What you need to get a Texas driver's license

Texas issues driver's licenses through the Department of Public Safety (DPS). To get one, you must visit a DPS driver license office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process typically takes several weeks from process to receiving your license in the mail.

You cannot complete a Texas driver's license process online or by mail. Every applicant must appear at a DPS office to have their identity verified and to take the written exam. If you are renewing an expiring license, some steps differ — see the renewal section below.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number before you can take any test.
  • The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS publishes free online.
  • After passing the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test, which you take in your own vehicle or a DPS test vehicle.
  • A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $16 for applicants 18 and older; the fee is lower for minors and for licenses valid longer.
  • Your license arrives by mail within two to three weeks after you pass both tests; you receive a temporary paper license at the office to drive legally until then.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring one document from each of these three categories: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The DPS website lists all accepted documents for each category, but the most common are a birth certificate or passport (identity), a utility bill or lease (residency), and a Social Security card or W-2 form (Social Security number).

If your name has changed since your identity document was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for one.

Bring your current license if you have one, even if it is expired. If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian to the office; they must sign your process in person. Bring your own vehicle's registration and proof of insurance if you plan to take the driving test in your own car.

The written test and what to study

The written test has 30 multiple-choice 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 can arrange other languages through an interpreter you bring with you.

Study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS publishes free on its website. The handbook covers everything the test covers and is the only study material you need. Many DPS offices also have printed copies you can take home. You can take the written test the same day you bring your documents to the office, or you can schedule it for another day.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the next business day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pay the test fee each time you take it.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

After you pass the written test, DPS schedules your driving test appointment. The appointment is usually within one to four weeks, depending on how busy your local office is. You will receive a notice in the mail with your test date, time, and location.

You can take the driving test in your own vehicle or in a DPS test vehicle. If you use your own car, it must be registered in Texas, have current insurance, and pass a safety inspection (working brakes, lights, wipers, and horn). If you use a DPS test vehicle, there is an additional fee of around $10 to $15, depending on the office.

The driving test lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. A DPS examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. You must follow traffic laws and the examiner's directions. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one business day and pay the test fee again.

Renewing your Texas driver's license

If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you may renew it by mail or online without visiting an office or retaking tests. You can renew online at the DPS website if your license was not suspended or revoked and you have not had a name change since it was issued. Mail renewal requires sending your current license and a renewal form to the DPS address listed on the form.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license as if you were getting one for the first time — this means visiting an office, bringing documents, and taking both tests. If you have had a name change, suspension, or revocation, you must visit an office in person even if your license is still valid.

A standard five-year renewal costs $16. If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives within two to three weeks. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Fees and how long everything takes

A five-year driver's license for someone 18 or older costs $16. An eight-year license costs $24. A four-year license for someone 18 to 20 costs $16. Minors pay different fees depending on their age. Each time you take the written test or driving test, you pay a separate test fee of around $7 to $10.

The timeline from start to finish usually looks like this: you visit the office and take the written test (same day or within a few days), you receive a mail notice with your driving test appointment (within one to two weeks), you take the driving test (on your scheduled date), and your license arrives by mail (within two to three weeks after passing the driving test). In total, plan for four to eight weeks from your first office visit to receiving your license.

You receive a temporary paper license at the office after you pass the written test. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. If you do not receive your license within three weeks of passing the driving test, contact the DPS office where you tested.

What to do if you lose your license or it is damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it by visiting a DPS office and paying a replacement fee of around $11. You do not need to retake any tests. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a new process. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office and your replacement license by mail within two to three weeks.

If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to local police and monitor your credit for fraud, since a driver's license is a valuable identity document. DPS does not require a police report to replace a stolen license, but having one on file can help if someone uses your license number fraudulently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English or Spanish?

Yes. DPS can arrange testing in other languages if you bring an interpreter with you to the office. The interpreter must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a family member. Call your local DPS office ahead of time to let them know you will need an interpreter.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it after waiting at least one business day. You must pay the test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the driving test. Many people pass on their second or third attempt.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card to the DPS office?

You need to bring one document that shows your Social Security number, but it does not have to be your card. A W-2, tax return, or other official document with your Social Security number works. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not extend your license beyond the normal five or eight years — it just resets the expiration date from when you renew, not from when your old license was set to expire.

What if I move to a different address in Texas?

You must update your address with DPS within 30 days of moving. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. You do not need to retake any tests or pay a fee to update your address. Your license remains valid; only the address on it changes.