You need to visit a Texas DPS office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a written test and vision check, and pay a fee

Texas issues driver's licenses through the Department of Public Safety (DPS), and you cannot complete the process online or by mail. You must appear at a DPS Driver License office with specific documents, take a written exam on traffic laws, pass a vision screening, and pay the current fee. The entire visit typically takes one to three hours depending on how busy the office is that day.

You cannot renew a license that has been expired for more than two years by mail in Texas — you must return to an office in person. If your license is current or expired less than two years, you have the option to renew by mail or online, but a first-time license always requires an office visit.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring an original birth certificate or passport, a Social Security card or tax document, and a utility bill or lease showing your current address — these are the documents DPS requires most often.
  • You must pass a written test covering Texas traffic laws and road signs; the test is available in English and Spanish, and you get three chances to pass.
  • DPS offices are open during business hours but close on weekends and state holidays, and wait times vary widely by location and time of day.
  • The fee for a five-year license is $95 and for an eight-year license is $135; you pay by cash, check, or card at the office.
  • If you have an out-of-state license, you must surrender it when you receive your Texas license.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Texas requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. For identity, bring an original or certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a consular report of birth abroad, or a military discharge paper. A photocopy or certified copy is acceptable; a hospital birth certificate is not.

For your Social Security number, bring your actual Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a benefit statement from Social Security. A document showing your number is sufficient — you do not need to bring multiple items.

For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or insurance policy in your name at your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved and do not have a 60-day-old document yet, bring a lease or purchase agreement plus a utility bill in a roommate's name showing the same address, along with a signed statement from that person confirming you live there.

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present with you at the office. Bring their ID as well.

The Written Test and Vision Screening

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 30 multiple-choice questions and must get at least 21 correct to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish. You have three attempts to pass; if you fail all three, you must wait 30 days before you can test again.

You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS publishes free on its website. The handbook covers everything on the test. Many people also use practice tests available online through the DPS website or third-party study sites.

After you pass the written test, a DPS employee will check your vision using a machine that reads your eyesight. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision screening, you cannot receive a license that day and must see an eye doctor, get a corrective lens prescription, and return to the office.

DPS Office Locations and Hours

Texas has DPS Driver License offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Offices are typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours one or two evenings per week. All offices close on weekends and state holidays.

Wait times vary significantly. Rural offices often have shorter waits, sometimes 15 to 30 minutes. Urban offices in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio can have waits of one to three hours, especially on Fridays and at the end of the month. Some DPS offices now offer online appointment scheduling, which reserves a time slot and reduces your wait. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available.

You do not have to go to the office in your county. You can visit any DPS Driver License office in Texas, so if your local office is very busy, you may be able to visit one in a nearby county with a shorter wait.

Fees and Payment Methods

A five-year Texas driver's license costs $95. An eight-year license costs $135. You pay at the office when you receive your license. DPS accepts cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. If you pay by check, write it to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

If you are a Texas resident over 85 years old, your license is free. If you are a veteran, you may be able to add a veteran designation to your license at no extra cost.

What Happens After You Pass

Once you pass the test and vision screening, DPS will take your photograph and issue your license on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license that day, valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Do not drive without the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

If you have an out-of-state driver's license, you must surrender it to DPS when you receive your Texas license. You cannot hold licenses from two states at the same time.

If You Fail the Test or Vision Screening

If you fail the written test, you can take it again the same day at most offices, though some offices may ask you to return another day. You get three attempts total before you must wait 30 days to test again. Many people study the handbook between attempts and pass on the second or third try.

If you fail the vision screening, you cannot receive a license that day. You must visit an eye doctor, obtain a corrective lens prescription if needed, and return to the DPS office with proof that you have been examined. Bring the eye doctor's report or a copy of your prescription.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas license if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. You can use a U.S. passport, a consular report of birth abroad, or a military discharge paper instead. If you do not have any of these, you can request a certified copy of your birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born, which typically takes one to two weeks.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2, 1099, tax return, or Social Security benefit statement instead. You do not need the physical card — DPS just needs to verify your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to get a license without one; contact your local DPS office to ask about alternatives.

Do I have to take the written test if I already have a valid license from another state?

Yes. Texas requires all applicants to pass the written test, even if you hold a current license from another state. You do not have to take a road test, but the written exam is mandatory.

How long is a Texas driver's license valid?

A standard license is valid for five years. You can choose an eight-year license for an additional $40. Licenses for people over 79 are valid for five years. Commercial licenses have different expiration periods.

What if I cannot get to a DPS office during business hours?

Some DPS offices offer evening or Saturday hours. Check the hours for your local office on the DPS website. If no nearby office has hours that work for you, you can visit any DPS office in Texas — you are not limited to your county.