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. The state accepts specific documents for each category, and you cannot substitute one type for another — a utility bill alone won't work as identity proof, for example.

For identity, bring one document from this list: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate with a raised seal, a consular report of birth abroad, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. If you're using a birth certificate, it must be an official copy with the state seal — a photocopy or hospital-issued certificate won't be accepted.

For residency, bring one document showing your current Texas address from the last 30 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency. The document must show your name and address; a bill addressed to "Resident" will not work.

For Social Security number proof, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number visible. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you'll need to complete an affidavit at the DPS office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one identity document (passport, birth certificate with seal, military ID, or out-of-state ID), one residency document from the last 30 days (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and one Social Security proof document.
  • Birth certificates must be official certified copies with a raised seal; hospital-issued or photocopied versions are not accepted.
  • Residency documents must show your name and current address; a bill addressed to "Resident" or an old address will not work.
  • You can get a license without a Social Security number by signing an affidavit at the DPS office, but you'll need to bring one of the other required documents.
  • Bring your completed DL 44 form (the process) to the office, though you can also fill it out there if needed.

The DL 44 process form and how to complete it

The DL 44 is Texas's driver's license process form. You can read it from the Texas DPS website before you go to the office, or you can fill it out when you arrive. Completing it ahead of time will speed up your visit, but it's not required.

The form asks for your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. You'll also declare whether you're a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident. If you're not a citizen, you'll need to bring your immigration documents (a green card, visa, or other proof of legal residency) along with your other documents.

Sign the form in front of a DPS employee — you cannot sign it beforehand. Bring the unsigned form with you, or ask the office staff to hand you a blank one when you arrive.

Vision test and written knowledge test requirements

At the DPS office, you'll take a vision screening to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. The test checks your ability to read letters and numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you and wear them during the test.

If you fail the vision test, you can retake it the same day. If you fail twice, you'll need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision correction certificate to a DPS office before you can try again.

You'll also take a written knowledge test covering Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 30 questions, and you need to answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day, though some offices may ask you to come back another time.

Study materials are free on the Texas DPS website, including a driver's handbook and practice tests. Many people study for a few days before their appointment to avoid retaking the test.

Road test and driving skills evaluation

After you pass the written test, you'll take a road test where a DPS examiner watches you drive and evaluates your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. The test usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes and covers basic maneuvers like starting, stopping, turning, parking, and merging.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and insurance documents must be current. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before the test begins.

If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you may need to wait a few days or schedule another appointment. Bring the same documents and vehicle when you return.

Fees and payment methods at the DPS office

A Texas driver's license costs a set amount that depends on how long you want the license to be valid. A four-year license costs less than a six-year or eight-year license. The DPS office will tell you the exact fee when you arrive, as fees can change.

The DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices. Some offices may accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. You cannot pay online or by mail — payment happens at the office when you complete your process.

If you need a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen, the fee is usually lower than a new license. Bring a police report if your license was stolen.

Timeline: how long the process takes from start to finish

Your visit to the DPS office usually takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on how busy the office is and whether you pass all tests on your first try. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday typically means shorter wait times.

After you pass all tests and pay the fee, you'll receive a temporary paper license that's valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. The plastic license usually arrives within two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.

If you need your license sooner, some DPS offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though availability varies by location. Call your local DPS office to ask whether expedited printing is available.

Special situations: minors, renewals, and name changes

If you're under 18, you'll need a parent or legal guardian to sign your DL 44 form and be present at the DPS office. Minors also have restrictions on when they can drive (no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months, for example), and these restrictions appear on the license itself.

If you're renewing an expired license, you may not need to take the written and road tests again, depending on how long your license has been expired and your age. Bring your expired license to the office, and the staff will tell you which tests you need to retake.

If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your other required documents. You'll need to update your name on your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or at home?

No, you must take the written test at a DPS office in front of an examiner. You cannot take it online or by mail. However, you can study for it online using the free practice tests and handbook on the Texas DPS website before your appointment.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test, usually within a few days or by scheduling another appointment. Bring the same vehicle, your documents, and your temporary paper license. There's typically an additional fee for each retake.

Do I need to schedule an appointment or can I just walk in?

Most Texas DPS offices accept walk-ins, but many also allow you to schedule appointments online or by phone. Scheduling ahead usually means a shorter wait time. Check your local office's website to see whether appointments are available in your area.

What if I don't have a birth certificate with a raised seal?

You can order a certified birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the state where you were born. It typically takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail. In the meantime, you can use a valid passport or military ID as your identity document instead.

Can someone else pick up my license for me after it's mailed?

Your license is mailed to the address you provided on your process. If you need someone else to receive it, update your address at the DPS office before you leave, or contact the office after your visit to request a mail hold or address change.