What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license for the first time
If you are new to Texas and need a driver's license, you will visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process takes multiple visits — you cannot get your license on the same day you explore. Texas issues licenses valid for six or eight years depending on your age, and you will need to bring specific documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number.
The DPS handles all Texas driver's licenses. You cannot renew or obtain one online, by mail, or through a third party. You must go to a DPS office yourself, bring original documents (not copies), and be prepared to wait — many offices have long lines, especially early in the week and on Fridays.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person twice: once to take the written test and once to take the driving test after you pass the written exam.
- Bring an original birth certificate or passport, proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
- The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you must score at least 70 percent to pass and move forward to the driving test.
- The driving test happens in your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle, and you must demonstrate basic vehicle control and knowledge of traffic rules.
- Texas driver's licenses cost between $16 and $32 depending on how long you want the license to be valid, and you pay at your first DPS visit.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring originals, not photocopies. The DPS will not accept scanned or digital copies of documents. You need three categories of proof: identity, residency, and Social Security verification.
For identity, bring your birth certificate (long form with a raised seal), U.S. passport, passport card, or consular report of birth abroad. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or an unexpired visa. If you have a valid out-of-state driver's license or ID card, that counts as identity proof too.
For Texas residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days that shows your name and a Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, bring a signed affidavit from the person whose name is on the document, plus their ID.
For Social Security verification, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a Texas ID card but not a driver's license.
The written test: what to study and how to pass
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 you can request a reader or interpreter if you need one.
Study the Texas Driver Handbook, which the DPS publishes free on its website and provides in print at every DPS office. The handbook covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, seat belt laws, what to do at a red light, how to handle a four-way stop, and what different road signs mean. Most questions come directly from the handbook, so reading it thoroughly is the most effective way to prepare.
You can take the written test as many times as you need, but you must wait one day between attempts. If you fail, you can return the next day and try again. Once you pass, you move to the driving test stage.
Scheduling and taking the driving test
After you pass the written test, you are may be able to access to take the driving test. You do not schedule it at the same visit — the DPS office will tell you when you can return. Wait times vary by location; some offices let you test within a few days, while others have a wait of several weeks. You can check wait times for your local DPS office on the DPS website before you go in.
For the driving test, you need a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have valid license plates, working brakes, functioning turn signals, and working windshield wipers. You can use your own car, borrow someone else's, or in some cases use a DPS vehicle (though availability varies by office). Bring proof of insurance and the vehicle registration.
The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: starting the car, backing up, turning, parking, and stopping. You will also drive on local roads to demonstrate that you can follow traffic signs, maintain safe speed, and handle intersections. The test usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You must pass this test to receive your license.
Cost and how long your license lasts
A Texas driver's license costs $16 for a four-year license, $32 for an eight-year license, or $24 for a six-year license. You pay this fee at your first DPS visit when you take the written test. You cannot pay online or by mail — payment happens in person at the office.
If you are under 18, your license is valid for four years and costs $16. If you are 18 or older, you choose between a four-year license for $16 or an eight-year license for $32. The eight-year option is more economical if you plan to stay in Texas long-term, since you will not need to renew as often.
What happens after you pass the driving test
After you pass the driving test, the DPS office will take your photo and print your license on the spot. You will receive your physical license card the same day. Your license is valid when ready — you can drive legally as soon as you leave the DPS office.
Your license will show your name, date of birth, address, license number, and restrictions if any explore (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only). Check the information for accuracy before you leave the office. If something is wrong, tell the examiner right away so it can be corrected.
If you already have a valid out-of-state license
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the written and driving tests again. Instead, you can exchange it for a Texas license by visiting a DPS office with your out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You will still need to pay the license fee and have your photo taken. This process is faster than taking both tests, though you still must do it in person.
Your out-of-state license must be valid (not expired) at the time you exchange it. If it is expired, you will need to take the written and driving tests like a first-time applicant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. All tests must be taken in person at a DPS office. You cannot take the written test remotely, and there is no way to complete the process without visiting an office at least twice.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can take it again, but you must wait one day before your next attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Each attempt may have a small fee depending on your local DPS office.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a Texas driver's license?
Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can get a Texas ID card instead, which works for identification purposes but does not allow you to drive. To get a driver's license, you must have a valid Social Security number.
How long does the whole process take from start to finish?
It depends on how quickly you pass the written test and how long the wait is for the driving test at your local office. Most people complete it within two to four weeks, but some offices have longer waits. Check your local DPS office's website for current wait times.
What if my documents are from another country?
Foreign documents must be originals and may need to be certified or translated. A U.S. passport or passport card is the easiest proof of identity. If you have a visa, bring that along with your passport. Contact your local DPS office before you visit to confirm which documents they will accept.