Texas DPS License and ID Card Requirements

To get a driver's license or ID card from the Texas Department of Public Safety, you must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, have a valid Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and be a Texas resident. Texas defines residency as living in the state for at least 30 days before you explore. You also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test (for a driver's license), and you must be at least 16 years old for a learner's permit, 18 for a standard driver's license, or any age for a state ID card.

The Texas DPS does not issue licenses or ID cards to people who are not lawfully present in the United States, with one exception: Texas offers a limited-term driver's license to people with valid work authorization under federal law, even if they are not permanent residents. This license expires when your work authorization ends.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or have valid federal work authorization to get a Texas driver's license or ID card.
  • Texas requires proof of residency (30 days in the state), a valid Social Security number or ITIN, and a completed DL 43 process form.
  • A standard driver's license requires you to be at least 18 years old; a learner's permit is available at 16; a state ID card has no age requirement.
  • You must pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test for a driver's license, but only a vision test for a state ID card.
  • Certain criminal convictions, medical conditions, or license suspensions may disqualify you or delay your process.

Proof of Identity and Residency You Will Need

Texas DPS requires two forms of identification to prove who you are. Acceptable primary documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. If you do not have one of these, you can use a combination of secondary documents such as a school ID, a utility bill, or a bank statement.

For residency, you need a document showing your name and a Texas address dated within the last 30 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If you live with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus that bill itself, can serve as proof.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS before you visit the DPS office.

Age Requirements for Different License Types

Texas offers three main types of documents. A learner's permit is available at age 16 and allows you to drive only with a licensed adult in the vehicle. A standard driver's license requires you to be at least 18 years old and allows unrestricted driving. A state ID card has no age requirement and is not a driving license — it is an identification card for people who do not drive or who want a second form of ID.

If you are under 18 and explore for a learner's permit, you must have written consent from a parent or guardian. Texas DPS will ask you to bring that parent or guardian to the office, or you can submit a notarized consent form signed by them.

Drivers under 18 who pass their test and move to a full license face restrictions: they cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months, and they cannot use a cell phone while driving. These restrictions lift at age 18 or after one year, whichever comes later.

Medical Conditions and Criminal History That May Affect Your process

Texas DPS will deny or suspend a license if you have certain medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely. These include untreated epilepsy, severe vision loss, or conditions that cause sudden loss of consciousness. You may be asked to provide a medical report from your doctor. If you have a condition that is controlled by medication or treatment, you can often still get a license — the DPS looks at whether the condition is managed, not whether you have it.

Criminal convictions also affect your may be able to access. A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI), driving with a suspended license, or certain drug offenses will result in a mandatory license suspension. The length of the suspension depends on the offense and whether it is a first, second, or subsequent conviction. Felony convictions do not automatically disqualify you, but DPS will review your record.

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot get a new one until the suspension period ends. You can check the status of your license on the Texas DPS website or by calling their customer service line.

how the process works in Person at a DPS Office

You must explore for a driver's license or ID card in person at a Texas DPS office. You cannot explore by mail or online. Bring your completed DL 43 process form (available on the DPS website or at the office), your proof of identity, your proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. You will also need to pay the fee, which varies by document type and how long you want it to be valid.

At the office, you will have your photo taken and your vision screened. If you are explore for a driver's license, you will take a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and safe driving. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. If you are explore for a state ID card, you skip the knowledge test.

Processing usually takes a few minutes if you pass everything on the first try. Your temporary license is printed on the spot, and your permanent card arrives by mail within two weeks. If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the same day or return another day.

Renewal and Replacement of Existing Licenses

If you already have a Texas driver's license or ID card and it is expiring, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person — you do not have to go to an office unless your license has been suspended or your medical status has changed. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes. You will need your license number, your date of birth, and a valid email address.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must explore for a replacement in person at a DPS office. Bring your proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a new process. A replacement license costs less than a new license and is processed the same way.

Texas driver's licenses are valid for eight years for adults and five years for people under 18. ID cards 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 that notice to renew.

Special Situations: Work Authorization and Temporary Residents

If you are not a U.S. citizen but have valid work authorization from the federal government — such as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) — you can get a limited-term driver's license in Texas. This license is valid only for the duration of your work authorization and will expire on the same date your EAD expires. You will need to bring your EAD, your proof of identity, and your proof of residency, just like any other applicant.

If you are in Texas temporarily on a visa (such as a student visa or tourist visa) but do not have work authorization, you cannot get a Texas driver's license. You may be able to use your foreign driver's license or an International Driving Permit if your home country issued one. Some car rental companies and insurance companies will accept these documents.

If your immigration status changes — for example, if your work authorization expires or you become a permanent resident — you should update your license status with DPS. Driving on an expired or invalid license can result in criminal charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have a suspended license from another state?

Texas will not issue you a new license while a suspension from another state is active. You must contact that state's DMV to find out when the suspension ends and whether you need to take any steps to clear it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can explore for a Texas license.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Texas ID card?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS. The process takes several weeks, so plan ahead. You will need your ITIN before you can visit a DPS office.

Can I get a license if I am homeless?

Yes. Texas allows you to use a shelter address, a mail forwarding address, or even a street address as proof of residency. You will need a document showing that address dated within the last 30 days. A letter from a shelter or social services agency can work if it includes your name and address.

What happens if I fail the written knowledge test?

You can retake the test when ready at the same DPS office, or you can return on another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. You can take the test as many times as you need, though each attempt may have a small fee depending on your DPS office's policy.

How long does it take to get a Texas driver's license after I explore?

Your temporary license is printed at the office before you leave. Your permanent card arrives by mail within two weeks. You can drive using the temporary license when ready, and it is valid until your permanent card arrives.