What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license
To get a Texas driver's license, you visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process takes about 45 minutes to an hour at the office, though you can expect to wait — DPS offices are often busy. You'll pay a fee (currently $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license for adults), and your license arrives by mail within two weeks.
Texas does not issue licenses by mail or online. You must show up in person with the right documents, or your process will be rejected. The state also requires you to pass both a knowledge test (the written exam about traffic laws) and a skills test (the driving test with an examiner) before the license is issued.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity, a Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency — no online or mail applications exist.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official DPS manual available free online.
- The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner in your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle, and you must pass both the written and driving tests to receive a license.
- Your license arrives by mail within two weeks; bring a temporary paper license home from the DPS office on the day you pass your tests.
- Fees vary by license type and duration: $33 for a five-year standard license or $66 for an eight-year license for most adults.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Texas requires you to bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. A photocopy or a birth certificate from a hospital does not count — it must be certified by the issuing agency or a court.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full SSN printed on it. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a Texas driver's license.
Finally, bring two documents proving you live in Texas. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, a property tax receipt, or a vehicle registration. The documents must show your name and current Texas address and be dated within the last 90 days. A post office box does not count as a residence address.
Bring the originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If any document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation as well.
How to prepare for the written test
The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer 30 questions correctly out of 46 total questions to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages at most DPS offices.
The official study material is the Texas Driver's Handbook, which is free and available on the DPS website. You can read it online or print it. The handbook covers everything on the test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies. Most people study the handbook for a few hours or a few days before taking the test.
You can take the written test as many times as you need. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may have to pay the test fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts.
How to prepare for the driving test
The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner and lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, backing up, and parking. You will also drive on local roads so the examiner can observe how you handle traffic, follow traffic signals, and respond to other vehicles.
You can take the driving test in your own vehicle or in a DPS vehicle at some locations. If you use your own vehicle, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors work before the test begins. If the vehicle fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day.
You must pass the written test before you can take the driving test. Some people do both on the same day; others study for the written test first, pass it, and schedule the driving test for another day. You can schedule the driving test in advance online through the DPS website or by calling your local DPS office.
What happens after you pass both tests
Once you pass the driving test, the DPS office will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. Keep the temporary license with you whenever you drive.
Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two weeks. The address on your license will be the Texas address you provided at the DPS office. If you move before the license arrives, you can update your address online through the DPS website or at another DPS office.
Your license is valid for five years (if you are under 85 years old) or eight years (if you renew online). After that, you must renew it. Texas allows online renewal for some drivers, which is faster and cheaper than renewing in person.
DPS office locations and wait times
Texas has about 130 DPS offices statewide. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some have limited Saturday hours.
Wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Urban offices like those in Houston, Dallas, and Austin often have waits of one to three hours, especially in the morning or on Fridays. Rural offices typically have shorter waits. You can check current wait times on the DPS website before you go.
You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices — you walk in and take a number. However, some offices now offer online scheduling. Check your local office's website to see if you can reserve a time slot in advance.
Fees and payment methods
A five-year driver's license costs $33 for most adults. An eight-year license costs $66. These fees cover the license itself and the tests. If you fail a test and retake it, you may have to pay an additional test fee — ask at your local office what the fee is.
DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. There is no fee to replace a lost or damaged license, but you will have to explore in person again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. Texas requires you to take both the written and driving tests in person at a DPS office. You cannot take either test remotely or submit answers by mail.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test as soon as the next business day. There is no waiting period. You will need to schedule another test appointment and pay the test fee again. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring a pay stub instead?
Either works. You need to show proof of your Social Security number, and acceptable documents include your Social Security card, a W-2, a 1099, or a pay stub with your full SSN. Bring whichever you have.
How long does it take to get the permanent license in the mail?
Usually two weeks. You receive a temporary paper license at the DPS office that is valid for 45 days while you wait for the permanent license to arrive. If it does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied.
Can I use a passport from another country to prove my identity?
Yes, if it is valid and has a current U.S. visa. A foreign passport alone is not enough — it must show that you are legally in the United States. A U.S. passport, birth certificate, or military ID is simpler and does not require a visa.