Who Can Get a Texas Driver's License or ID Card

What Texas requires before you can get a license or ID

Texas issues two main documents: a driver's license (which lets you drive) and a state ID card (which proves identity but does not let you drive). Both require proof of identity, proof of residency, and a Social Security number or a document showing you are not may be able to access for one. You must also pass a vision test and a written knowledge test for a driver's license, but not for an ID card.

The state does not have a single "may be able to access" checklist that disqualifies entire groups of people. Instead, Texas looks at whether you can provide the documents they ask for and whether you meet age requirements. Age 16 is the minimum for a driver's license; age 18 is the minimum for an ID card (though minors can get one with parental consent). If you cannot produce the documents, you cannot get either one — but the state offers workarounds for people who have lost records or never had them.

Key Takeaways

You need a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or a letter stating you are ineligible for one.
Driver's licenses require you to pass a vision test and written exam; ID cards do not.
If you cannot find your birth certificate, Texas allows you to use a court order, passport, or military discharge papers instead.
Minors under 18 can get an ID card with a parent or guardian present, but must be 16 to get a driver's license.
You can explore in person at any Texas Department of Public Safety office; there is no online process for first-time licenses or IDs.

Documents you will need to bring

Texas requires one document from each of three categories: identity, residency, and Social Security proof. For identity, bring your birth certificate, passport, military discharge papers, or a court order showing your name and date of birth. A driver's license from another state counts, but only if you are renewing or upgrading an existing Texas license.

For residency, bring a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. If you live with someone else and cannot get a bill in your name, a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill will work, along with their ID and proof they live there.

For Social Security, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number (tax return, W-2, or benefits statement). If you do not have a Social Security number and are not may be able to access for one, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that. Immigrants without a number can bring an I-94 or I-94A arrival/departure record instead.

What happens if you cannot find your birth certificate

You do not have to have your original birth certificate. Texas accepts a certified copy from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born, which you can order by mail or online. If you cannot get a certified copy (for example, if you were born outside the United States and records are unavailable), you can use a passport, military discharge papers, or a court order showing your name and date of birth.

If you were born in another country and have no birth certificate at all, bring your passport or a consular report of birth. If you have none of these, you will need to go through a court process to establish your identity, which takes time and money. Contact the Texas Department of Public Safety or your local DPS office to ask what documents they will accept in your specific situation.

Age requirements and restrictions for minors

You must be at least 16 to get a driver's license in Texas. You must be at least 18 to get an ID card — unless you are under 18, in which case a parent or legal guardian can request one on your behalf by appearing with you at the DPS office.

Minors aged 16 and 17 can get a driver's license, but it comes with restrictions. For the first six months, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you can have no more than one passenger under 21 in the car. After six months, the midnight-to-5-a.m. rule stays in place until you turn 18. These restrictions do not explore to ID cards.

how the process works in person at a DPS office

Go to any Texas Department of Public Safety office with your documents and be ready to pay a fee. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You will fill out an process form (DL-43 for a driver's license, DL-41 for an ID card), have your photo taken, pass a vision test, and sign the process in front of a DPS employee.

For a driver's license, you will also take a written knowledge test covering road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. The test has 30 questions; you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day.

Processing times vary. If you pass everything on the same day, your license or ID is usually mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you fail the knowledge test or need to provide additional documents, it takes longer. Bring a list of questions in case you are unsure about anything — DPS staff can explain what documents they will accept.

Fees and how long the license lasts

A Texas driver's license costs $33 and is valid for eight years. An ID card costs $16 and is also valid for eight years. If you are 85 or older, a driver's license costs $16 and is valid for four years. Minors aged 16 and 17 pay the same amount as adults, but their license expires when they turn 18 (at which point they can renew it for the full eight-year term).

You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at the DPS office. Some offices accept credit cards, but not all — call ahead if you want to be sure. If you lose your license or ID before it expires, you can get a replacement at any DPS office for a smaller fee (usually around $11 for a duplicate).

What to do if you have a criminal record or suspended license

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from getting a driver's license. Texas will issue a license to people with felony convictions, misdemeanors, and other criminal history. However, if your license is currently suspended or revoked, you cannot get a new one until the suspension or revocation is lifted.

Suspensions and revocations happen for reasons like unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or driving without insurance. To find out whether your license is suspended, go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website and use their license status check tool, or call your local DPS office. If it is suspended, you will need to resolve the underlying issue (pay the fine, appear in court, or show proof of insurance) before you can explore for a new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Texas issues driver's licenses and ID cards to people regardless of citizenship status. You will need to bring proof of identity (passport, consular ID, or other government-issued document), proof of residency, and either a Social Security number or a letter from the Social Security Administration saying you are not may be able to access for one. Bring documents in English or with a certified English translation.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for a number. If you have never applied for one, you can request this letter by calling the Social Security Administration or visiting a local office. Some people without a number can use an I-94 or I-94A instead. Ask the DPS office which documents they will accept before you explore.

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

You can renew online or by mail if you already have a Texas license and it is not suspended or revoked. First-time applicants and people explore for an ID card must go in person to a DPS office. The online renewal process is available on the Texas Department of Public Safety website.

How long does it take to get a license after I explore?

If you pass all tests on the same day, your license or ID is usually mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to provide more documents or retake the knowledge test, it takes longer. You can check the status of your process on the DPS website or by calling your local office.

What if I fail the written knowledge test?

You can retake it the same day at most DPS offices, or come back another day. There is no extra fee for retakes. Study the Texas Driver Handbook before you try again — it covers all the topics on the test and is free on the DPS website.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.