What you need to bring to the Texas DPS office
Texas requires six documents or document combinations to prove your identity, Social Security number, residency, and lawful presence. You cannot explore online or by mail — you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person.
For proof of identity, bring your passport, certified birth certificate, consulate ID, military ID, or a previous Texas license or ID card. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 30 days — it must show your name and current address.
For proof of lawful presence, U.S. citizens bring their passport or birth certificate. Non-citizens bring their passport plus visa, employment authorization document (EAD), permanent resident card, or other USCIS-issued document. Texas also accepts a consular report of birth abroad or a certificate of naturalization.
Bring your completed process for a Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43), which you can read from the Texas DPS website or fill out at the office. You will also need to pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test unless you are renewing an existing license.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Texas DPS office in person with six types of documents covering identity, Social Security, residency, and lawful presence.
- Proof of residency must be dated within the last 30 days and show your name and current address.
- First-time applicants take a written knowledge test and vision screening; renewals do not require the test.
- Processing takes one to two weeks for a standard license, though you receive a temporary paper license at the office.
- Fees vary by license type and age, ranging from roughly $16 to $60 for a standard driver's license.
Steps to complete your process at the DPS office
Arrive with all six document types and your completed Form DL-43. The DPS office will verify your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. You will then take the vision screening — you must read the eye chart at the required distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them.
If you are a first-time applicant or your license has been expired for more than two years, you must pass the written knowledge test. The test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website. The test is typically 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return later.
Once you pass the vision screening and knowledge test (if required), the office will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Keep the temporary license with you while you drive — it is valid proof of licensure.
Document combinations that satisfy Texas requirements
| Requirement | Acceptable Documents |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, consulate ID, military ID, previous Texas license or ID card |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, SSA-1027 or SSA-1028 letter |
| Proof of Residency (within 30 days) | Utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowners insurance policy, bank statement |
| Proof of Lawful Presence (U.S. Citizens) | U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, consular report of birth abroad |
| Proof of Lawful Presence (Non-Citizens) | Passport + visa, EAD, permanent resident card, I-94 arrival/departure record, USCIS approval notice |
Fees and license types in Texas
A standard five-year driver's license costs $16 for applicants age 18 to 84. An eight-year license costs $24. Applicants under 18 pay $10 for a five-year license. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) cost more and require additional testing and documentation.
If you need a Real ID-compliant license — required for federal building entry and domestic air travel — the fee is the same as a standard license. The DPS office will note Real ID compliance on your license if your documents meet federal standards. Most applicants automatically receive a Real ID license if their documents may have access to.
You can pay by cash, check, or debit card at most DPS offices. Some offices accept credit cards. Call ahead to confirm payment methods at your local office.
Finding your nearest DPS office and scheduling
Texas DPS offices are located in every county. You can find your nearest office and current wait times on the Texas DPS website by entering your zip code. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require appointments. During peak times (early morning, lunch, end of week), wait times can exceed two hours.
If your local office offers online scheduling, you can book an appointment up to 30 days in advance. Scheduling reduces wait time but does not may provide a specific time — arrive 15 minutes early. If you cannot find an appointment slot, walk-in service is available at all offices, though you may wait longer.
Bring all documents in originals or certified copies. The DPS office will not accept photocopies of identity documents or Social Security cards. Bring your residency proof in original form as well.
What happens if you fail the knowledge test
If you do not pass the written test on your first attempt, you can retake it when ready at the same office or return on another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. Each retake may incur an additional fee — check with your local office for the exact amount.
You have up to one year from the date you first take the test to pass and complete your license. If you do not pass within one year, you must start the process over and pay the full process fee again.
Renewing or replacing an existing Texas license
If you already hold a valid Texas driver's license and it is not expiring within 60 days, you can renew online through the Texas DPS website. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes five to seven business days. You do not take the knowledge test or vision screening for a standard renewal.
If your license is expired, lost, or stolen, you must visit a DPS office in person. A replacement license costs the same as a renewal. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online and must visit an office to resolve the suspension before reapplying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the knowledge test in a language other than English?
Yes. The Texas DPS offers the written test in English and Spanish. Some offices may offer other languages — call ahead to confirm. You can also request a certified interpreter, though you are responsible for bringing them.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You must have a Social Security number to obtain a Texas driver's license. If you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number, you may be able to obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, which some DPS offices accept. Contact your local DPS office to confirm whether they accept ITIN in place of a Social Security number.
How long is a Texas driver's license valid?
A standard driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue. Applicants age 85 and older receive a license valid for two years. You can renew online up to one year before expiration.
What if my residency proof does not have my current address?
Your residency document must show your current address and be dated within the last 30 days. If your utility bill or lease shows an old address, bring a second document that shows your new address, such as a recent bank statement or lease agreement. The DPS office can accept multiple documents to establish residency.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
Both options are available depending on your local office. Check the Texas DPS website for your office's policy. If appointments are available, booking one typically reduces wait time, but walk-in service is always available. Arrive early to avoid peak hours.