Documents and information you'll bring to the DPS office
To get a Texas driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence in the United States. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts specific documents for each category — you cannot mix and match freely, so knowing which documents work together before you go saves a trip back home.
You'll also need to bring your current license if you have one, even if it's expired. If you don't have a license yet, bring nothing for this step. The DPS office will not accept documents by mail or email; you must present originals or certified copies in person.
Key Takeaways
- You need four types of documents: identity, residency, Social Security proof, and lawful presence — each category has specific acceptable documents listed by DPS.
- A passport or passport card counts as both identity and lawful presence, so bringing one reduces the total documents you need.
- Utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work for residency proof, but they must show your current name and address.
- You must visit a DPS office in person with original documents or certified copies; online or mail-in requests are not an option in Texas.
- The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices, and you can study using the free Texas Driver's Handbook online.
Proof of identity documents that DPS accepts
For identity, DPS accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you use a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born — a photocopy or hospital copy will not work. You can order a certified birth certificate online or by mail from your state's vital records office, though it typically takes one to two weeks.
If you have a passport or military ID, bring that instead. Both are faster and accepted when ready. If you're under 18, your parent or guardian must be present, and they'll need to show their own identity document.
Proof of residency and what counts
For residency, you need a document showing your current Texas address and your current legal name. DPS accepts a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must be dated within the last 30 days and show your full name and street address.
A P.O. box does not count as a residence address. If you recently moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, bring a lease or mortgage document instead. If you're staying with family and have no document in your name, ask the homeowner for a notarized letter stating you live there, along with a copy of their utility bill — DPS will accept this combination.
Proof of Social Security number
Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security benefit statement. The card itself is the simplest option. If you've lost your card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration online or by visiting a local Social Security office — replacements usually arrive within two weeks.
If you don't have a Social Security number, you'll need to explore for one first through the Social Security Administration before you can get a Texas driver's license. This process takes several weeks.
Proof of lawful presence in the United States
DPS accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, permanent resident card (green card), employment authorization document, or a visa with your I-94 arrival/departure record. If you have a passport, you've already covered this requirement — you don't need a second document.
If you have a green card or work visa, bring the original. If your visa is in your passport, bring the passport. Temporary protected status (TPS) holders and deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) recipients can use their employment authorization documents. If you're unsure whether your document qualifies, call your local DPS office before you go.
The written test and what to study
At the DPS office, you'll take a written test on traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you need to answer at least 21 correctly to pass. Questions cover right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, safe driving practices, and what different road signs mean.
DPS publishes the free Texas Driver's Handbook online as a PDF. You can read it on a computer or print it out. The handbook covers everything on the test, and most people who read it carefully pass on the first try. You can also take practice tests on the DPS website. The test is given on a computer at the DPS office, and you'll get your results when ready.
The vision test and driving test
After you pass the written test, you'll take a vision screening at the DPS office. You need to read a chart from a certain distance — if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you can retake it, but you may be required to wear corrective lenses when you drive.
You do not take a driving test at the DPS office in Texas. Instead, you'll take a driving test through a third-party examiner — a private company licensed by DPS. You'll schedule this separately after you pass your written and vision tests. The examiner will test your ability to start the car, follow traffic laws, park, and handle basic driving situations. You must bring your own vehicle, and it must be in safe working condition with valid registration and insurance.
Fees and how long it takes
A Texas driver's license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You pay this fee at the DPS office when you explore. Some DPS offices charge an additional $5 to $10 for document verification if your documents are not in perfect order.
Processing time varies by office. In busy urban areas, you may wait several weeks for your license to arrive by mail. In less busy areas, it can arrive within one to two weeks. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the DPS office that you can use to drive while you wait for your plastic card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Texas driver's license if I don't have a Social Security number?
No. You must have a Social Security number to get a Texas driver's license. If you don't have one, you'll need to explore through the Social Security Administration first. This process takes several weeks, and you'll need to visit a Social Security office in person with your identity and residency documents.
What if my birth certificate is from another country?
DPS accepts foreign birth certificates only if they're certified copies and you also bring proof of lawful presence (such as a green card or visa). The birth certificate alone is not enough. If your birth certificate is in another language, bring an English translation certified by a translator.
Do I need an appointment to visit the DPS office?
Most DPS offices now require appointments, which you can schedule online through the DPS website. Some offices still accept walk-ins, but wait times are often several hours. Scheduling ahead is faster and more reliable.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment. There's no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people who study the Texas Driver's Handbook pass on the second attempt if they failed the first.
Can someone else pick up my license for me?
No. You must pick up your plastic license in person at the DPS office where you applied. You'll need to show your temporary paper license and a photo ID. If you move before your license arrives, you can update your address online through the DPS website.