What you need to do to get a new Texas driver license
To get a new Texas driver license, you visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring required documents, pass a vision test, and pay the fee. Texas does not issue licenses by mail or online. You must appear at a DPS Driver License office during business hours with your documents and a completed process — the office staff will take your photo and process your request on the spot.
The entire visit typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready if approved, and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS Driver License office in person with original documents — no online or mail-in option exists for new licenses in Texas.
- Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and your completed DL 44 form to avoid delays.
- The fee for a new driver license is $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, payable by cash, check, or card at the office.
- You will take a vision test and written knowledge test at the DPS office; the written test covers traffic laws and safe driving.
- Your temporary paper license is valid when ready, but your plastic card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Texas requires four categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and a completed process form. Bringing the wrong documents is the most common reason for delays or rejection, so verify what counts before you go.
Proof of identity means an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, consular report of birth abroad, or Certificate of Naturalization. A photocopy of your birth certificate does not count — it must be an original or certified copy from the vital records office. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or immigration document.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 30 days and showing your current Texas address. A bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail also works. You cannot use a PO box address — it must be a physical street address in Texas.
Proof of your Social Security number means your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or a document from the Social Security Administration. A tax return with your SSN printed on it also counts. You do not need to bring your actual card if you have another document with the number on it.
Bring the completed DL 44 form (process for Texas Driver License) to the office. You can read it from the DPS website or fill it out at the office before you see a clerk. Filling it out ahead of time speeds up your visit.
Vision and knowledge tests at the DPS office
Every new driver license applicant takes a vision test and a written knowledge test at the DPS office. The vision test checks whether you can read a chart at a specific distance; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. The DPS will note on your license whether you must wear corrective lenses while driving.
The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 30 multiple-choice questions and must score at least 21 correct (70 percent) to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra charge, though you may wait several hours.
You do not take a driving test (behind-the-wheel exam) to renew an existing license, but you do take one if you are a new driver or if your license has been expired for more than two years. The driving test is scheduled separately at a DPS office and requires you to bring a vehicle and a licensed adult.
Fees and payment methods
A new five-year Texas driver license costs $33. An eight-year license costs $66. The DPS office accepts cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. Some offices may have restrictions on which payment methods they take, so call ahead if you want to confirm.
If you are a Texas resident age 85 or older, your license is free. Military members on active duty and their spouses may also may have access to for reduced fees. Ask the DPS clerk whether you meet any exemption before you pay.
Finding a DPS Driver License office near you
Texas has over 130 DPS Driver License offices statewide. Use the office locator on the DPS website to find the one closest to you, check its hours, and see current wait times. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. A few high-traffic offices in major cities stay open until 6 p.m. on weekdays.
Wait times are shortest early in the morning on weekdays and longest on Fridays and Saturdays. If you can visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday before 10 a.m., you will likely wait less than 30 minutes. Avoid the first and last week of the month, when many people renew licenses before expiration.
What happens after you pass
If you pass the vision and knowledge tests and your documents are in order, the DPS clerk will take your photo and issue a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and has the same legal weight as a plastic license — you can drive with it when ready.
Your plastic driver license card is mailed to the address you provided on your process within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status. Once your plastic card arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid, though you should keep it until the card shows up.
If you fail the knowledge test or do not have all your documents
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost. Most people who fail pass on the second attempt. The DPS office has study materials available, and you can review Texas traffic laws on the DPS website before your next try.
If you are missing a required document, the DPS clerk will tell you which one and what form it must take. You cannot complete your license that day. Return to the office with the missing document — you do not need to start the process over, and you will not pay the fee again if you return within 30 days. After 30 days, you must reapply and pay the full fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online or by mail?
No. Texas requires you to appear in person at a DPS Driver License office for a new license. You can renew an existing license online if it is not expired and you have not changed your address, but a new license always requires an office visit.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
You can use a passport, consular report of birth abroad, or Certificate of Naturalization instead. If you were born in the United States and cannot locate your birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born to request a certified copy. This usually takes one to two weeks.
Do I need to schedule an appointment?
Most DPS Driver License offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require appointments. However, some high-traffic offices in Austin, Dallas, and Houston now offer online appointment scheduling. Check the DPS website for your local office to see whether appointments are available.
Can someone else pick up my plastic license card for me?
No. Your plastic driver license is mailed directly to the address on your process. You cannot have it sent to someone else or pick it up at the DPS office. If you move before the card arrives, contact the DPS to update your mailing address.
What if I fail the vision test?
If you fail the vision test without corrective lenses, the DPS will ask you to retake it with glasses or contacts. If you still fail, you cannot receive a license. You can reapply after you have had an eye exam and obtained corrective lenses, then return with proof from an eye doctor that you meet Texas vision standards.