The documents and steps to get your first Texas driver's license
To get a Texas driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You will also pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test. The whole process usually takes a few weeks from start to finish, though the office visit itself is typically one to two hours.
Texas has different paths depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or switching from another state. This guide covers the first-time process for adults. If you are under 18, the requirements are stricter and include a learner's permit stage.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a photo ID from a government agency, and a document showing your current address to your DPS office.
- You will take a written test on Texas traffic laws, pass a vision screening, and complete a behind-the-wheel driving test before the license is issued.
- The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook available free online.
- Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, such as a W-2 or tax return, because Texas verifies this information with the federal government.
- The entire process from your first office visit to receiving your license in the mail takes two to three weeks in most cases.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy is not acceptable. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, it must be certified by the issuing country or a U.S. consulate.
You also need a photo ID issued by a government agency. This can be a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a state ID from another state, or a tribal ID. The ID must not be expired, though some expired IDs are accepted if they expired fewer than two years ago — ask the DPS office about your specific ID.
Bring proof of your current address in Texas. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days works. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in someone else's name plus a notarized affidavit stating that you live there.
You must also show proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it. If you do not, bring a W-2, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement from the government. A birth certificate with your number on it also works.
The written test on Texas traffic laws
The written test has 30 questions. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test covers traffic signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking rules, and safe driving practices. You take the test on a computer at the DPS office on the day of your visit.
You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the DPS website. The handbook covers everything on the test. Many people study it for a few hours or a few days before their office visit. You are allowed to take the test in English or Spanish.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts at the same office visit, but if you leave and come back, some offices require you to wait a few days.
The vision test and driving test
At your DPS office visit, you will have your vision checked. The screener will test each eye separately and together. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, you must wear them during the test and your license will note that you must wear them while driving.
After you pass the written test, you will take a behind-the-wheel driving test with a DPS examiner. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You drive on regular streets, not a closed course. The examiner watches how you handle turns, stops, parking, and how you respond to traffic. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A friend or family member can drive you to the office, but you must be the one driving during the test.
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you may have to wait a few days or schedule another appointment. You do not have to retake the written test.
Fees and how long it takes
The fee for a five-year driver's license is $25. An eight-year license costs $40. You pay this fee at the DPS office on the day of your visit. Some offices accept cash, debit, and credit cards; a few accept only certain payment methods, so check your local office's website first.
After you pass all three tests, the DPS will mail your license to the address you provided. This usually takes two to three weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.
Wait times at DPS offices vary widely depending on the office and the time of day. Some offices have online appointment systems where you can reserve a time slot. Others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday often means shorter waits than afternoons or weekends.
What happens if you move or your information changes
If you move to a different address in Texas while your license is still valid, you do not have to get a new license. However, you should update your address with DPS. You can do this online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Updating your address online is free and takes a few minutes.
If your name changes due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, you will need to get a new license. Bring your original or certified birth certificate, a court order showing the name change, or a marriage certificate. The fee is the same as for a new license.
Renewing or replacing an expired or lost license
If your license has expired, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person, depending on how long it has been expired and whether you have had any violations. If it expired fewer than two years ago and you have had no major violations, you can renew online or by mail without taking the tests again. If it expired more than two years ago, you must go to a DPS office and retake the written and driving tests.
If your license is lost or stolen, go to a DPS office and request a replacement. Bring your proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number, just as you would for a new license. You do not have to retake the tests. The fee for a replacement is the same as for a new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English or Spanish?
No. Texas offers the written test in English and Spanish only. If you need help understanding the questions, some DPS offices have staff who can read questions aloud, but the test itself is not translated into other languages.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it. You do not have to retake the written test or pay the fee again. You may have to schedule another appointment or wait a few days, depending on the office. Some offices let you retake it the same week; others require you to wait longer.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a Texas driver's license?
Yes. Texas law requires you to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have one, you cannot get a driver's license. You would need to explore for a Social Security number through the Social Security Administration first.
Can someone else take the driving test for me?
No. You must be the one driving during the test. The examiner needs to see how you handle the vehicle and respond to traffic.
How do I find the DPS office nearest me?
Use the office locator on the DPS website. You can search by city or zip code. The website also shows each office's hours, whether it takes appointments, and what services it offers.