What you need to bring to the Texas DPS office
To get a new Texas driver's license, you'll visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The state does not issue licenses by mail or online, so you must appear at a location near you.
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth abroad. You'll also need one document showing your current Texas address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days works. For Social Security proof, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the court order or marriage certificate that documents the change.
If you're renewing a license that expired more than two years ago, the DPS treats it as a new license process and requires the same documents. If your current license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead — check the DPS website for your specific situation.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with your birth certificate or passport, proof of Texas residency dated within 90 days, and proof of your Social Security number.
- The DPS office will take your photograph and fingerprints during your visit, so plan for the appointment to take 30 to 45 minutes.
- A new Texas driver's license costs $16 for a two-year license or $32 for a five-year license; the fee depends on which term you choose.
- You can find your nearest DPS office and check current wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail and must explore as a new license at a DPS office.
Finding a DPS office and scheduling your visit
The Texas DPS operates driver's license offices across the state. You can search for the office nearest you on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or ZIP code. The site shows each office's address, hours, and current wait time — this information updates throughout the day, so check shortly before you plan to go.
Most DPS offices accept walk-ins, but many also offer appointment scheduling through the website. Scheduling an appointment usually reduces your wait time significantly. If you book an appointment, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all required documents. Walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day; offices in rural areas typically have shorter waits than those in major cities.
Some DPS offices close for lunch or operate limited hours on certain days. Check the specific office's schedule before you travel, especially if you're driving more than 30 minutes. If your local office has a long wait, you may be able to visit a less busy location in a nearby city.
The cost and validity period of your new license
A new Texas driver's license costs $16 for a two-year license or $32 for a five-year license. You choose which term you want when you explore. The DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices, though a few rural locations may accept cash only — call ahead if you're unsure.
Your new license will be valid for the term you selected, starting on the date you receive it. The DPS mails your physical license to the address you provide, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait for the card to arrive.
If you're under 18, your license will have different restrictions than an adult license — for example, you may have limitations on driving between certain hours or with certain passengers. These restrictions are set by state law and appear on your license.
What happens during your office visit
When you arrive at the DPS office, you'll check in at the front desk and submit your documents. A staff member will verify your identity, residency, and Social Security information. They'll ask you questions about your address, any previous licenses, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving.
You'll then move to the photo station, where the DPS will take your photograph and scan your fingerprints. The photograph becomes part of your license, so you can request to retake it once if you're unhappy with the first shot. After that, you'll pay the fee and receive your temporary paper license.
The entire process typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, though this varies by office and how busy it is. Bring all documents in a folder or envelope to keep them organized and straightforward to hand over. If any of your documents are missing or don't meet the requirements, the staff will tell you what you need to bring back.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your current Texas license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DPS office. Bring the same documents you would for a new license — birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You don't need the original license itself.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police first, though this is not required by the DPS. A police report can be useful if someone uses your license number fraudulently. The DPS will issue you a new license number as part of the replacement process.
A replacement license costs the same as a new license — $16 for two years or $32 for five years. You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and the physical card within 7 to 10 business days.
Name changes and other updates to your license
If your name has changed since you last received a Texas license — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you'll need to bring documentation of the change when you explore for a new license. Bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order along with your other required documents.
If you need to update your address, height, or other information on your license without getting a new photo, you can do this at a DPS office without the full new license process. However, if your license has expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license and cannot straightforward update the old one.
If you've had a change in your medical status — for example, you now wear glasses or have a condition that affects your driving — tell the DPS staff during your visit. They'll note this on your license if necessary.
What to do if you're not a U.S. citizen
Texas issues driver's licenses to people who are not U.S. citizens, but the documents you need are different. You'll need a valid passport or travel document from your country, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
If you're in Texas on a visa, bring your passport and visa documentation. If you're a permanent resident, bring your green card along with your passport. The DPS staff will verify your immigration status through federal databases during your visit.
The cost and validity period are the same as for U.S. citizens — $16 for two years or $32 for five years. Your license will be valid only as long as your immigration status remains current, so if your visa or status expires before your license does, you'll need to renew your license when your status changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Texas driver's license if I don't have a Social Security number?
No, Texas requires proof of a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you don't have one, you'll need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. Non-citizens may be able to use an ITIN instead — ask the DPS office whether this applies to you.
How long does it take to receive my physical license in the mail?
The DPS typically mails your license within 7 to 10 business days of your office visit. You'll receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive when ready. If you don't receive your license within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied.
What if I moved to Texas from another state and still have a valid out-of-state license?
You can drive on your out-of-state license for a limited time after you move to Texas, but you must get a Texas license once you establish residency. Bring your out-of-state license to the DPS office along with your other documents — the staff will take it and issue your Texas license.
Can I renew my license online or by mail instead of going to an office?
You can renew by mail or online only if your current license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must visit a DPS office in person and explore as a new license. Check the Texas DPS website to see which renewal method you're may be able to access for.
What if the DPS office says one of my documents doesn't meet the requirements?
The staff will tell you specifically which document doesn't work and what you need to bring instead. For example, if your utility bill is older than 90 days, you'll need a more recent one. You can go home, gather the correct documents, and return to the same office or visit a different one — there's no penalty for coming back.