Texas traffic laws. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can study the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available online at the DPS website or in print at any DPS office. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs.

Next comes a vision test. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot proceed that day — you will need to see an eye doctor and return with a corrected vision form.

Finally, you take a driving test with a DPS examiner. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and includes basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. The examiner watches how you handle the car and whether you follow traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you fail any part of the test, you can retake it, but you will need to pay the fee again.

Age requirements and parental consent for drivers under 18

You must be at least 16 years old to get a driver's license in Texas. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign a consent form at the DPS office. You cannot sign for yourself, and the parent or guardian must be present — they cannot sign the form in advance and send you with it.

Before you can take the driving test, you must also complete a driver education course. This is a classroom course (online or in-person) that covers traffic laws and safe driving. Many high schools offer this course for free, and private driving schools offer it as well. After you finish the course, you receive a certificate that you bring to the DPS office. Without this certificate, you cannot take the driving test.

Drivers under 18 also face restrictions on their license. For the first six months after you get your license, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you can have no more than one passenger under 21 in the car (unless they are a family member). These restrictions lift after six months, but they are in effect when you first receive your license.

Fees and how long processing takes

A five-year driver's license costs $45. If you want an eight-year license (available only if you are 85 or older), the cost is different. The fee is paid at the DPS office when you submit your documents. Most DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

If all your documents are correct and you pass all three tests on your first try, you will receive your license the same day. The DPS office prints it on the spot. If you fail a test, you will need to return another day to retake it, and you will pay the test fee again (usually $10 to $15 for the driving test).

Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are usually busier in the morning and on Fridays. You can check wait times online at the DPS website before you go, and some offices let you make an appointment in advance, which can shorten your wait.

Renewing or replacing your license

Your Texas driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You can renew it up to one year before it expires. If you renew before it expires, your new license will be valid for five years from the expiration date of the old one, not from the date you renew.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DPS office. Bring your identity and residency documents again. A replacement license costs $11 and is issued the same day. You do not need to retake the written or driving test for a replacement.

You can renew your license in person at a DPS office, by mail, or online if you meet certain conditions. Online renewal is available if your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions that might affect your driving. Mail renewal takes longer — usually two to three weeks — so plan ahead if your license is close to expiring.

What to do if you have a medical condition or disability

If you have a medical condition or disability that affects your ability to drive, you may need to provide medical documentation to the DPS. This includes conditions like seizure disorders, severe vision loss, or mobility issues. You do not automatically lose your license because of a condition — the DPS evaluates each case individually.

If the DPS has concerns about your medical fitness to drive, they may require you to take an additional medical examination or a specialized driving test. A doctor's letter stating that you are safe to drive can help. Some people with disabilities need vehicle modifications (like hand controls), and the DPS will note these on your license so law enforcement knows what to expect.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can request an interpreter at your DPS appointment. Call ahead to arrange this. The DPS office will also note on your license if you require corrective lenses or hearing aids while driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card instead of a full passport for my identity document?

Yes. A U.S. passport card is accepted as proof of identity. It must be valid (not expired) and you must bring the original — a photocopy will not work.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can still get a Texas driver's license. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. You will need to explore for this letter in advance by contacting Social Security directly.

Do I need to bring my vehicle to the DPS office for the written and vision tests?

No. You only need to bring your vehicle when you return for the driving test. For the written and vision tests, you just need your documents and yourself.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. You will pay the test fee each time you retake it. There is no limit on how many times you can try, but you must wait at least one day between attempts at most DPS offices.

Can I get a license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or warrant?

The DPS will run a background check when you explore. If you have an active warrant or certain types of holds on your record, the DPS may deny your process or delay processing. Contact the court or law enforcement agency involved to resolve the issue before you explore.