Getting your Texas driver's license starts with the Department of Public Safety

You get a Texas driver's license through the Department of Public Safety (DPS), not through your city or county. You'll need to visit a DPS Driver License office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can walk in without an appointment at most locations — you'll just wait longer.

Texas issues different types of licenses depending on your age and citizenship status. A standard driver's license lets you drive a regular passenger vehicle. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required if you drive trucks or buses for work. A motorcycle endorsement adds the ability to ride motorcycles on your existing license. Each type has different testing requirements and costs.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS Driver License office in person with original documents proving your identity, Texas residency, and Social Security number.
  • You'll take a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs, then a behind-the-wheel driving test with a DPS examiner.
  • A standard driver's license costs around $33 for a six-year license, though the exact fee depends on your age and the license type you're getting.
  • You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.
  • If you're under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for a waiting period before you can test for a full license.

What documents you need to bring

Bring an original document proving your identity — a passport, birth certificate, or consular report of birth abroad. Do not bring a photocopy; DPS will not accept it. You also need an original document proving you live in Texas, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days. A bank statement or government mail works too.

You must also prove your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form showing your number. If you don't have a Social Security number, you'll need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you're not may be able to access for one.

If you're explore for a Real ID-compliant license (which you'll need to fly domestically after May 2025), bring both your identity document and your residency document in original form. A standard license without Real ID compliance does not require this dual documentation, but you won't be able to use it for federal purposes like boarding a plane.

Taking the written knowledge test

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DPS office. You must get at least 21 questions correct to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and large-print versions are available if you request one.

You can study for free using the Texas DPS Driver's Manual, which is available on the DPS website as a PDF. The manual covers everything the test asks about — speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different signs mean, and how to handle emergencies. Most people spend a few hours reviewing the manual before taking the test.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may have to wait and pay the test fee again. There's no limit to how many times you can retake it.

Passing the driving test

After you pass the written test, you'll schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test with a DPS examiner. The examiner sits in your vehicle while you drive a set route in your local area, usually lasting 10 to 15 minutes. They watch how you handle turns, stops, parking, lane changes, and how you respond to traffic and pedestrians.

You must bring a vehicle that's registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and insurance documents must be current. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and steering all work before you start driving. If anything is broken or missing, you'll fail the test when ready.

You need a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the vehicle with you during the test — this can be a friend, family member, or the examiner will sometimes allow a DPS employee to sit in the passenger seat. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after waiting a few days. Most offices let you schedule your next attempt right away.

Fees and how long it takes

A standard driver's license costs around $33 for a six-year license if you're 18 or older. If you're under 18, the fee is lower because the license expires sooner. Real ID-compliant licenses cost a few dollars more. You pay at the DPS office when you explore, before you take the tests.

From the day you walk into a DPS office to the day you receive your license in the mail typically takes two to four weeks. You'll get a temporary paper license at the office that day, which you can use to drive when ready while you wait for your plastic card to arrive by mail. If you need your license faster, some DPS offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though this is not available at all locations.

Special rules if you're under 18

If you're under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can get a license. This course can be taken online or in person through a private driving school or your high school. After you finish the course, you'll get a certificate of completion that you bring to the DPS office.

You also must hold a learner's permit for a waiting period before you can take the driving test. The waiting period is typically 30 days, though it may be shorter if you're close to turning 18. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat.

To get a learner's permit, visit a DPS office with your documents, pass the written test, and pay a small fee. You'll get the permit when ready and can start practicing right away. Once the waiting period ends, you can schedule your driving test.

Finding a DPS office near you

The Texas DPS website has a tool where you can search for Driver License offices by city or zip code. Each office listing shows the address, phone number, and hours of operation. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only, while others have Saturday hours. A few major cities have multiple offices, so you can choose the one most convenient to you.

The website also shows current wait times at each office, updated throughout the day. If one office has a long wait, you can check another location nearby. Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, but you'll wait longer during lunch hours and late afternoon. Early morning and mid-week visits typically have shorter waits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

You can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you haven't had any major changes to your information. The DPS website has a renewal tool where you can check if you're may be able to access. If you are, you can renew online and your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks. If you're not may be able to access, you must visit an office in person.

What if I have an out-of-state license?

You can transfer your out-of-state license to a Texas license by visiting a DPS office with your documents and your current out-of-state license. You'll still take the written test, but you may not need to take the driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and current. Ask at the office when you go — the rules vary slightly depending on which state your license is from.

Do I need to take the test again if I let my license expire?

If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew it without retaking the tests. If it's been expired for more than two years, you'll need to take both the written and driving tests again, just like a first-time applicant. Bring your expired license to the office so they can see how long it's been expired.

What if I fail the driving test twice?

There's no limit to how many times you can retake the driving test. After you fail, you can schedule another attempt. Many people pass on their second or third try. You don't need to retake the written test — once you pass that, it stays passed for a set period while you keep trying the driving test.

Can I get a license if I don't have a Social Security number?

Yes. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you're not may be able to access for a number, along with your identity and residency documents. You'll still take the same tests and pay the same fee. The process is otherwise identical.