What you need to know before you go to the DPS office
A Texas driver's license is issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), not your local city or county. You will need to visit a DPS driver license office in person — you cannot complete this entirely by mail or online. The office will test your knowledge, take your photograph, and collect your documents on the same visit.
Texas offers three types of driver's licenses: a standard license (valid for five years), a Real ID-compliant license (valid for five years, required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 7, 2025), and a commercial driver's license (CDL) for operating large trucks. Most people need the standard or Real ID version. The Real ID costs the same as a standard license but requires one additional document proving your current address.
Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days after your office visit. Your temporary paper license is valid when ready and works for driving until your plastic card arrives by mail.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with original documents — bring your birth certificate, proof of Texas residency, and proof of Social Security number.
- A Real ID license requires an extra document showing your current address and is needed for federal buildings and domestic flights starting May 7, 2025.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official DPS manual available free online before your visit.
- Your temporary paper license is valid for driving when ready after your office visit, and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- Renewal by mail is available only if your license is not expired more than two years and you have no medical conditions or address changes.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring originals, not copies. The DPS will not accept photocopies or digital images. You need three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
For proof of identity, bring your U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization. A school ID or work ID will not work. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or Certificate of Naturalization.
For proof of Texas residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail also works. If you live with someone else and are not on the utility bill, bring a signed affidavit from the person whose name is on the bill, plus their ID.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access.
Taking the written test and vision screening
The written test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and also in other languages at some offices.
You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, available free as a PDF on the DPS website. The handbook covers everything on the test. Many people spend 2 to 3 hours studying before their office visit and pass on the first attempt. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no extra cost.
The DPS will also perform a vision screening at your office visit. You must see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, bring them to the office. If you fail the vision screening, you will be referred to an eye doctor and cannot receive your license until you return with proof of correction.
Getting your first license versus renewing an expired one
If you are getting your first Texas license, you must visit a DPS office and take both the written test and a driving test. The driving test takes about 10 minutes and covers basic skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, and parking. You must bring a vehicle registered in Texas with valid insurance. A licensed adult can sit in the passenger seat, but the examiner will be in the back seat.
If your license is expired but not more than two years old, you may renew by mail without visiting an office or retaking the test. You will need to fill out Form DL-44, include a check or money order, and mail it to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks by mail. If your license has been expired more than two years, you must visit an office and retake the written test, but you may not need to retake the driving test depending on your age and how long it has been expired.
If you are renewing a current license (not expired), you can renew online through the DPS website if you have a Real ID license, have no medical conditions, and have not changed your address. Online renewal takes about 7 to 10 business days and costs less than in-person renewal.
Real ID requirements and what it means for you
A Real ID license has a small gold star in the top right corner and meets federal standards for identification. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building such as a courthouse or military base. A standard Texas driver's license will no longer work for these purposes after that date.
Getting a Real ID license costs the same as a standard license. The only difference is that you must bring one additional document proving your current address — the same residency documents listed above work. If you already have a standard Texas license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can visit a DPS office and pay a small fee to get a new card with the star.
If you do not fly or visit federal buildings, a standard license is still valid for driving and is accepted by banks, employers, and other organizations. The choice is yours.
Finding a DPS office and what to expect on the day of your visit
Use the DPS office locator on the Texas Department of Public Safety website to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Many offices are busiest in the morning and on Fridays, so visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon may mean a shorter wait.
Arrive early and bring all your documents in a folder. The DPS does not take appointments, so you will take a number and wait. Wait times range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the office and time of day. Bring your phone or a book. Once you are called, the entire process — document review, written test, vision screening, and photograph — takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
You will pay the license fee at the office. A five-year standard license costs $33. A five-year Real ID license also costs $33. A driving test adds $16 if you are getting your first license. Payment is by cash, check, or card depending on the office.
What happens after you leave the office
You will receive a temporary paper license before you leave. This paper license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid until your plastic card arrives. Keep it in your wallet. Do not laminate it.
Your plastic license card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within 15 business days, contact the DPS to report it. If your address changes before your card arrives, update your address with the DPS online or at another DPS office so the card is mailed to the correct location.
Once your plastic card arrives, the paper temporary license is no longer valid. Destroy it or keep it at home. Use only the plastic card for identification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it is expired?
No. Online renewal is only for current, non-expired licenses. If your license is expired but less than two years old, you can renew by mail. If it is expired more than two years, you must visit a DPS office and retake the written test.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test at any DPS office. There is no waiting period. You pay the test fee again ($16) each time you retake it. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.
Do I need a Real ID license if I only drive in Texas?
No. A standard license is valid for driving anywhere in the United States. You only need Real ID if you plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings after May 7, 2025.
What if I moved to Texas from another state?
You must get a Texas license within 30 days of moving. Bring your out-of-state license as proof of identity, along with your birth certificate and proof of Texas residency. You will take the written test but may not need to retake the driving test if your out-of-state license is current.
Can someone else pick up my license card from the mail?
The card is mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office. Anyone living at that address can receive it. If you need the card mailed to a different address, contact the DPS before it ships.