Get your Texas driver's license at a Department of Public Safety office
You get a Texas driver's license at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Division office. Texas has about 130 of these offices statewide — some in major cities, some in smaller towns. You cannot get a license by mail, phone, or online; you must go in person with the documents DPS requires.
The closest office to you depends on where you live. DPS publishes a full list of office locations, hours, and phone numbers on its website at dps.texas.gov. You can search by city or county. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening or Saturday hours. Call ahead or check online before you go — hours vary by location and some offices close for lunch.
Walk-in service is available at most offices, but wait times can be long, especially on Fridays and near the end of the month. Some offices now offer online appointment scheduling through the DPS website. If your office offers appointments, booking one ahead of time can cut your wait from hours to 30 minutes or less.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS Driver License Division office in person; there is no mail, phone, or online option for getting a Texas driver's license.
- Find your nearest office and its hours at dps.texas.gov, and call ahead because hours vary and some offices close for lunch.
- Many offices now let you book an appointment online, which typically cuts your wait time to under an hour instead of several hours.
- Bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of Social Security number before you go.
- Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one, or a passport or military ID if you do not have a license yet.
What documents you need to bring
DPS requires specific documents in original or certified form. You cannot use photocopies or digital images. Bring an original or certified birth certificate (certified copies come from the county clerk or Texas Vital Statistics), a Social Security card or W-2, and proof of Texas residency dated within the last 30 days — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work.
If you already have a driver's license from another state, bring it. If you do not have a license yet, bring a passport, military ID, or consular ID instead. DPS also requires you to provide your current address and phone number, so have those ready even if your documents show an old address.
Bring your Social Security number in writing if you do not have your card with you. DPS will not accept a photo of your card — it must be the physical card or a document that shows your number, like a W-2 or tax return.
Fees and payment methods
A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $33. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more — the fee depends on the type of endorsement you need. DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at all offices. Some offices may accept checks, but call ahead to confirm.
If you are renewing an expired license or replacing a lost one, the fee is the same. If you need a duplicate (an extra copy of your current license), that costs $11. Fees do not change based on which office you visit.
Types of licenses and who can get them
A Class C license is the standard license for driving a passenger car, truck, or van. You must be at least 16 years old and pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. If you are under 18, you also need a completed driver education course and a learner's permit held for at least 6 months.
A Class B license is for driving a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) between 14,001 and 26,000 pounds — typically a large truck or bus. A Class A license is for tractor-trailers and other combinations over 26,000 pounds. Both require a commercial driver's license (CDL) test and are more complex than a Class C.
An Occupational license is available if your regular license was suspended due to a DUI or other traffic violation. You can drive to and from work, school, or court-ordered programs. You must request this at the DPS office and meet specific conditions set by the court or DPS.
The written test, vision test, and driving test
At your DPS office visit, you will take a written test covering Texas traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions; you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. DPS provides study materials on its website, and many public libraries have free practice tests available.
You will also take a vision test at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving, and your license will note that restriction.
The driving test is scheduled separately after you pass the written and vision tests. A DPS examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you provide) and evaluate your ability to start, stop, turn, park, and handle traffic. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
Renewing or replacing an expired or lost license
If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew it at a DPS office without retaking the written and driving tests — you only take the vision test. If it expired more than two years ago, you must retake all three tests as if you were getting a license for the first time.
If your license was lost or stolen, report it to the DPS office when you explore for a replacement. You will pay the replacement fee ($33 for a five-year license) and take the vision test. You do not retake the written or driving test unless your license has been expired for more than two years.
You can also renew your license by mail or online if it is still valid and you have not had any address changes or medical conditions that would affect your driving. Check the DPS website to see if you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal before you visit an office.
What to expect on the day you visit
Arrive at least 15 minutes early, especially if you do not have an appointment. Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. The staff will check your documents, take your photo, collect your fee, and schedule you for the written test if you are a first-time applicant.
If you pass the written test, you will schedule your driving test at a later date — usually within one to three weeks, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.
The entire office visit typically takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on wait times and whether you have an appointment. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day at no extra charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Texas driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. DPS requires a valid Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have one, you must first explore for one through the Social Security Administration. Bring your SSN card or a document showing your number when you visit the DPS office.
What if I do not have an original birth certificate?
You can get a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the county clerk in the county where you were born. If you were born outside Texas, contact the vital records office in that state. Certified copies usually cost $20 to $30 and take one to two weeks by mail, though some offices offer rush service.
Do I need to take the driving test if I already have a valid license from another state?
No. If you are moving to Texas and have a valid out-of-state license, you can exchange it for a Texas license without retaking the written or driving test. You only take the vision test. Bring your current out-of-state license to the DPS office.
How long does it take to get my permanent license card after my office visit?
Your permanent card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after your office visit. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while you wait. If you do not receive your card within two weeks, call the DPS office where you applied.
Can I change my address on my license without visiting an office?
Yes. You can update your address online through the DPS website if your license is still valid and you have not had any other changes. If you need to renew your license at the same time, you must visit an office in person.