What you need to know before you go to the DPS office
A Texas driver's license or ID card comes from the Department of Public Safety (DPS), not your local city or county office. You will need to visit a DPS driver license office in person — you cannot complete this entirely by mail or online. The process takes about 30 minutes if you have all your documents, but offices can have long wait times, especially on weekdays and at the end of the month.
Texas issues two main documents: a driver's license if you want to drive, or a standard ID card if you only need identification. Both are valid for voting, boarding domestic flights, and entering federal buildings. The ID card costs less and lasts longer, but you cannot use it to operate a vehicle.
You will need to bring original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency. Photocopies do not work. The DPS website lists which specific documents they accept, and the list is long — it matters that you bring the right ones, because if you do not, you will have to return another day.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and current Texas address.
- A standard ID card costs less than a driver's license and is valid for voting and federal building entry, but cannot be used to drive.
- Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or military ID — photocopies are not accepted.
- Bring proof of Texas residency such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days.
- Processing times vary by office location, but you should expect to wait and can check wait times online before you go.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Start by gathering proof of your identity. The DPS accepts a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or passport card. If you have a passport, bring it — it is the fastest document to verify. A birth certificate must be certified (raised seal or official stamp), not a photocopy from a hospital. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your passport or Certificate of Naturalization.
Next, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. The card itself is easiest. If you do not have the card, you can bring a W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement.
Finally, bring proof that you live in Texas right now. The DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 90 days. A bank statement or insurance document also works if it shows your name and current address. The document must show your full name and street address — a P.O. box does not count.
If you are renewing an expired license or ID, bring the expired card itself. If you are replacing a lost or stolen card, you may need to pay an additional fee and sign a statement.
How to find and visit a DPS driver license office
The DPS operates driver license offices across Texas. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. The site also shows the current wait time at each location, updated throughout the day. If one office has a two-hour wait and another 30 minutes away has a 20-minute wait, it is worth the drive.
Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some variation by location. A few offices have Saturday hours. You do not need an appointment — you walk in, take a number, and wait. Arrive early in the day if you can; mornings are usually shorter than afternoons, and the last week of the month is busier than the first.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. The DPS staff will collect them, verify them, and return them to you after your transaction is complete.
The vision test, photo, and signature
At the office, a DPS employee will check your documents, verify your information, and ask you to read an eye chart. This is a basic vision screening — you do not need to pass a full eye exam, but you must be able to read the chart at a certain distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test.
You will then have your photo taken. Wear something you are comfortable with; the photo will be on your ID for years. You will also sign a digital pad, and that signature will appear on your card.
The DPS will ask you questions about your address, whether you have any medical conditions that affect driving, and whether you want to be an organ donor. Answer honestly — false statements on a government ID process can have legal consequences.
Fees and how long your card lasts
A Texas driver's license costs between $16 and $32 depending on how long you want it to be valid. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. A standard ID card costs between $11 and $22. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the office.
Your new card will be mailed to the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper receipt that you can use as proof of identity until the card arrives. Keep that receipt safe.
If you are under 18, your license will expire on your 18th birthday. If you are 18 or older, you choose the expiration date when you explore — four years or eight years.
What to do if you need a replacement or renewal
If your license or ID is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DPS office. Bring your documents the same way you would for a new card. A replacement card costs less than a new card and takes the same 7 to 10 days to arrive.
If your card is expiring soon, you can renew it before it expires. You do not have to wait until it is expired. A renewal requires the same documents and process as getting a new card, though some renewals can be done by mail if you meet certain conditions — the DPS website explains which renewals are may be able to access for mail processing.
If your address has changed, you can update it at a DPS office or online through the DPS website, depending on the type of change. A name change requires a visit to the office and proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Special situations: minors, non-citizens, and commercial licenses
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you to the DPS office. They will need to bring their own ID and sign consent forms. Minors also have restrictions on when they can drive — a learner's permit comes first, then a restricted license, then a full license. The DPS website explains the age requirements and restrictions for each stage.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a standard ID card or a driver's license if you have a valid visa or work permit. Bring your passport and visa or work authorization document. Some visa types do not allow you to drive in Texas; the DPS staff can tell you whether yours does.
A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required if you drive a truck or bus for work. The process is longer and includes a written test and a driving test. You must first pass a medical exam and get a medical certificate. The DPS website has a separate section for CDL information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Texas license by mail?
Some renewals can be done by mail if your license is not expired yet, you have not had any address changes, and you do not need to update your photo. The DPS website tells you whether your specific situation qualifies. If you are may be able to access, you can request a mail renewal form online or at a DPS office.
What if I fail the vision test?
If you cannot read the eye chart, the DPS will not issue you a license or ID that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a corrective lens prescription if you need one, and return to the DPS office. Bring your glasses or contacts and try again. If you still cannot pass, you may need a medical evaluation.
How do I change my name on my Texas ID?
You must visit a DPS office in person and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will update your record and issue a new card. This takes the same 7 to 10 days as a regular card.
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my card to arrive?
Yes. The DPS gives you a temporary paper receipt at the office that is valid for driving and identification until your card arrives. Keep it in a safe place. Once your card arrives in the mail, the receipt is no longer valid.
What happens if I move to another state?
Your Texas license remains valid until it expires, even if you move. However, you should get a license from your new state within a certain timeframe — usually 30 to 60 days. Your new state will tell you what documents you need. You do not have to surrender your Texas license; most states let you keep it.