Texas issues driver's licenses through the Department of Public Safety, and the process depends on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or transferring from another state

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver's licenses. You will need to visit a DPS driver license office in person — you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. The office will check your identity documents, take your photograph, and administer a written test and driving test if you are getting your first license. If you are renewing or transferring a license, the requirements are simpler.

The specific documents you need and the tests you take depend on your situation. A first-time applicant needs different paperwork than someone renewing an expired license. Texas also has different rules for minors, commercial drivers, and people with certain medical conditions. Understanding which category you fall into will tell you exactly what to bring and how long the process will take.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with original identity documents — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID — plus proof of Texas residency such as a utility bill or lease.
  • First-time applicants must pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test; renewals and transfers do not require these tests.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website.
  • DPS offices accept appointments and walk-ins, but appointment wait times are often shorter; you can schedule online at the DPS website.
  • A standard driver's license costs between $16 and $33 depending on how many years you are renewing for, and the fee is paid at the office when you explore.

Documents you need to bring to a DPS office

Texas requires you to prove your identity and residency before issuing a license. For identity, bring an original document — not a copy — such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, state ID card, or military ID. A school ID or work ID will not work on its own. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card.

For residency, bring a document showing your current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. 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 you live at that address — but this is slower and the DPS office may ask for additional proof.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or W-2 form. If you have a current out-of-state driver's license, bring that too — it speeds up the process. Bring your Texas ID number if you have one. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you; they will need to sign your process.

First-time applicants: the written test and driving test

If you have never held a driver's license in any state, you must pass a written knowledge test before you can take the driving test. The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and the DPS office will administer it on the day you visit.

You can study for the written test using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available as a PDF on the DPS website. The handbook covers everything on the test. Many people study it for a few days before their visit. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day at no extra charge.

After you pass the written test, you will take a driving test with a DPS examiner. The examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle or a vehicle you bring to the office. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills such as starting, stopping, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you may have to wait a few days or schedule another appointment.

Renewing an expired or expiring license

If your Texas driver's license is expired or expiring within 60 days, you can renew it without taking the written or driving test. You will need your current or expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or document showing it. The process is faster than a first-time process because you skip the tests.

Texas driver's licenses are valid for eight years for adults and four years for people under 18. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may have to retake the written and driving tests — the DPS office will tell you when you call or visit. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new Texas address.

Transferring a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Texas, you can transfer it to a Texas license. You will not have to retake the written or driving test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number or document showing it. The DPS office will issue you a Texas license on the same day.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you will have to retake the written and driving tests as if you were a first-time applicant. If your license is suspended or revoked in another state, Texas may not issue you a license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. The DPS office can check this for you.

Scheduling an appointment and visiting a DPS office

You can schedule an appointment online at the Texas DPS website or by calling the DPS office in your county. Appointments typically have shorter wait times than walk-ins, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Some offices are busier than others; offices in smaller towns often have shorter waits than those in major cities.

You can also walk into a DPS office without an appointment, but you may wait one to three hours or longer depending on how busy the office is. Bring all your documents and be prepared to spend at least 30 minutes at the office, longer if you are taking the written or driving test. DPS offices are usually open Monday through Friday during business hours; some offices have limited Saturday hours. Check the DPS website for the hours and location of the office nearest you.

Cost and how long it takes

A standard driver's license costs between $16 and $33 depending on how many years you are renewing for. The DPS office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. The fee is paid at the office when you explore, not online.

If you are getting your first license, the entire process — from arriving at the office to receiving your license — usually takes one to two hours if you pass the written and driving tests on the first try. If you fail a test, you will need to schedule another visit. A renewal or transfer usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Your physical license is printed at the office and you receive it the same day. A temporary paper license is also issued so you can drive while your permanent card is in the mail if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take a vision test?

Yes. The DPS office will test your vision as part of the process process. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If your vision does not meet Texas standards, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving, and this will be noted on your license.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test, usually within a few days or by scheduling another appointment. There is no extra fee to retake the test. You do not have to retake the written test if you already passed it. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

No. Texas requires you to visit a DPS office in person for all new licenses and most renewals. However, if your license is not expiring for at least 18 months, you may be able to renew it online through the DPS website — the website will tell you if you are may be able to access when you log in.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

Bring another document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2, tax return, or bank statement. If you do not have a document, you can explore for a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before visiting the DPS office, though this takes additional time.

How long is a Texas driver's license valid?

A standard driver's license is valid for eight years for adults age 18 and older. Licenses for people under 18 are valid for four years. Commercial driver's licenses have different validity periods depending on the type.