Texas requires a valid form of identification, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a passing score on the written and driving tests

To get a Texas driver's license, you will need to bring specific documents to a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, pass a written exam on traffic laws, and pass a behind-the-wheel driving test. The exact documents you need depend on whether you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or explore under a different immigration status. Texas also requires you to be at least 16 years old to explore for a learner's permit or driver's license.

The process takes place entirely at a DPS office — there is no online process or mail-in option for a first-time license. You will need to schedule an appointment or arrive during walk-in hours, bring your documents, take the tests, and have your photo taken on the same day. Most people complete the entire process in one visit, though you may need to return if you fail a test.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a valid ID, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to any DPS office to explore.
  • Texas accepts a limited list of documents for each requirement — a utility bill works for residency, but a lease does not unless it shows your name and current address.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, then a driving test with a DPS examiner in your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle.
  • A learner's permit is available at age 14 and allows you to drive with a licensed adult; a full license is available at 16 with a permit or at 18 without one.
  • Renewal happens every 8 years for most adults, though you can renew online or by mail if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address.

Documents you must bring to a DPS office

Texas requires you to bring one document from each of three categories: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot substitute one category for another, and you cannot use expired documents for identity or residency.

Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a certified birth certificate, or a consular report of birth abroad. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can use a permanent resident card, a work permit (Employment Authorization Document), or a visa paired with your passport. A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity.

Proof of residency must show your current name and address. Texas accepts a utility bill, a bank statement, a lease agreement that shows your name and address, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a government document with your address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A P.O. box does not count as a residential address, so you cannot use a document that lists only a P.O. box.

Proof of your Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a paystub, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for one at the same DPS office before you explore for your license.

Age requirements and learner's permits

Texas allows you to get a learner's permit at age 14 and a full driver's license at age 16 if you hold a permit first, or at age 18 without a permit. The learner's permit lets you drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is in the front seat with you.

If you are under 18 and explore for a license, you must have held a learner's permit for at least 6 months before you can take the driving test. You also need a signed form from a parent or guardian, and you must complete a driver's education course or a defensive driving course. The course can be taken online or in person, and most take 6 to 8 hours to complete.

If you are 18 or older, you do not need a learner's permit or a driver's education course. You can go directly to a DPS office, bring your documents, and take both the written and driving tests on the same day.

The written test and driving test

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DPS office. You must score at least 70 percent to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and DPS can provide an interpreter for other languages if you request one in advance.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts at the same DPS office, though some offices may have a short delay to reset the test.

The driving test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. A DPS examiner will ride with you and watch how you handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, park, and respond to other drivers. You can use your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle. If you use your own car, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check your lights, wipers, horn, and brakes before the test begins.

You must pass the driving test on your first or second attempt to avoid a waiting period. If you fail twice, you must wait 7 days before you can retake it. If you fail a third time, you must wait 30 days.

Fees and how long it takes

A learner's permit costs $16 and is valid for 2 years. A driver's license costs $33 for a 4-year license or $66 for an 8-year license. You can choose the length when you explore. Fees are paid at the DPS office when you submit your process.

Most people receive their license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days after passing the tests. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DPS office that you can use to drive when ready while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. If your license does not arrive within 2 weeks, contact the DPS to check the status.

Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Offices in rural areas are often faster than those in cities. Scheduling an appointment online through the DPS website usually results in a shorter wait than arriving for walk-in service.

Renewing your license and changing your address

A Texas driver's license is valid for 8 years for most adults. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Online and mail renewal are available only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need to update your photo.

If your address has changed, you must renew in person or by mail and bring proof of your new residency. You cannot update your address online. Renewal by mail takes about 2 to 3 weeks, and you will receive a temporary license in the mail while you wait for your permanent one.

If your license has expired, you can still renew it in person at a DPS office without retaking the written and driving tests, as long as it expired less than 2 years ago. If it has been expired for more than 2 years, you must explore for a new license and retake both tests.

Special situations: name changes, corrections, and duplicate licenses

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, you must bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can renew your license with a new name in person at a DPS office.

If there is an error on your license — a misspelled name, wrong date of birth, or incorrect address — you can request a correction at a DPS office. Bring the document that proves the correct information, such as a birth certificate or Social Security card. Corrections are usually made on the spot.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a duplicate at a DPS office for $11. You do not need to retake any tests. Bring your proof of identity and residency, and you will receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license in the mail within 7 to 10 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone or a printed photo instead of having my picture taken at the DPS office?

No. DPS takes your photo at the office on the day you explore. The photo must be taken by DPS equipment to meet state and federal standards. You cannot bring a photo from home or use a digital photo.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it after 7 days if it is your second failure, or after 30 days if it is your third failure. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt costs the full license fee again. Some people schedule multiple appointments in advance to avoid delays between attempts.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring a paystub instead?

Either one works. You can bring your Social Security card, a paystub, a W-2, a tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. You only need one document from this category, and it does not have to be your card.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail up to 1 year before your license expires. Renewing early gives you a new 8-year validity period from the renewal date, so your new license will not expire for 8 years after you renew.

What if I moved to Texas from another state and still have a valid out-of-state license?

You must get a Texas license within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring your out-of-state license as your proof of identity, along with proof of residency and proof of your Social Security number. You will need to pass the written and driving tests unless you are 18 or older and your out-of-state license is valid — in that case, some DPS offices may waive the written test, but you will still take the driving test.