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 on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process takes about 45 minutes to an hour at the office, though you may wait in line. You'll pay a fee that depends on how long you want the license to last — currently $16 for a two-year license or $32 for a five-year license, though these amounts can change.
You don't have to study for weeks or take a course unless you're under 18, in which case Texas requires a driver education course and a waiting period. If you already have a valid license from another state, you can skip the written and driving tests, but you still have to go to a DPS office and provide the same documents.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity, a Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency — a utility bill or lease works for residency.
- If you're 18 or older and have never held a license, you'll take a written test on traffic laws and a behind-the-wheel driving test at the same DPS office.
- Drivers under 18 must complete a driver education course and wait at least 14 days after passing the written test before taking the driving test.
- If you hold a valid license from another state, you can transfer it without retesting, but you still need to appear in person with the required documents.
- Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks; you'll receive a temporary paper license at the office to use until then.
Documents you need to bring to the DPS office
Bring one document that proves your identity. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID all work. If you don't have those, bring a certified birth certificate plus a Social Security card, or a certified birth certificate plus a school or work ID. The document has to be original or certified — a photocopy won't work.
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 will do. The document has to be dated within the last 60 days. If you're homeless or don't have a utility bill, you can bring a notarized letter from someone who lets you stay with them, along with their ID and proof of their residency.
Finally, you need your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or be ready to provide the number when you fill out the process at the office. If you don't have a Social Security number, you'll need to explore for one first through the Social Security Administration.
The written test: what it covers and how to prepare
The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and what to do at a red light or stop sign.
You can study using the Texas Driver's Handbook, which the DPS publishes free online at the DPS website. The handbook covers everything on the test. Many people read through it once or twice and take practice tests online — the DPS website has sample questions. You're allowed to take the test in English or Spanish.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There's no waiting period between attempts, though you'll pay the fee again each time you test.
The driving test: what the examiner watches for
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. A DPS examiner sits in your car while you drive on public roads. They watch how you handle basic driving tasks: starting the car, using turn signals, making turns, stopping at stop signs and red lights, parking, and backing up. They're looking for whether you can control the car safely and follow traffic laws.
You must bring a vehicle that's registered and insured, with working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. The car has to be clean enough that the examiner can see out the windows. If the car isn't safe or doesn't work, you'll fail before you even start driving.
Common reasons people fail include rolling through stop signs, not using turn signals, speeding, hitting the curb while parking, or hitting the examiner's side mirror. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you'll have to pay the fee again and schedule another appointment.
Special rules if you're under 18
Texas requires anyone under 18 to complete a driver education course before they can get a license. The course is usually offered through your high school, or you can take it through a private driving school. The course covers traffic laws and safe driving, and it takes about 32 hours of classroom time plus six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a professional instructor.
After you finish the course, you get a certificate of completion. You bring that certificate to the DPS office when you explore. You'll still take the written test and driving test, but you can't take the driving test until at least 14 days after you pass the written test. This waiting period is a state law.
If you're under 18 and pass your driving test, your license will have restrictions: you can't drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you're driving to work or school, and you can't have passengers under 21 in the car unless a parent or guardian is also in the car. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18.
Transferring a license from another state
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you don't have to take the written or driving test in Texas. You go to a DPS office, bring your out-of-state license and the same identity and residency documents you'd need for a new license, and the DPS will issue you a Texas license. You still pay the fee.
Your out-of-state license has to be valid — not expired and not suspended. If it's expired, you'll have to take the tests. If it's suspended or revoked, you can't get a Texas license until the suspension is lifted in your home state.
Your new Texas license arrives by mail within two weeks. You'll get a temporary paper license at the office to use while you wait.
What happens after you pass: getting your license in the mail
After you pass the driving test, the DPS gives you a temporary paper license that's valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to the address you provided at the office. It usually arrives within two weeks, but it can take up to three weeks depending on mail delays. Use the temporary license to drive until the plastic one arrives.
If your license doesn't arrive after three weeks, contact the DPS to check the status. If it's lost in the mail, the DPS can issue a replacement. If you move before your license arrives, you can update your address at a DPS office or online through the DPS website, and they'll remail it to your new address.
Finding a DPS office near you and scheduling an appointment
Texas has DPS offices in most cities and towns. You can find the one nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Some offices take walk-ins, but many require an appointment. You can schedule an appointment online through the DPS website, by phone, or in person at the office.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in small towns usually have shorter waits than those in big cities. Early morning on a weekday is typically faster than afternoon or weekend. If you're in a hurry, call the office ahead of time and ask when they're least busy.
You'll need your appointment confirmation number or receipt when you arrive. Bring it with you along with all your documents. If you miss your appointment, you can schedule another one, but you may have to wait several days or weeks depending on how busy the office is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or at home?
No. You must take both the written test and the driving test in person at a DPS office. There's no online option for either test.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it, but you'll have to schedule another appointment and pay the fee again. There's no waiting period between attempts. Most people pass on the second try after practicing more.
Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?
Yes. The car has to be registered and insured in Texas, with working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. If you don't own a car, you can borrow one from a friend or family member as long as it meets these requirements.
How long is a Texas driver's license good for?
You can choose a two-year or five-year license when you explore. The five-year license costs more but lasts longer. You renew it by mail or online before it expires.
What if I lost my Social Security card?
You can still get a driver's license if you know your Social Security number and can provide it at the DPS office. You don't have to have the card itself. If you don't know your number, contact the Social Security Administration to get a replacement card first.