The Texas Department of Public Safety handles all driver licenses in the state
The Driver License Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the only office that issues, renews, and manages driver licenses in Texas. You cannot get a Texas driver license from any other state agency, county office, or private vendor. All applications, tests, and renewals go through DPS, either in person at a local driver license office or online for certain renewal types.
Texas has two types of driver licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The Real ID version meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. Both are issued by the same division, but Real ID requires additional documentation and costs slightly more.
Key Takeaways
- The Driver License Division of Texas DPS is located in local offices across the state, and you must visit in person for your first license or to take a driving test.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence in the United States before you go to an office.
- Texas offers online renewal for some drivers, but only if your license is not expired more than two years and you meet other specific conditions.
- Vision and medical requirements exist for all drivers, and DPS may request a medical report or vision test if your record shows certain conditions.
What documents you need to bring to a driver license office
Texas DPS requires four categories of documents before you can get a driver license. You must bring proof of identity (such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return), and proof of lawful presence in the United States (such as a U.S. birth certificate, passport, or immigration document).
If you are renewing and your address has not changed, you may not need to bring proof of residency again. However, if you are explore for your first Texas license or have moved, bring a current document showing your name and address. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most documents.
For Real ID licenses, you will need the same four categories plus one additional document that proves your current address. This is why Real ID applications take longer and cost more than standard renewals.
How vision and medical requirements work
Texas law requires all drivers to meet minimum vision standards. When you explore for a license, DPS staff will test your vision at the office. If you do not meet the standard (corrected or uncorrected), you will not receive a license until you have been examined by an eye care professional and bring documentation of your results.
Medical conditions may also trigger a report requirement. If your driving record or process shows that you have had a seizure, loss of consciousness, or certain neurological conditions, DPS may ask your doctor to complete a medical report form. You are responsible for obtaining this form from DPS, having your doctor complete it, and returning it to DPS before your license is issued or renewed.
Some conditions result in restrictions on your license — for example, corrective lenses required, daylight driving only, or hand controls required. These restrictions appear on your license and are legally binding.
The steps to get your first Texas driver license
First, gather all four categories of required documents listed above. Second, visit a local driver license office in person — you cannot complete a first-time process online. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website. Third, take the written knowledge test at the office. Fourth, if you pass the knowledge test, schedule a driving test (the road test). Fifth, pass the driving test. Sixth, pay the license fee and receive your license.
The entire process usually takes multiple visits because the knowledge test and driving test are often scheduled on different days. Some offices allow you to take both tests on the same day if you pass the knowledge test early in the morning, but this varies by location and how busy the office is.
You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner permit and at least 18 to get an unrestricted license. Drivers under 18 must follow graduated licensing rules, which include restrictions on when and where they can drive.
Renewing your driver license online or in person
Texas allows online renewal for some drivers through the DPS website. You can renew online if your license is not expired more than two years, you have no medical or vision flags on your record, you have not changed your name, and you do not need a Real ID upgrade. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs less than an in-person renewal.
If you do not meet the online renewal requirements, you must renew in person at a driver license office. Bring your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed. In-person renewals take longer but allow you to update your address, change your photo, or upgrade to Real ID at the same time.
Texas driver licenses are valid for eight years. You will receive a notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew.
Real ID licenses and federal requirements
A Real ID-compliant license meets federal standards for air travel within the United States and entry to federal buildings. Starting in May 2025, a standard Texas driver license will no longer be accepted for domestic air travel — you will need either a Real ID license or a passport.
Real ID applications require the same four document categories as a standard license, plus one additional document proving your current address. The fee is higher than a standard license renewal. Processing takes longer because DPS must verify your documents more thoroughly.
If you already have a Real ID license, you do not need to do anything. Your license will continue to work for federal purposes until it expires. When you renew, you can choose to renew as Real ID or downgrade to a standard license.
What to do if DPS requests a medical report or vision test
If DPS sends you a letter asking for a medical report, it means your record shows a condition that requires evaluation. You have a set number of days (usually 30) to submit the report. Contact your doctor and ask them to complete the DPS Medical Report form, which you can read from the DPS website or request by mail.
If you do not submit the report by the important date, DPS will suspend or deny your license. If you submit the report and your doctor states that you are safe to drive, DPS will issue your license, possibly with restrictions. If your doctor states that you should not drive, DPS will deny your license.
Vision tests work differently. If you fail the vision test at the office, you cannot leave with a license that day. You must see an eye care professional, get a report of your vision results, and return to DPS with that report before your license can be issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas driver license if I live out of state?
No. You must be a Texas resident to hold a Texas driver license. If you move out of state, you should get a driver license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Texas resident, you can renew online if you meet the other requirements, or you can renew in person when you return to Texas.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. You can schedule your next test at the same office or a different one.
How long does it take to get a driver license after I pass the test?
You receive your temporary license at the office on the day you pass the driving test. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for 45 days and works for all purposes while you wait for the permanent one.
Do I need a medical report if I have diabetes or high blood pressure?
Not automatically. DPS only requests a medical report if your driving record or process shows a condition that affects your ability to drive safely — such as a seizure, fainting episode, or severe vision loss. Diabetes and high blood pressure alone do not trigger a report unless they have caused you to lose consciousness or have a crash.
What if I cannot pass the vision test even with glasses or contacts?
If you cannot meet Texas vision standards even with correction, DPS will not issue you a license. You can appeal this decision or seek a second opinion from another eye care professional. Some people with severe vision loss may be found ineligible to drive in Texas.