What you need to know before you go to the DPS office
Texas issues driver's licenses through the Department of Public Safety (DPS). You will need to visit a DPS office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process typically takes one visit for the written test and vision screening, then a second visit after you pass to take the driving test — though some offices combine both on the same day if you arrive early enough.
You cannot renew a license online or by mail if you are getting one for the first time. You also cannot transfer a license from another state without taking the Texas written test. The fee for a five-year license is $16 for those under 85; a ten-year license costs $32. If you are under 18, you will follow a different path called the Graduated Driver License (GDL) program, which has additional restrictions.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID), proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to the DPS office.
- The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you must score at least 70 percent to pass, and you can retake it the same day if you fail.
- The driving test is scheduled after you pass the written test and typically happens within two to four weeks, depending on your local DPS office's backlog.
- If you are under 18, you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months and meet supervised driving hours before you can take the driving test.
- You can find your nearest DPS office and check current wait times on the Texas DPS website.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring original documents, not copies. The DPS requires one form of primary identification (a valid passport, certified birth certificate, consulate ID, or tribal ID), one document showing your Texas address (a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address), and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN (your Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration).
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your process in person at the DPS office. Bring their ID as well.
Do not bring originals of documents you need for other purposes. The DPS will not return them. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the state where you were born; this can take two to four weeks.
The written test and vision screening
The written test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and some offices offer it in other languages — call ahead to confirm.
You will also take a vision screening at the DPS office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to get a medical evaluation or an eye exam before you can take the driving test. The DPS office will tell you what is needed.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though some may require you to wait a few hours or return another day. There is no extra fee for retakes. You have up to three attempts within a rolling 12-month period before you must wait and start over.
The driving test: timing and what to expect
After you pass the written test, the DPS will schedule your driving test. Wait times vary by office; some schedule you within two weeks, while others may take four to six weeks. You will receive a notice in the mail with your test date and time.
Bring your learner's permit (or the receipt from your written test if you passed the same day), proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be registered, have valid inspection, working lights and wipers, and be in safe condition. If the vehicle fails the safety check, your test will be cancelled.
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You will drive in city and highway conditions, demonstrate parking, and show that you can handle turns, stops, and lane changes safely. You must follow all traffic laws during the test. If you fail, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment and wait for the next available slot.
Graduated Driver License (GDL) for drivers under 18
If you are under 18, you must first get a learner's permit, hold it for at least six months, and complete a minimum number of supervised driving hours before you can take the driving test. During the learner's permit phase, you cannot drive alone — a licensed adult 21 or older must be in the front seat with you at all times.
You must complete at least 30 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours at night. Keep a log of your driving hours; the DPS may ask to see it. After you pass the driving test, you will receive a Restricted License valid until age 18. This license has restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. (with limited exceptions), and you cannot use a cell phone while driving.
At age 18, you can renew your license without the restrictions. If you turn 18 before your Restricted License expires, you can visit a DPS office to remove the restrictions early.
What happens after you pass the driving test
Once you pass the driving test, the DPS will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office. Your license is valid for five years (or ten years if you paid for the ten-year option). You can drive legally as soon as you receive it.
Your license will have your photo, signature, address, and a number unique to you. If you move, you must update your address with the DPS within 30 days. You can do this online at the Texas DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
Finding a DPS office and checking wait times
The Texas DPS operates driver's license offices across the state. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Texas DPS website. Some offices are busier than others; rural offices often have shorter waits than urban ones.
Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Check your local office's policy before you go. If your office requires an appointment, you can book one online or by phone. Arriving early in the morning or on weekday mornings typically means shorter waits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a passport card or state ID instead of a driver's license?
A passport card and a state ID are valid forms of identification for many purposes, but they are not the same as a driver's license. Only a driver's license allows you to drive legally in Texas. You will need a driver's license if you plan to operate a vehicle.
What if I have a valid license from another state?
You must take the Texas written test and driving test to get a Texas license. You cannot straightforward transfer your out-of-state license. However, you do not need to hold a learner's permit first if you are 18 or older — you can go straight to the written test.
How much does a Texas driver's license cost?
A five-year license costs $16, and a ten-year license costs $32. These are the standard fees for adults. Fees for drivers under 18 or over 85 may differ. The DPS office will tell you the exact fee when you arrive.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English or Spanish?
Most DPS offices offer the test in English and Spanish. Some offices in areas with large immigrant populations may offer other languages, but this varies. Call your local DPS office ahead of time to confirm what languages are available.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test, but you will need to schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee for the retest. You have up to three attempts within a rolling 12-month period before you must wait and reapply from the beginning.