What you need to bring and where to go
To get your first Texas driver license, 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 — DPS requires a photograph and your signature in front of an employee. The office will give you a written test, a vision screening, and a driving test before issuing your license.
You can find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website by entering your zip code. Some offices take walk-ins; others operate by appointment only. Call ahead or check online before you go, because wait times vary widely by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with six documents: a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency like a utility bill or lease, a Social Security card or tax return, and two forms of ID if you do not have a passport.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official Texas Driver Handbook free on the DPS website before you go.
- The vision screening and driving test happen the same day if you pass the written test, so plan for the entire process to take two to four hours.
- Your first Texas license costs between $16 and $32 depending on how long you want it to last, and you pay at the DPS office when you finish.
Documents you must bring
DPS requires you to prove three things: who you are, where you live, and your Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies do not count.
For identity, bring a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or passport card. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a list that includes a school ID, military ID, or employee ID — ask DPS which combinations they accept.
For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a card, you can request one from the Social Security Administration before your DPS visit, but that takes time — plan ahead.
The written test and what to study
The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish.
The Texas Driver Handbook, available free as a PDF on the DPS website, covers everything on the test. Read it before you go — most people who fail do so because they did not study. You can also take practice tests online through the DPS website or through third-party study apps.
The test is administered on a computer at the DPS office. You will have time to review your answers before submitting. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — DPS does not charge extra for retakes.
The vision screening and driving test
If you pass the written test, a DPS employee will check your vision using a machine. You must be able to read letters and numbers at a certain distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them — you can wear them during the test.
Next comes the driving test, which lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. A DPS examiner sits in the car with you and watches you drive on public roads. They test basic skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must use your turn signals, check your mirrors, and obey speed limits. If you fail, you can retake it, but you will need to pay the test fee again.
Bring the car you will use for the test. It must have working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. The examiner will check these before you drive.
Cost and how long the license lasts
A Texas driver license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. You pay at the DPS office after you pass all tests. DPS accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most offices.
Your license is valid for the full term you choose. When it expires, you renew it by mail, online, or in person — renewal is simpler than getting your first license and does not require a new driving test.
If you are under 18
If you are under 18, you must first get a learner permit before you can take the driving test. The permit requires the same documents as a license, plus a parent or guardian's signature on a form called the Affidavit of Parental Consent. You must hold the permit for at least 30 days before you can test for a license.
While you hold a learner permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. These restrictions lift once you have your license, but your license will have a restriction code until you turn 18.
What happens after you pass
After you pass the driving test, the DPS employee will take your photograph and print your license on the spot. You will have your license in hand before you leave the office. It is valid when ready.
Your license is a form of government ID that you can use to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or open a bank account. Keep it in a safe place. If it is lost or stolen, you can get a replacement at any DPS office — bring your documents again and pay a replacement fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the driving test in a car that is not registered to me?
Yes. The car does not have to be registered in your name, but it must have valid registration, insurance, and working equipment. The examiner will check the registration and insurance card before the test starts. Bring both documents with you.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it at the same DPS office or a different one. You must pay the test fee again, which is included in the license cost. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you may want to practice more before your next test.
Do I need to schedule an appointment or can I just walk in?
It depends on the office. Some DPS locations take walk-ins during certain hours; others require appointments. Check the DPS website for your location's hours and policy. Appointments can usually be booked online or by phone.
What if I was born outside the United States?
Bring your U.S. passport, passport card, or Certificate of Naturalization. If you have a valid visa and are a resident of Texas, you may also bring your foreign passport plus your visa. Ask the DPS office which documents they need before you visit.
How long does the whole process take on the day of my test?
Plan for two to four hours from arrival to leaving with your license. This includes waiting, the written test, vision screening, and the driving test. Busy offices may take longer. Arrive early and bring water and something to read.