Basic Requirements for a Texas Driver License
To get a Texas driver license, you must be at least 16 years old, a resident of Texas, and able to pass a written test and a driving test. Texas also requires you to show proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a document stating you are not may be able to access for one. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but you do need to show documents that prove who you are.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues driver licenses and sets the rules about who can hold one. If you have a suspended or revoked license from Texas or another state, you cannot get a new one until the suspension or revocation ends. The same applies if you owe child support or have unpaid traffic fines in Texas.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 16 years old, a Texas resident, and able to pass both a written test and a driving test to get a driver license.
- Texas requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a statement that you are not may be able to access for one.
- If your license is suspended or revoked in Texas or any other state, you cannot get a new license until the suspension or revocation is lifted.
- You can explore for a license in person at any DPS office, and the process usually takes a few weeks from the time you pass your tests.
- Non-citizens can get a driver license if they show the right documents, but the license will be marked as issued to a non-citizen.
Documents You Need to Bring
Texas requires you to bring an original or certified copy of documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. For identity, you can use a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a visa or travel document. A school ID or library card will not work by itself.
For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a government document with your current Texas address on it. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in someone else's name along with a signed letter from that person saying you live there, plus a document showing your relationship to them.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have one and are not may be able to access for one, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that fact. Bring the original documents or certified copies—photocopies alone will not work.
Age-Based Rules and Restrictions
Texas has different rules depending on your age. If you are 16 or 17, you can get a learner permit first, which lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car. To get a learner permit, you must pass the written test and show the same identity and residency documents as for a full license. You must hold the learner permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a full license.
If you are 18 or older, you can skip the learner permit and go straight to the full license test. You still must pass both the written test and the driving test. If you are under 18 when you get your license, it will have restrictions on it—for example, you may not be able to drive alone at night or with certain passengers. These restrictions lift when you turn 18.
Non-Citizens and Immigration Status
Non-citizens can get a Texas driver license if they show documents proving their identity and legal presence in the United States. Acceptable documents include a valid passport with a visa, an employment authorization document (EAD), a permanent resident card, a refugee travel document, or a U-visa or T-visa. You must bring the original document or a certified copy.
If you are in the United States on a visa, your license will be valid only as long as your visa status is valid. When your visa expires, your license expires too. The license itself will be marked to show that it was issued to a non-citizen. You still must pass the written test and driving test just like any other applicant.
Suspensions, Revocations, and Disqualifications
Your license can be suspended or revoked for several reasons: failing to pay child support, owing traffic fines, being convicted of certain crimes, failing a drug or alcohol test, or accumulating too many traffic violations. A suspension is temporary—your license comes back when the reason for the suspension ends. A revocation is permanent, and you must wait a set period before you can get a new license.
If you have an active suspension or revocation in Texas or any other state, the DPS will not issue you a new license. You must clear the suspension or revocation first. To learn about you have a suspension or revocation, you can check the DPS website or call your local DPS office. If you owe child support or traffic fines, you must pay them or set up a payment plan before you can get a license.
Medical and Vision Requirements
Texas requires you to meet certain vision and medical standards to drive safely. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without corrective lenses. If you cannot meet this standard, you cannot get a license. You will be tested for vision at the DPS office when you explore.
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive—such as seizures, severe hearing loss, or certain heart conditions—you may be required to provide a medical report from your doctor. The DPS may also require you to take a special driving test or accept restrictions on your license, such as driving only during daylight hours or only on certain roads. Tell the DPS about any medical condition that might affect your driving when you explore.
how the process works and What Happens Next
To explore for a Texas driver license, go to any DPS office in person. You cannot explore by mail or online. Bring all your documents—identity, residency, and Social Security proof—along with the completed process form DL-44, which you can get at the office or read from the DPS website. You will pay a fee, which varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid.
At the office, you will take the written test first. If you pass, you will schedule a driving test at a later date. The driving test usually happens within a few weeks. Once you pass the driving test, the DPS will issue your license. You can get a temporary paper license to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail, which usually takes one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Texas driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number and are not may be able to access for one, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that fact. Non-citizens who are not may be able to access for a Social Security number can still get a driver license by showing this letter instead.
What if I have a suspended license from another state?
Texas will not issue you a new license if you have an active suspension or revocation in any state. You must clear the suspension in that state first. Contact the DPS office in the state where your license is suspended to find out how to lift it.
Do I have to take the written test and driving test if I already have a license from another state?
Yes. Even if you hold a valid license from another state, you must pass both tests to get a Texas license. Texas does not issue licenses based on licenses from other states. You can skip the learner permit stage if you are 18 or older, but you still must pass both tests.
Can I get a license if I owe traffic fines or child support?
No. You cannot get a license if you owe unpaid traffic fines in Texas or if you are behind on child support. You must pay the fines or set up a payment plan, and you must be current on child support before the DPS will issue a license.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can take the driving test again. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will have to pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on their second or third try. You can practice with your learner permit before taking the test again.