What you need to bring and where to go

To get a Texas driver's license or ID card, you visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You cannot complete this by mail or online. The DPS office staff will take your photograph, collect your documents, and process your process on the spot. Most people receive their license or card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, though this varies by how busy the office is.

You can find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or ZIP code. Some offices are busier than others—offices in large cities often have longer wait times than those in smaller towns. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices now offer online scheduling, which can cut your wait time significantly. Check your local office's page to see if scheduling is available.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with original or certified copies of proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
  • A standard Texas driver's license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license; an ID card costs $16.
  • Your license or card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases, though processing times vary by location.
  • If you are under 18, you must bring a parent or guardian and meet additional requirements for a learner's permit or restricted license.
  • Some DPS offices offer online scheduling to reduce wait times, and you can check availability on the Texas DPS website.

Documents that count as proof of identity

Texas DPS accepts a limited list of documents as proof of identity. An original or certified copy of your birth certificate is the most common choice. You can also use a U.S. passport, a passport card, a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship, a military ID, a tribal ID card, or a foreign national ID card. A school ID, work ID, or library card does not count. The document must show your name and date of birth.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate from that country plus your Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship, or bring your U.S. passport. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can request one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This process takes time, so plan ahead if you know your birth certificate is missing.

Documents that count as proof of residency

Proof of residency must show your current Texas address. DPS accepts a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowners insurance policy, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check or benefit statement. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A cell phone bill, a cable bill, or an internet bill counts if it shows your name and address.

If you have just moved to Texas or recently changed your address, bring a document dated within the last 30 days. If you live with someone else and are not on the utility bill, you can bring a notarized affidavit from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live at that address. Some DPS offices accept this; call ahead to confirm your local office does before you go.

Proof of Social Security number

You must bring an original or certified copy of a document showing your Social Security number. A Social Security card itself is the simplest option. You can also use a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a bank statement that shows your full Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

If your Social Security card is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you visit DPS, or you can bring a different document from the list above. The DPS office will not issue you a license or ID without proof of your Social Security number, so do not skip this step.

Cost and payment methods

A standard Texas driver's license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. An ID card costs $16 and is valid for six years. These prices do not change based on where you live in Texas. DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but this varies by location—call ahead if you plan to pay by check.

If you are renewing a license or ID that is still valid, the cost is the same. If your license or ID was suspended or revoked, you may owe reinstatement fees in addition to the license fee. These fees vary depending on why your license was suspended, so contact your local DPS office or the DPS website for your specific situation.

What happens if you are under 18

If you are under 18, you must bring a parent or legal guardian to the DPS office. You cannot get a standard driver's license until you are 16. Before that, you can get a learner's permit at age 14, which allows you to drive only with a licensed adult in the car. A learner's permit costs $16 and is valid for two years.

To get a learner's permit, you must pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs. The DPS office will administer this test on the day you explore. You do not need to take a driving test for a learner's permit. Once you have held a learner's permit for at least six months and are at least 15 years old, you can take a driving test to get a restricted license, which allows you to drive alone during certain hours. At 16, you can get a standard license after passing the driving test.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my license after I explore?

Most people receive their license or ID card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Processing times vary by how busy the DPS office is and whether your process is complete. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied.

Can I drive before my license arrives in the mail?

No. You cannot legally drive until you have your license or learner's permit in hand. The DPS office will give you a receipt on the day you explore, but this receipt is not a valid driving document. If you need to drive before your license arrives, you must have a learner's permit and a licensed adult in the car.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring your birth certificate from that country plus your Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship, or bring your U.S. passport. You also need proof of residency and proof of Social Security number, just like anyone else. If you do not have a U.S. birth certificate or naturalization papers, contact the DPS office to ask what documents they will accept.

Do I need an appointment to visit a DPS office?

Most DPS offices do not require an appointment, but some now offer online scheduling. Check your local office's page on the Texas DPS website to see if scheduling is available. Scheduling can reduce your wait time, especially at busy offices in large cities.

What if I lost my birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and request a certified copy. This process takes time, so start early. Once you have the certified copy, you can visit a DPS office with it and your other required documents to get your license or ID.