What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license

Getting a Texas driver's license involves three main steps: pass a written knowledge test, pass a driving skills test, and provide proof of identity and residency. You'll do this at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary paper license the day you pass your driving test.

Texas requires you to be at least 16 years old to hold a learner's permit or driver's license. If you're under 18, you'll need to complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test. If you're 18 or older, you can skip the learner's permit stage and go straight to the knowledge and driving tests.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test at a Texas DPS office, and bring original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency.
  • If you're under 18, you need a completed driver education course and a learner's permit held for at least six months before you can test for a full license.
  • If you're 18 or older, you can skip the learner's permit and go straight to both tests on the same day.
  • You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready after passing your driving test; your plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
  • Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, a birth certificate or passport, and a utility bill or lease showing your current Texas address.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Texas requires original documents — not copies. Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. You'll also need proof of identity: a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or a document issued by another state's DPS office.

For proof of residency in Texas, bring a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. If you don't have a utility bill or lease, you can bring two documents from a list that includes insurance policies, school enrollment letters, or government mail.

If you're explore for a Real ID-compliant license (which you'll need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 2025), bring all the documents above plus a second proof of residency. Real ID requires two separate documents showing your address.

Taking the written knowledge test

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Texas Driver's Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass.

You can take the test in English or Spanish. If English is not your first language, you can request an interpreter at the DPS office, though availability varies by location. Some offices allow you to bring a friend to interpret, but call ahead to confirm your local office's policy.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, though you'll pay the test fee each time you take it.

Taking the driving skills test

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and a horn. A DPS examiner will ride with you and score your performance.

You can take the driving test on the same day as your written test if you pass the written portion, or you can schedule it for another day. If you fail, you can retake it, but many offices have a waiting period of a few days to a week before you can test again. Check with your local DPS office for their specific retake policy.

If you're under 18 and have a learner's permit, you must have a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the vehicle with you during the test. The examiner will ask this person to sit in the back seat.

Getting your temporary and permanent license

After you pass both tests, you'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive when ready. Your permanent plastic driver's license will be mailed to the address you provided at the DPS office within two to three weeks.

If your permanent license doesn't arrive within three weeks, contact the DPS to check the status. You can use your temporary license to drive until the plastic card arrives. Keep the temporary license with you while driving — it's your proof of licensure.

Your Texas driver's license is valid for six years if you're under 85 years old. You can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, depending on your situation.

Costs and fees

The knowledge test costs $10. The driving test costs $10. The driver's license itself costs $30 for a six-year license. If you want a Real ID-compliant license, there is no additional fee — the cost is the same $30.

If you fail either test and need to retake it, you'll pay the test fee again. Some DPS offices accept cash, debit, and credit cards, but a few accept only cash, so call ahead to confirm payment methods at your location.

Special situations: Renewing, replacing, or changing your license

If you already have a Texas driver's license and need to renew it, you can do so online at the DPS website if your license is not suspended and you haven't had any major changes to your name or address. Online renewal costs $25 and takes about two weeks.

If your license is lost or stolen, you can replace it at a DPS office for $11. You'll need to bring your Social Security card and proof of identity, but you won't need to retake the tests.

If you've changed your name due to marriage or court order, bring your original marriage certificate or court order along with your current license and Social Security card to update your license at a DPS office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online?

No. Texas requires you to take both the written and driving tests in person at a DPS office. You cannot take either test online or by mail.

What if I fail the driving test — how long do I have to wait to retake it?

Most Texas DPS offices allow you to retake the driving test within a few days to a week, but the exact waiting period varies by location. Call your local DPS office to find out their policy. You can take the written test again the same day if you fail it.

Do I need a Real ID license, or can I get a regular driver's license?

You can get either one. A regular Texas driver's license costs $30 and works for driving. A Real ID license also costs $30 but lets you board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. After May 2025, you'll need a Real ID or passport to fly domestically. Both require the same documents, except Real ID requires two proofs of residency instead of one.

How do I find the DPS office nearest me?

Visit the Texas DPS website and use their office locator tool. You can search by city or zip code. Many offices require you to schedule an appointment online before you visit, so check your local office's website to see if appointments are required or if you can walk in.

What happens if I move to a different address after I get my license?

You must update your address within 30 days of moving. You can do this online at the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Updating your address online costs $5 and takes about two weeks. In person is free but requires a visit to an office.