What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license
To get a Texas driver's license, you must pass a written knowledge test, a driving test, and a vision screening at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You'll also need to bring specific documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process takes a few hours on the day of your appointment, though you may wait weeks to get an appointment slot depending on your location.
Texas does not issue licenses by mail or online. You must visit a DPS office in person, and you must schedule an appointment in advance through the DPS website or by phone. Walk-ins are not accepted at most locations.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Texas DPS office in person with an appointment; walk-ins are generally not accepted.
- Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax document, and proof of Texas residency such as a utility bill or lease.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws, pass a vision screening, and pass a driving test in your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle.
- Schedule your appointment through the DPS website at dps.texas.gov or by calling your local DPS office; wait times for appointments vary by location.
- A Texas driver's license costs between $16 and $61 depending on how long you want it to be valid and whether you are a first-time applicant.
Documents you must bring to your appointment
Texas requires you to bring documents in three categories: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency. You cannot get a license without all three.
For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a consular report of birth abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A photocopy of your birth certificate is not acceptable unless it is certified by the issuing county or state office.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. A driver's license from another state does not count.
For proof of Texas residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and a Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. You cannot use a post office box as your address.
The written knowledge test and vision screening
At your appointment, you will first take a vision screening. The DPS examiner will check whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
Next, you will take a written test on Texas traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, following distance, and what different road signs mean. You can study the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the DPS website. Many people also study using online practice tests, though the DPS does not officially endorse any particular study tool.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most DPS offices, though you may have to pay the test fee again. If you pass, you move on to the driving test.
The driving test and what happens after you pass
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You will drive in normal traffic in your own vehicle, or at some locations you can use a DPS vehicle. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers such as parking, turning, and stopping. They will also watch how you handle traffic, obey speed limits, and respond to other drivers.
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you will have to schedule another appointment. There is no same-day retake for the driving test at most locations.
If you pass all three parts—the written test, the vision screening, and the driving test—the DPS will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within one to two weeks, depending on your location. Your Texas driver's license is valid for either four years or six years, depending on which type you choose and whether you are a first-time applicant.
How to schedule your appointment
Go to dps.texas.gov and click on the "Driver License" section. You can schedule an appointment online by entering your zip code and selecting an available date and time. If you prefer to call, find your local DPS office phone number on the website and call during business hours.
Appointment availability varies widely by location. In busy urban areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, you may wait several weeks for an opening. In smaller towns, you may find appointments available within days. If no appointments are open in your area, check back frequently—offices release new appointment slots throughout the week.
Bring your appointment confirmation with you on the day of your test. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. If you miss your appointment, you will have to schedule a new one.
The cost of a Texas driver's license
A Texas driver's license costs between $16 and $61. The exact price depends on how long you want the license to be valid and whether you are renewing or getting your first license. A four-year license costs less than a six-year license. First-time applicants pay a higher fee than people renewing an expired license.
The DPS accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card at most offices. Some offices may have restrictions on payment methods, so call ahead if you want to confirm. If you cannot pay at your appointment, you cannot get your license that day.
Special situations: Minors, name changes, and other circumstances
If you are under 18, you must bring a parent or legal guardian to your appointment. They will need to sign your process. Minors also have to complete a driver education course before they can take the driving test, unless they are 18 or older.
If you have changed your name since your last license or birth certificate, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. A photocopy is not acceptable.
If you are a Texas resident who holds a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the written test or driving test again. You can exchange it for a Texas license by visiting a DPS office with your out-of-state license and proof of Texas residency. You will still pay the license fee.
If you are a non-citizen, you can still get a Texas driver's license if you have a valid visa, passport, or other immigration document. Bring the original document to your appointment. Texas does not require proof of citizenship to issue a driver's license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. Texas requires you to take the written test and driving test in person at a DPS office. You cannot take either test remotely or submit it by mail.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test, but you will have to schedule a new appointment. There is no same-day retake at most locations. You will have to pay the test fee again when you retake it.
How long does a Texas driver's license last?
A Texas driver's license is valid for either four years or six years, depending on which type you choose when you explore. You can renew it by mail or online before it expires, or you can renew it in person at a DPS office.
Do I need to take a driving test if I already have a license from another state?
No. If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you are moving to Texas, you can exchange it for a Texas license without taking the written or driving test. You will need to bring your out-of-state license and proof of Texas residency to a DPS office.
What if I cannot find an appointment in my area?
Check the DPS website frequently—new appointment slots are released throughout the week. You can also try scheduling an appointment at a DPS office in a neighboring county or city if one is available sooner. Your appointment does not have to be in the county where you live.