What Texas requires to get a driver's license

Texas issues driver's licenses to people who pass a written test, a driving test, and a vision screening, and who meet age and residency requirements. You must be at least 16 years old (or 15 if you're in a supervised driving program), have lived in Texas for at least 45 days, and provide proof of identity and Social Security number. The state does not issue licenses based on immigration status alone — you'll need to show documents that prove who you are, where you live, and your right to work or be in the United States.

The specific documents you bring depend on your citizenship or immigration status. A U.S. citizen brings different paperwork than someone with a work visa or temporary protected status. Texas also has separate rules for people renewing a license versus getting one for the first time, and for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains the list of acceptable documents, and it changes when federal rules change.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old, have lived in Texas for 45 days, and pass a written test, driving test, and vision screening to get a driver's license.
  • Texas requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency — the exact documents depend on whether you're a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have another immigration status.
  • The Department of Public Safety publishes the official list of acceptable documents on its website, and this list changes when federal requirements change.
  • You can take the written test in English or Spanish, and you can request a road test with an interpreter if you need one.
  • If you're deaf or hard of hearing, you can request a road test without the hearing component and bring a certified interpreter at no cost.

Age and residency requirements

You must be at least 16 years old to get a standard Texas driver's license. If you're 15, you can get a learner's permit and enroll in a driver education course, which allows you to drive under supervision. Once you complete the course and hold the permit for a set time, you can take the road test and move to a restricted license, then a full license.

Texas requires you to have lived in the state for at least 45 days before you can get a license. The state counts this from the date you establish residency — usually the date you move into a home, sign a lease, or register to vote. If you're moving to Texas from another state, bring a document that shows when you arrived, such as a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency.

Documents you need: U.S. citizens

If you're a U.S. citizen, you need to bring three types of documents to the DPS office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. A U.S. passport or birth certificate counts as proof of identity. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or mail from a government agency dated within the last 90 days.

You do not need to bring originals of every document — DPS will make copies. However, you must bring the originals so staff can verify them. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can request a number from the Social Security Administration before you go to DPS, or you can explore for a license without one (though this limits some uses of the license).

Documents you need: Permanent residents and visa holders

If you're a permanent resident (green card holder), bring your green card as proof of identity and immigration status. You still need proof of Social Security number and residency, using the same documents as U.S. citizens. If you have a work visa (such as an H-1B or L-1), bring your visa, your passport, and your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if you have one. Bring the same residency and Social Security documents as above.

If you have Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), or another temporary immigration status, the documents you need change based on your specific status. The Department of Public Safety website lists the acceptable documents for each status category. If you're unsure which category applies to you, call the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 or visit a local DPS office with your immigration documents and ask staff which ones you need to bring.

The written test and vision screening

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take the test in English or Spanish. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can retake the test the same day if you fail, though you may have to pay the fee again depending on the DPS office.

Before the written test, you'll have a vision screening. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, your license will have a restriction that says you must wear them while driving. If you fail the vision screening, DPS will refer you to an eye doctor and you can come back once you have a corrective lens prescription.

The road test and driving requirements

After you pass the written test, you schedule a road test with a DPS examiner. The test takes about 25 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, parking, backing up, and following traffic laws. You must bring the vehicle you'll be tested in, and it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Bring your learner's permit or current license, and bring someone who is at least 21 years old and holds a valid license to sit in the car during the test (this person cannot help you drive).

If you need an interpreter for the road test, you can bring a certified interpreter at no cost. If you're deaf or hard of hearing, you can request a road test that does not include the hearing component (such as the ability to hear a siren). Contact your local DPS office at least one week before your scheduled test to arrange this.

Fees and processing time

The fee for a Texas driver's license depends on how long you want the license to be valid. A license valid for five years costs less than one valid for eight years. As of 2024, fees range from about $16 to $32, but check the DPS website or call ahead because fees change. You pay the fee at the DPS office when you explore, and you must pay in cash, by card, or by check — payment methods vary by office.

Processing time varies. If you pass the road test on the same day, DPS can issue a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you'll have to pay the fee again and wait for another appointment. Some DPS offices have longer wait times than others, so call ahead or check online to see current appointment availability in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver's license if I don't have a Social Security number?

Yes. You can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS and use that instead. Bring the ITIN letter from the IRS along with your other documents. Some people without a Social Security number or ITIN can get a license, but it will have restrictions on what it can be used for — ask DPS staff which documents you need.

What if I lost my birth certificate or passport?

You can order a replacement from the state where you were born (for a birth certificate) or from the U.S. State Department (for a passport). This takes time, so plan ahead. In the meantime, you may be able to use other identity documents — call DPS to ask what else they will accept while you wait for your birth certificate or passport to arrive.

Do I have to take the written test in English?

No. You can take the written test in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, or several other languages. Tell the DPS staff which language you want when you arrive, and they will provide the test in that language. The road test is conducted in English, but you can bring a certified interpreter.

How long does a Texas driver's license last?

A standard driver's license is valid for five or eight years, depending on which you choose when you explore. You can renew by mail, online, or in person. Renewal is usually simpler than getting a license for the first time — you may not need to retake the written or road test if you renew before your license expires.

What if I'm under 18 — are there different rules?

Yes. If you're under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for a set time before you can take the road test. You also have restrictions on when and where you can drive (for example, no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months). These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18 or have held your license for a certain time. Ask DPS for the full list of restrictions that explore to your age.