Documents and proof you must bring to the DPS office

To get a Texas driver's license, you need to bring documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires specific paperwork — not just any ID will work. You cannot complete this process online or by mail; you must visit a DPS office in person.

Bring one document from the identity list, one from the residency list, and proof of your Social Security number. The DPS website lists which documents count for each category, and requirements differ slightly depending on whether you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or visa holder. If you were born outside the U.S., you will also need to bring your birth certificate or passport.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), one proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number to a DPS office.
  • If you were born outside the U.S., bring your birth certificate or passport; if you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your visa or permanent resident card.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test before the license is issued.
  • Processing takes about two weeks after your visit, and you can check your status online using your driver's license number once it is issued.

Proof of identity documents that DPS accepts

A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate are the most straightforward proofs of identity. If you do not have any of these, the DPS accepts a military ID, a state ID from another state, or a tribal ID. You can also use a foreign passport if you are not yet a U.S. citizen.

The document must not be expired, and it must show your full legal name and date of birth. If your name has changed since the document was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree. The DPS will not accept a document with a name that does not match your current legal name.

Proof of Texas residency you can use

A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement from the past 90 days all count as proof that you live in Texas. The document must show your name and a Texas address. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from that person stating you live there, plus the utility bill or lease.

Other documents that work include a property tax certificate, a homeowners insurance policy, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check (such as unemployment or Social Security). Military members stationed in Texas can bring a military ID and a letter from their commanding officer. If you are homeless, you can bring a letter from a shelter or social service agency on their letterhead, dated within the past 90 days.

Proof of Social Security number

Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement from the government. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration. The DPS will not accept a tax return or a bank statement as proof of your Social Security number.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a Texas ID card, but not a driver's license. You would need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number, or documentation of your immigration status if you are not a U.S. citizen.

The written test, vision test, and driving test

After you submit your documents, you will take a written test on Texas traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. The handbook covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and what different road signs mean.

Next comes a vision test to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. You will also take a driving test where a DPS officer rides with you and watches how you handle the car. The test includes parking, turning, stopping, and driving on different types of roads. You must follow traffic laws and show that you can control the vehicle.

Timeline and what happens after your visit

After you pass all three tests, the DPS will take your photo and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license card arrives in the mail within two weeks. You can drive using the temporary license while you wait for the card.

You can check the status of your license online using the DPS website once you have your temporary license number. If there is a delay, you can call your local DPS office to ask about it. If you do not receive your license within three weeks, contact the DPS to report it.

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

If your name has changed since you last had a Texas license, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a license that has expired, you may be able to renew by mail or online depending on how long it has been expired; check the DPS website for your specific situation.

If you are moving to Texas from another state and already have a valid driver's license, you can exchange it for a Texas license. Bring your current out-of-state license along with your proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. You will still need to pass the written and driving tests unless you are over 79 years old, in which case you may only need the written test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No, a Social Security number is required for a driver's license in Texas. You can get a Texas ID card without one if you have documentation showing you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number, but that card cannot be used for driving. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may be able to get a license with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead; contact your local DPS office to ask.

What if I fail the written test or driving test?

You can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you will pay the fee each time. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after studying the handbook more carefully or practicing driving skills.

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

Yes, Texas requires you to take the driving test when you exchange an out-of-state license for a Texas license, unless you are over 79 years old. You will still need to pass the written test as well. The only exception is if your out-of-state license is still valid and you are straightforward moving to Texas; you can exchange it without retesting in some cases — ask at your DPS office.

How much does a Texas driver's license cost?

The fee varies depending on how long the license is valid for. A standard license costs less than a license valid for eight years. You will also pay a separate fee for the driving test. Check the DPS website or call your local office for the exact current cost, as fees change.

Can someone else pick up my license for me if I cannot go to the DPS office?

No, you must appear in person at the DPS office to explore for a driver's license. You cannot have someone else do it for you. However, once your license is mailed to you, someone else can pick it up from your home if you are not there to receive it.