Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

To get a Texas driver's license, you need to show the Department of Public Safety (DPS) proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You cannot complete this in one visit without these documents — the DPS will not issue a license without them, and you cannot substitute one for another.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The DPS office staff will examine each document in person. If you bring a photocopy, you will be turned away and asked to return with the original.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), one showing your current Texas address (utility bill or lease), and one proving your Social Security number (Social Security card or W-2).
  • The DPS office will not accept photocopies — bring originals or certified copies only.
  • You must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the DPS office; bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.
  • The fee for a five-year license is $40 and the fee for an eight-year license is $60, payable by cash, debit card, or credit card at the office.
  • Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days; you will receive your license by mail at the address you provide.

Proof of Identity Documents That Work

The DPS accepts a limited list of identity documents. Your best options are a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate issued by the state where you were born, a military ID card, or a Certificate of Naturalization if you are not a U.S. citizen by birth. A school ID or work ID does not count.

If you have a passport, bring it — it satisfies both identity and citizenship in one document. If you do not have a passport, order a certified birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born. This takes one to three weeks by mail, so plan ahead. You can search for the correct office at vitalrecords.com.

If you were born outside the United States and are a permanent resident, bring your green card (Permanent Resident Card) plus your birth certificate or passport from your country of origin.

Proof of Texas Residency

You need one document showing your current address in Texas. The DPS accepts a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a current lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement dated within the last 30 days. The document must show your name and your current street address.

A P.O. box does not count as proof of residency. If you live at an address but the utility bill is in someone else's name, bring a signed letter from that person on their letterhead stating that you live there, plus the utility bill. The DPS will accept this combination.

If you just moved to Texas and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a lease or rental agreement works just as well. If you are staying with family and have no lease, ask the homeowner to write a letter on their letterhead confirming your address and move-in date, then bring a utility bill showing their name and address.

Proof of Social Security Number

Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full Social Security number. The card itself is the easiest option. If you have lost your card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213, but this takes one to two weeks.

If you do not have a Social Security number because you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a Texas driver's license. Bring your passport or birth certificate plus your visa or green card. The DPS will issue you a license marked as valid for non-citizens only.

What Happens at the DPS Office

Arrive with all documents and plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour. The DPS will verify your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. You will then take a vision test — bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them. If you fail the vision test, you cannot proceed that day.

Next, you will take a written knowledge test on Texas traffic laws. The test has 30 questions; you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can study the questions and answers in the Texas Driver Handbook, available free online at dps.texas.gov under "Driver License Information." If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return another day.

If you pass both tests, the DPS will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days at the address you provided. Do not lose the paper license — it is your only proof until the card arrives.

Fees and Payment Methods

A five-year driver's license costs $40. An eight-year license costs $60. The DPS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept checks or payment plans. If you cannot pay the full fee that day, you cannot get your license.

If you are renewing a license rather than getting one for the first time, the fee is the same but you may be able to renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes. Check the DPS website to see if you are may be able to access for mail renewal.

Finding a DPS Office Near You

Texas has DPS driver license offices in most cities and towns. Search for the office nearest you at dps.texas.gov under "Driver License Office Locations." The website shows hours, address, and phone number for each office. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Call ahead if you are unsure whether your documents are acceptable — staff can answer questions before you make the trip.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are usually busiest on Mondays and Fridays and between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you can visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning, you will likely wait less time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver's license if I do not have a birth certificate?

No. A birth certificate or passport is required to prove citizenship. If you have lost your birth certificate, order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born. This is the only way to proceed. The process takes one to three weeks.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still get a Texas driver's license if you are a permanent resident or visa holder. Bring your passport, visa, or green card plus your birth certificate. The license will be marked as valid for non-citizens only and will expire when your visa or green card expires.

Do I have to take the written test if I already have a license from another state?

Yes. Texas requires all new license holders to pass the written knowledge test, even if you have a valid license from another state. You will also take the vision test. Study the Texas Driver Handbook before you go to the DPS office.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at most DPS offices, or you can return another day. There is no extra fee for retaking the test. You have three attempts within a 12-month period before you must wait and reapply.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the tests?

You will receive a temporary paper license the same day, valid for 45 days. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, call the DPS office where you applied.