What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license

To get a Texas driver's license, 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). You can take the written test at any DPS office without a license, but you need a learner permit before you take the driving test. The whole process typically takes two visits to a DPS office — one to get your learner permit and pass the written exam, and a second to pass the driving test and receive your license.

Texas does not require you to take a driver education course, though some people choose to. If you are under 18, you must hold a learner permit for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test, and you must have a licensed adult in the car with you while you practice.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a Social Security number, proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), and proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease) before you visit a DPS office.
  • Your first visit gets you a learner permit after you pass the written test; your second visit, at least 30 days later if you are under 18, is when you take the driving test.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; the driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner in your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle.
  • A standard Texas driver's license costs between $16 and $32 depending on how long you want it to be valid, and you can renew it by mail or online if you have not had a suspension or medical condition.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you do not have your Social Security card, you can bring a document issued by a federal or state agency that shows your number.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a certified birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a passport card, a consular report of birth abroad, a certificate of naturalization, or a certificate of citizenship. If you were born outside the United States, your document must be certified by the issuing country or agency. A photocopy is not acceptable.

For proof of Texas residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days showing your name and current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy. A government-issued ID from another state does not count as proof of residency.

The learner permit and written test

At your first DPS visit, you will fill out Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver's License or Permit) and pay the learner permit fee, which is $16 for a one-year permit. You will then take the written test, which 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 offered in English and Spanish, and DPS also provides tests in other languages through an interpreter. You can study for the test using the Texas Driver's Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no extra cost.

Once you pass the written test, you receive your learner permit when ready. If you are under 18, you must hold this permit for at least 30 days and practice driving with a licensed adult before you can take the driving test. If you are 18 or older, you can take the driving test at your next visit, which can be the same day if the DPS office has time available.

The driving test and what to expect

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, parking, turning, stopping, and your ability to follow traffic laws. You will drive in a mix of traffic conditions — usually residential streets, some busier roads, and possibly a highway depending on the DPS office location. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and scores you on safety, control, and judgment.

You must bring the vehicle you will use for the test to the DPS office. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn work before the test begins. If anything is broken or unsafe, the test will not proceed. You can use your own vehicle, a family member's vehicle, or a vehicle from a driving school.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after three business days. There is no additional fee for retakes. Most DPS offices allow you to schedule your next test before you leave, or you can schedule online through the DPS website.

Fees and how long your license lasts

A standard Texas driver's license costs $16 for a one-year license, $32 for a four-year license, or $48 for a six-year license. These prices are set by state law and do not vary by DPS office. If you are 85 years old or older, your license is free. If you are 60 to 84 years old, your license costs $8 for a one-year license or $16 for a four-year license.

You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at any DPS office. Some offices accept online payment if you renew by mail or online, but you cannot pay online for an in-person visit. If you lose your license or it is damaged, a replacement costs $11.

Renewing your Texas driver's license

You can renew your license by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office. If you renew by mail or online, you do not need to take the written or driving test again, and you do not need to bring documents to an office. Mail renewal is available if your license has not been suspended, you have not had a medical condition reported to DPS, and your address has not changed since your last license was issued.

To renew online, visit the DPS website and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will pay the renewal fee online and receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. To renew by mail, send your current license and a check or money order to the address on the DPS website.

If you cannot renew by mail or online, you must visit a DPS office in person. You will need to bring the same documents as a first-time applicant: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or number. You will not take the written or driving test unless your license has been suspended or you have a medical condition that requires testing.

DPS office locations and wait times

Texas has more than 130 DPS offices across the state. You can visit any office to get your learner permit or take your written test, but you should take your driving test at the office where you got your learner permit or at an office in the same county. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary by location and time of day.

You can find your nearest DPS office and check current wait times on the DPS website. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time. If your local office is very busy, you may be able to visit a less busy office in a nearby county. Bring your learner permit and all required documents to your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test without a learner permit?

No. You must have a learner permit before you take the written test. The learner permit is issued at the same visit where you take the written test, so your first DPS visit covers both steps.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after three business days at no extra cost. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it. Many people pass on their second or third attempt, so failing once does not mean you cannot get your license.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Texas driver's license?

Yes. Texas law requires a Social Security number or a document showing your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a standard driver's license, but you may be able to get a different form of ID from DPS.

How old do I have to be to get a Texas driver's license?

You must be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18, you must hold a learner permit for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test. If you are 18 or older, you can take the driving test when ready after you pass the written test.

Can I renew my license online if I have moved to a new address?

No. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring proof of your new Texas residency. Online and mail renewal are only available if your address has not changed.