Basic requirements to get a Texas driver's license

To get a Texas driver's license, you must be at least 16 years old, have a Social Security number, and prove your identity and Texas residency. Texas also requires you to pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test (unless you're renewing or have held a valid license from another state within the past year). You'll need to show documents that match your name and date of birth — the state accepts a birth certificate, passport, or military discharge papers as proof of identity.

If you're under 18, you'll need written consent from a parent or legal guardian, and you'll go through a graduated licensing system that starts with a learner's permit. The permit requires 30 hours of supervised driving (10 at night) before you can take the driving test. If you're 18 or older, you can skip the permit and go straight to the full license test.

Texas also requires proof that you have auto insurance before you can drive legally. You don't need to show proof when you explore for the license itself, but you must carry it in your vehicle once you're licensed.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old, have a Social Security number, and show documents proving your identity and Texas residency to get a driver's license.
  • Drivers under 18 need a parent's written consent and must complete a learner's permit stage with 30 hours of supervised driving before taking the driving test.
  • You'll pass a written knowledge test, vision test, and driving test, though some people can skip the driving test if they held a valid license recently in another state.
  • Texas requires you to carry proof of auto insurance in your vehicle, though you don't need to show it when you first explore for the license.

Documents you need to bring to the Texas DPS office

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or military discharge papers — these prove your identity and date of birth. You also need one document showing your current Texas address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days. A driver's license from another state counts as proof of identity but not proof of residency.

If you're under 18, bring your parent's or legal guardian's written consent on the form provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). If you're renewing your license and your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You'll also need to provide your Social Security number. If you don't have one, you can still get a license, but you'll need to sign a statement saying you don't have one and provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

Age-based rules: minors versus adults

Drivers under 18 must hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before they can take the driving test. During this time, they must log 30 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours at night. A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must be in the vehicle with them. Once they pass the driving test, they get a Class M license (for minors), which comes with restrictions: they cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless they're driving to work, school, or a medical appointment, and they cannot use a cell phone while driving.

At age 18, the Class M restrictions lift automatically, and the license becomes a standard Class C license. Drivers 18 and older can skip the learner's permit stage entirely if they're getting their first Texas license — they can go straight to the knowledge, vision, and driving tests.

If you're 18 or older and moving to Texas from another state, you can transfer your out-of-state license without taking the driving test if your license is still valid and you've held it for at least one year. You'll still need to pass the knowledge and vision tests.

Proof of residency and identity documents Texas accepts

For identity, Texas accepts an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a military discharge papers (DD Form 214), or a Certificate of Naturalization. A passport card counts, but a passport book is preferred because it's harder to forge. If you were born outside the U.S., a Certificate of Naturalization or a Permanent Resident Card (green card) works as proof of identity.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, government mail, or a letter from your employer. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count. If you're homeless or don't have a permanent address, you can use the address of a shelter, a relative's home, or a mailing address you use regularly — bring a signed letter from the shelter or relative explaining your situation.

Special cases: name changes, citizenship, and out-of-state transfers

If your name has changed since your last license or since your birth certificate was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that caused the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or adoption papers all work. The document must show both your old and new names, or show your new name with a date that matches when the change happened.

If you're not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a Texas driver's license if you have a valid visa, a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) document, a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) authorization, or a Permanent Resident Card. You'll need to bring your immigration document along with your identity and residency documents. The license will expire on the same date as your immigration status, so you may need to renew it sooner than a citizen would.

If you're moving to Texas from another state and your out-of-state license is still valid, you can renew it as a Texas license without retaking the driving test — but only if you've held the out-of-state license for at least one year. If your out-of-state license has expired, you'll need to take all three tests (knowledge, vision, and driving) again.

Vision and medical conditions that may affect your license

You must pass a vision test showing you can see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without corrective lenses. If you cannot meet this standard, you may still get a license with restrictions — for example, you might be required to wear glasses or contact lenses while driving, or your license might be restricted to daytime driving only. The DPS examiner will tell you if restrictions explore.

Certain medical conditions can affect your ability to get or keep a license. If you have a condition that causes seizures, loss of consciousness, or severe dizziness, you must report it to DPS. You may be asked to provide a doctor's statement saying you're safe to drive. Some conditions require you to take a medical examination or a behind-the-wheel test before DPS will issue your license. If you develop a medical condition after you get your license, you should report it to DPS — driving with an unreported condition that affects your safety can result in license suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You'll sign a statement at the DPS office saying you don't have a Social Security number. Bring your ITIN documentation along with your identity and residency documents.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the test. There's no waiting period between attempts, but you'll pay the test fee each time. Most DPS offices let you schedule another test the same day or within a few days. You can take the test as many times as you need to pass.

Do I need a learner's permit if I'm 18 or older?

No. If you're 18 or older and getting your first Texas license, you can skip the learner's permit and go straight to the knowledge, vision, and driving tests. You don't need to hold a permit first.

Can I transfer my out-of-state license without taking the driving test?

Yes, if your out-of-state license is still valid and you've held it for at least one year. You'll still need to pass the knowledge and vision tests. If your license has expired, you'll need to take all three tests again.

What if my address changes after I get my license?

You can update your address online through the Texas DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. You don't need to renew your entire license — just update the address on file. There's usually no fee for an address change.