What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license

To get a Texas driver's license, you will visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide documents proving your identity and Texas residency. The entire process typically takes several weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

Texas does not issue licenses by mail or online. You must appear at a DPS office to have your photo taken and to take the driving exam. The state processes your process after your visit and mails your physical license to the address you provide, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency before you can take any test.
  • The written knowledge test covers traffic laws and safe driving; you can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook available free on the DPS website.
  • The driving test happens at the same DPS office on the same day or a scheduled later date, and you must bring a vehicle and a licensed adult to supervise.
  • After you pass both tests, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while the DPS mails your permanent card, which takes 7 to 10 business days.
  • You can schedule your DPS visit online through the DPS website or by calling your local office; walk-ins are accepted but wait times are longer.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring original documents—not copies—that prove your identity, your Social Security number, and that you live in Texas. The DPS will not accept expired documents for identity proof, though some documents like utility bills can be older.

For identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate with a raised seal, a valid foreign passport, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of naturalization. If you do not have any of these, you will need to obtain one before you can visit the DPS office.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number printed on it. For Texas residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days.

Taking the written knowledge test

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can request large-print or audio versions if you need them.

Study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which the DPS publishes free on its website at dps.texas.gov. The handbook covers everything the test covers. You can also take practice tests on the DPS website to see what kinds of questions appear. Most people spend 2 to 4 hours studying before taking the test.

You take the test on a computer at the DPS office. The test takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though some locations require you to wait a day or schedule a new appointment. There is no fee for retaking the test.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

You can schedule your driving test for the same day as your written test or for a later date. Many DPS offices book driving tests weeks in advance, so if you want to test soon, schedule online or call ahead rather than walking in. You can schedule through the DPS website or by calling your local DPS office.

For the driving test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and horn. You must also bring a licensed adult (at least 21 years old) who holds a valid driver's license to sit in the passenger seat during the test. This person cannot be a DPS employee or examiner.

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping. You will also drive on city streets or a test course. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you will need to schedule a new appointment and may wait several weeks for an opening.

Getting your temporary and permanent license

When you pass both the written and driving tests, the DPS issues you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent card. Write your name and address on the back of the temporary license and carry it with you when you drive.

Your permanent license arrives by mail 7 to 10 business days after your DPS visit. The DPS mails it to the address you provided at the office. If your license does not arrive within 14 days, contact your local DPS office to report it. Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid.

Cost and payment methods

A Texas driver's license costs $33 and is valid for 5 years. You pay this fee at the DPS office when you complete your process. The DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. There are no additional fees for retaking the written test or the driving test if you fail.

If you are under 18, the license costs $33 and is valid for 4 years instead of 5. If you are 85 or older, the license costs $16 and is valid for 2 years. Bring your payment method with you to the DPS office; you cannot pay online or by mail.

Scheduling your DPS office visit

You can schedule your visit online at dps.texas.gov by selecting your county and choosing an available date and time. Online scheduling is the fastest way to reduce your wait time at the office. You can also call your local DPS office directly to schedule, or you can walk in without an appointment, though walk-ins typically wait 1 to 3 hours depending on the office and time of day.

DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations offer Saturday hours. Check the DPS website to find the office nearest you and to see its specific hours. Bring all your documents and your payment method on the day of your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test before I have all my documents?

No. The DPS requires you to bring all original identity, Social Security, and residency documents before you can take any test. You cannot take the written test first and then provide documents later. Bring everything with you on your first visit.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You will need to schedule a new driving test appointment, which may be weeks away depending on your local DPS office's availability. You do not pay an additional fee to retake the test. You can retake the written test the same day you fail it at most offices, but the driving test requires a new appointment.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Texas driver's license?

Yes. Texas law requires you to provide your Social Security number to get a driver's license. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a standard driver's license. You may be able to get an ID card instead if you meet other requirements; contact your local DPS office to learn about alternatives.

How long does the whole process take from start to finish?

From your first DPS office visit to receiving your permanent license in the mail typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. This includes time to schedule your appointment, take both tests, and wait for mail delivery. Your temporary paper license is valid during this time, so you can drive legally while you wait.

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

No. You must visit a DPS office in person to renew your license, just as you did to get your first one. You will need to retake the written test and the driving test unless you are renewing early or have a medical exemption. Check the DPS website for renewal requirements specific to your situation.