Documents and identification required for a Texas driver's license

Texas requires you to bring specific documents to a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office to get a driver's license. You will need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency — and the state accepts only certain documents for each category.

For proof of identity, you can use a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a permanent resident card. A state ID card from another state also works. If you are under 18, you may need additional documents — your parent or guardian must be present, and you will need their consent in writing.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a document from the Social Security Administration. A tax return is not accepted on its own. For proof of residency, you can use a recent utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement — it must show your name and current Texas address and be dated within the last 30 days.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or W-2), and proof of Texas residency (utility bill or lease dated within 30 days).
  • If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must appear with you in person and sign a consent form at the DPS office.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and a driving test before you receive your license.
  • The fee for a Texas driver's license is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at the DPS office.
  • You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.

The written test, vision test, and driving test

Before you receive your license, you must pass three tests at the DPS office. The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Texas Driver's Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass.

The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving, or you may be asked to see an eye doctor before you can take the test again.

The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner who sits in the car with you. The examiner watches how you handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. The test usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes and covers basic skills like starting the car, turning, parking, and stopping. You must use your own vehicle for the test, and it must be registered and insured.

Age-specific requirements for minors and young drivers

If you are under 18, Texas has additional rules. You must have a parent or guardian present at the DPS office, and they must sign a consent form. You cannot get a license until you are at least 16 years old, and you must have held a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test.

A learner's permit allows you to drive only when a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old is in the front seat with you. You can get a learner's permit at age 15 by passing the written test and vision test. The permit costs $11 and is valid for two years.

Once you turn 16 and have held your permit for six months, you can schedule a driving test. If you pass, you will receive a probationary license that is valid until you turn 18. During the probationary period, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even for hands-free calls.

Fees and how to pay

A Texas driver's license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You pay at the DPS office when you pass all three tests. The DPS accepts cash, checks, and debit or credit cards.

If you are renewing an existing license, the cost is the same. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, the replacement fee is $11. If you change your name or address, you can update your license at the DPS office for $11, or you can renew it early and pay the full license fee.

Finding a DPS office and scheduling your test

Texas has DPS offices in most cities and counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or zip code. The website also shows current wait times at each location, which can range from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the time of day and day of the week.

You do not need an appointment for a written test or vision test, but you do need to schedule a driving test in advance. You can schedule online through the DPS website, by phone at 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-377-8935), or in person at a DPS office. Driving test appointments fill up quickly, especially in urban areas, so schedule as far in advance as you can.

Bring all your documents with you when you go. If you are missing any required document, the DPS office will not test you, and you will need to return another day. Arrive early, especially if you are going during peak hours like lunch or after school.

What happens after you pass all three tests

Once you pass the written test, vision test, and driving test, you will receive your driver's license on the same day. The license is printed at the DPS office and is valid when ready. Your license will show your photo, name, address, date of birth, and license number.

Your license is valid for the period you chose — four years or eight years. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, depending on whether your address or other information has changed.

Special situations: name changes, address changes, and out-of-state moves

If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update your driver's license within 30 days. Bring your new name document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) and your current license to a DPS office. The fee is $11 for an update or $32 if you choose to renew early.

If you move to a new address in Texas, you must update your license within 30 days. You can do this online through the DPS website if your address change is within Texas and you do not need a new photo. If you move to Texas from another state, you must get a Texas license within 30 days. You will need to pass the written test and vision test, but you may not need to take the driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and you have held it for at least one year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online?

No. The written test, vision test, and driving test must all be taken in person at a DPS office. You cannot take any part of the test online or by mail. However, you can study for the written test using the free Texas Driver's Handbook on the DPS website.

What if I fail one of the tests?

If you fail the written test or vision test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no fee to retake a test. If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one day before you can schedule another test. You can take the driving test up to five times within a 12-month period.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I use another document?

You do not have to bring your Social Security card specifically. The DPS accepts a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a letter from the Social Security Administration as proof of your Social Security number. Choose whichever document you have available.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

If you do not have a birth certificate, you can use a U.S. passport, a military ID, or a permanent resident card as proof of identity instead. If you do not have any of these documents, you will need to contact the Texas Vital Statistics office or the office that issued your birth certificate to request a certified copy before you can get a driver's license.

Can I use a utility bill from someone else's house as proof of residency?

No. The utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement must show your name and your current address. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name only, you can use a lease agreement or a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, along with a document that shows your name and address.