What you need to do to get a Texas driver license

To get a driver license in Texas, you must pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The process takes place at a DPS driver license office, and you can schedule an appointment online or walk in during business hours. Most people complete the entire process in one visit, though some offices have wait times that can stretch several hours.

You do not need to be a Texas resident to get a Texas driver license, but you must have a valid reason to be in the state and provide documentation of that reason. If you already hold a valid driver license from another state or country, you can skip the written and driving tests and go straight to the knowledge test on Texas traffic laws only.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring original or certified copies of documents proving your identity, Texas residency, and Social Security number to your DPS appointment.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook available free on the DPS website.
  • The driving test evaluates basic vehicle control and your ability to follow traffic laws on public roads; bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
  • DPS offices accept appointments booked through their online system, and walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis during posted hours.
  • The fee for a five-year driver license is $25; a six-year license costs $30; payment is cash, check, or card depending on the office location.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring one document that proves your identity and is issued by a government agency. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. The document must be an original or a certified copy—photocopies are not accepted.

You also need proof that you live in Texas. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address works. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. If you live with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, along with that bill and a photo ID.

Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must sign the process and bring their own ID. If you are 18 or older, you can explore alone.

The written test on Texas traffic laws

The written test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DPS office, and you can take it in English or Spanish.

Study the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available as a PDF on the DPS website. 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 spend two to four hours studying before taking the test.

If you already hold a valid driver license from another U.S. state, Canada, or certain other countries, you do not take the full written test. Instead, you take a shorter test on Texas-specific traffic laws only. Bring your current out-of-state license to your appointment.

The driving test and what the examiner watches for

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DPS office. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, parking, and merging into traffic. You must follow all traffic laws and obey all traffic signals and signs.

Bring a vehicle that is registered in Texas, has current liability insurance, and is in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. The examiner will check these before the test begins. You cannot use a vehicle with an automatic transmission if you are testing for a manual transmission license, or vice versa.

Common reasons people fail the driving test include running a red light or stop sign, speeding, unsafe lane changes, hitting a curb during parking, and not checking mirrors before turning. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment.

How to schedule your DPS appointment

Visit the Texas DPS website and use their online appointment system to book a time slot at a driver license office near you. You choose the date, time, and office location. Appointments typically fill up two to four weeks in advance, especially in large cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin.

If you cannot find an appointment time that works, you can walk into any DPS driver license office during business hours. Walk-ins are served in the order they arrive, but wait times vary widely. Some offices have wait times under one hour; others may have waits of three to four hours during peak times like lunch hours and late afternoons.

DPS offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations also open on Saturday mornings. Hours vary by location, so check the DPS website for the specific office you plan to visit. Bring all required documents and be prepared to wait if you walk in without an appointment.

Fees and how long the license lasts

A five-year driver license costs $25. A six-year license costs $30. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or debit or credit card, depending on the office. Some offices may have different payment methods, so call ahead if you want to confirm.

Your license is valid for the number of years you purchase. When it expires, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office. Renewal by mail or online is faster and cheaper than explore for a new license in person.

If you are under 18, your license will have restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to work, school, or a medical appointment, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. These restrictions are lifted when you turn 18.

What to do if you fail the written or driving test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most DPS offices. You pay the test fee again, which is included in the overall license fee. Study the Texas Driver Handbook more thoroughly before your second attempt, focusing on the areas where you struggled.

If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one day before retaking it. You can schedule a new appointment online or walk in to a DPS office. You do not pay the full license fee again—you only pay a retest fee, which varies by office but is typically $10 to $15.

If you fail three times, some DPS offices require you to take a driver education course before you can test again. Check with your local DPS office to see if this rule applies in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. You will receive an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, which serves the same purpose on your license process. Bring documentation of your ITIN along with your other required documents.

What if I lost my documents and cannot find them?

Contact the issuing agency to request a replacement. For a birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. For a Social Security card, visit your local Social Security office. For proof of residency, ask your utility company or landlord for a replacement statement. Most agencies can issue replacements within one to two weeks.

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

It depends on your country of origin. Drivers from Canada and certain other countries do not need to take the driving test. Drivers from most other countries must take both the written and driving tests. Bring your foreign license to your appointment so the DPS can tell you which tests you need.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the tests?

You receive a temporary paper license at the DPS office on the day you pass your tests. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to you within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving until your permanent license arrives.

Can someone else pick up my license if I cannot go back to the DPS office?

No. You must pick up your temporary license in person at the DPS office on the day you pass your tests. Your permanent license is mailed to the address you provide, so you do not need to return to the office for that.