Texas requires a completed process, proof of identity, proof of residency, and a passing score on the written and driving tests

To get a Texas driver's license, you will need to visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring specific documents, pass a knowledge test and a road test, and pay the fee. The process takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes at the office itself, though you should expect to wait. The documents you bring must prove who you are, where you live, and your Social Security number or proof that you do not have one.

Texas does not issue licenses by mail or online. You cannot renew a license for the first time without appearing in person. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present, and you will face additional restrictions on when and where you can drive.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a state ID card to prove your identity.
  • Proof of residency requires a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address — documents must be dated within the last 30 days.
  • You will take a written test covering road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices, and a driving test with a DPS examiner in your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle.
  • A Texas driver's license costs $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, and you must be at least 16 years old.
  • If you hold a valid license from another state or country, you may not need to retake the written test, but you will still take the driving test.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or a valid state ID card. If you do not have any of these, a DPS office can tell you what other documents they will accept — this varies by situation. Do not bring a photocopy of your birth certificate unless it is certified by the vital records office that issued it.

You also need proof of residency. This means a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government mail (such as a tax return or voter registration card) will work. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, bring a notarized affidavit from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. You will also need to bring any current Texas ID card or driver's license if you have one.

The Written Test and What It Covers

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, when to use your headlights, how to handle skids on wet roads, and what to do at a four-way stop.

You can take the test in English or Spanish. The DPS provides a free study guide called the Texas Driver's Handbook, available online at the DPS website and in print at any DPS office. Many people study the handbook for a few days and pass on their first attempt. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.

If you hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state or from certain other countries, you may be waived from the written test. Ask at the DPS office when you arrive, and bring your current license. You will still have to take the driving test.

The Driving Test and Vehicle Requirements

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test with a DPS examiner. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe decision-making. The examiner will ask you to perform tasks such as parking, backing up, turning, stopping smoothly, and merging into traffic. You must follow all traffic laws during the test — running a red light or stop sign is an automatic failure.

You can take the test in your own vehicle or in a DPS vehicle, depending on the office. If you use your own vehicle, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that your brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and mirrors work. Bring proof of insurance and registration. If the vehicle fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day.

You must have a licensed adult in the vehicle with you during the test if you are under 18. If you are 18 or older, you take the test alone with the examiner. Bring your glasses or contacts if you need them to see clearly — the examiner will ask you to read a sign at a distance to check your vision.

Fees and License Validity

A five-year Texas driver's license costs $33. An eight-year license costs $66. You choose which one you want when you explore. The fee is the same whether you are 16 or 65. You pay at the DPS office when you submit your process.

Your license will expire on your birthday in the fifth or eighth year after you receive it, depending on which you chose. You cannot renew by mail the first time — you must appear in person. After your first renewal, you may be able to renew by mail or online if your license has not been suspended and you meet other requirements, but that depends on your age and the type of license.

Restrictions for Drivers Under 18

If you are under 18, you will receive a Graduated Driver License (GDL), not a full license. A GDL has restrictions on when you can drive and who can be in the vehicle with you. During the first six months, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you can only have one passenger under 21 in the car (unless they are a family member). After six months, the nighttime restriction lifts but the passenger restriction stays.

These restrictions end when you turn 18 or when you have held the GDL for 12 months, whichever comes first. At that point, you can explore for an unrestricted license, but you do not have to — your GDL will straightforward become a regular license. If you are convicted of a traffic violation while you hold a GDL, the restrictions may be extended.

If You Already Have a License From Another State or Country

If you hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state, you can exchange it for a Texas license without retaking the written test. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or proof you do not have one. You will still take the driving test. The fee is the same as for a new license.

If you hold a license from a country outside the United States, you will need to take both the written and driving tests. Some countries have agreements with Texas that allow their citizens to skip the written test — ask at the DPS office. You will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you want to drive in Texas on your foreign license while you wait for your Texas license, though an IDP is not required to take the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to take the written and driving tests?

Appointments are not required at all DPS offices, but some offices accept them and some do not. Call the office nearest you or check the DPS website to see if appointments are available. Walk-ins are accepted everywhere, but you may wait longer. Arriving early in the morning typically means a shorter wait.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it as soon as the next business day. There is no waiting period. You do not have to retake the written test — your passing score stays on file. You will pay the license fee again when you pass the driving test and receive your license.

Can I take the tests if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number, or that you have applied and are waiting. The DPS will issue you a license and assign you an identification number instead of using your Social Security number.

What if I wear glasses or contacts?

Tell the examiner before the test starts. You must wear them during the vision screening and during the driving test if you wear them while driving. If you fail the vision screening, you cannot take the driving test that day — you will need to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction certificate.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the tests?

You will receive a temporary paper license at the DPS office that is valid for 45 days. Your plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving in Texas and out of state.