What documents Texas requires for a new driver's license

Texas requires you to bring five categories of documents to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, proof of lawful presence, and a completed process form. You cannot get a license without all five, and the DPS will not accept expired documents or photocopies for most categories.

For proof of identity, Texas accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security benefit statement. These documents must be originals or certified copies — a photo of your card will not work.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a property tax bill with your name and current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. For proof of lawful presence, U.S. citizens bring their passport or birth certificate (which you are already bringing for identity). Non-citizens must bring a passport with a valid visa, an employment authorization document, or a permanent resident card.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring originals or certified copies of five document types: identity, Social Security number, residency, lawful presence, and a completed DL 44 form.
  • Proof of residency must be dated within the last 30 days, so a utility bill or lease agreement works better than an old property tax statement.
  • Texas DPS offices do not accept photocopies, photos of documents, or digital copies for most requirements.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are ineligible, which Texas will accept in place of a card.

How to complete the DL 44 process form

The process form is called the DL 44, and you can fill it out at home before you go to the DPS office or fill it out there. The form asks for your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. You must sign the form in front of a DPS employee — they will not accept a pre-signed form.

If your legal name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DPS will not issue a license under a different name without proof of the legal change. If you are changing your name on the license, you may need to bring additional documents depending on when the change happened.

Vision and written test requirements

You must pass a vision screening at the DPS office before you take the written test. The screening checks whether you can see 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — the DPS will test you with them on. If you fail the vision screening, you cannot take the written test that day and must return after you have seen an eye doctor.

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 70 out of 100 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you must return on another day to retake it. There is no fee to retake the test, but you will need to pay the license fee again if you pass on your second visit.

If you are over 79 years old, you must pass the vision test and written test every time you renew your license, even if you have held a Texas license for decades. Younger drivers do not retake the written test at renewal.

Fees and how long the process takes

A Texas driver's license costs $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. You pay this fee at the DPS office when you pass your tests. If you fail the written test on your first visit, you do not pay the fee until you pass. The DPS does not accept payment plans — you must pay the full amount in cash, debit, or credit card.

After you pass your tests and pay the fee, the DPS will issue your license on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license that day and your plastic card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving when ready and counts as proof of your license until the card arrives.

Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Offices in large cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin often have waits of one to three hours during peak times (late morning and early afternoon on weekdays). Smaller towns and rural areas usually have shorter waits. You can check wait times for your local office on the Texas DPS website before you go.

Age-based requirements for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, you must first hold a learner permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a full license. To get a learner permit, you must pass the written test and vision screening, but you do not take a driving test. The permit costs $16 and is valid for two years.

While you hold a learner permit, you must drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. These restrictions end once you pass your driving test and receive your full license.

To take the driving test, you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and has working brakes, lights, and windshield wipers. The examiner will test your ability to start the car, back up, parallel park, and follow traffic laws on public roads. The test takes about 20 minutes. You get one attempt per visit, and if you fail, you must wait at least one day before you can retake it.

What to do if you have a suspended or revoked license

If your Texas license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive until the suspension or revocation is lifted. A suspension is temporary — your license will be restored automatically on a specific date or after you meet certain conditions (like paying a traffic fine or completing a defensive driving course). A revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal process to have it reinstated.

To find out whether your license is suspended or revoked, check the Texas DPS website or call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number. If your license is suspended, the DPS will tell you the reason and the date it will be restored. If it is revoked, you will need to contact the DPS office in person to learn what steps are required to reinstate it.

Do not attempt to get a new license while your current one is suspended or revoked. The DPS system will flag your process, and you will not be issued a new license until the suspension or revocation is cleared.

Renewing your Texas driver's license

Texas driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years, depending on which you chose when you got your license. You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes — you do not need to visit an office or bring documents.

You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not had any address changes, and you do not need to update your photo. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must renew in person. In-person renewal requires you to bring your current license, proof of residency (dated within the last 30 days), and proof of any name changes. You do not retake the written or vision test unless you are over 79 years old.

Renewal by mail takes longer — typically two to three weeks — and requires you to mail in your current license, a completed renewal form, and a check or money order. The DPS will mail your new license back to you. Online renewal costs $33 for four years or $66 for eight years. Mail and in-person renewal cost the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. You can request a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are ineligible for a Social Security number, and the DPS will accept that letter in place of a Social Security card. You will also need to bring all other required documents. Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request the letter.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test on another day at no additional cost. There is no waiting period between attempts, so you can return the next day if you want to. However, you must pay the license fee again only if you pass on your second visit.

Can I renew my license online if I changed my address?

No. Online renewal is only available if your address has not changed. If you moved, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new address dated within the last 30 days.

Do I need to take a driving test if I already have a license from another state?

Yes. Texas requires all new residents to take the written test and vision screening, and drivers under 18 must also take the driving test. If you are 18 or older and moving from another state, you can skip the driving test but must pass the written test and vision screening.

How long does it take to get my plastic license card in the mail?

The DPS typically mails your card within 7 to 10 business days after you pass your tests and pay the fee. Your temporary paper license is valid for driving when ready and counts as proof of your license until the card arrives. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied.