What you need to get a Texas driver license

To get a driver license in Texas, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay the fee. Texas does not issue licenses by mail or online. You cannot renew a license for the first time without appearing at an office — you must be physically present.

The process takes multiple visits if you do not already hold a learner permit. You will first get a learner permit (which requires passing the written test), then practice driving for a waiting period, then return to take the driving test. If you already have a valid learner permit from another state, some of those steps may be skipped, but you still must take Texas's driving test.

The entire process from first visit to license in hand typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly you schedule your tests and how many times you need to retake either exam.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
  • First-time applicants must pass a written knowledge test, wait a minimum of 14 days, then pass a driving test before receiving a license.
  • The DPS charges a fee that varies by license type and validity period — a standard five-year license costs less than an eight-year license.
  • You can schedule your written test and driving test online through the DPS website, but you cannot complete either test remotely.
  • If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one day before retesting, and you can retake it as many times as needed.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring one document that proves your identity. The DPS accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a valid state ID from another state, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If your name has changed since the document was issued, bring proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Bring one document that proves you live in Texas. The DPS accepts a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a government check or tax document — all dated within 90 days of your visit. A piece of mail with your name and address is not enough by itself. If you live with someone else, you can use their utility bill or lease if you also bring a signed affidavit stating that you live there.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099). 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.

The written test and learner permit

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take it in English or Spanish. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can schedule the test online through the DPS website or by calling your local DPS office.

When you pass the written test, you receive a learner permit on the same day. The permit is valid for one year and allows you to drive only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is in the front seat with you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. while holding a learner permit.

After you pass the written test, you must wait at least 14 days before you can take the driving test. This waiting period is required by Texas law and cannot be waived. Use this time to practice driving with a licensed adult.

The driving test and license issuance

The driving test lasts about 25 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DPS office. A DPS examiner sits in the car with you and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and merging. You must follow traffic laws and the examiner's directions. The test is pass or fail — there is no partial credit.

You must bring your learner permit, proof of vehicle insurance, and the vehicle you will drive during the test. The vehicle must be registered in Texas, have valid inspection and registration, and be in safe working condition (working brakes, lights, wipers, and horn). If the vehicle fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day.

If you pass the driving test, you receive your license on the same day, usually within a few hours. If you fail, you can retake it after one day has passed. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you must pay the test fee each time.

Fees and license validity periods

The DPS charges separate fees for the written test, the driving test, and the license itself. The written test fee is currently $10. The driving test fee is currently $10. The license fee depends on how long you want the license to be valid: a five-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Fees change periodically, so check the DPS website for the current amounts before you visit.

A standard driver license in Texas is valid for five or eight years, depending on which you choose at the time of issuance. You can renew by mail or online before it expires, but you cannot renew a license that has already expired without visiting an office in person and retaking the tests.

Special situations: name changes, address changes, and license replacement

If your name has changed since you last held a Texas license, you must visit a DPS office and bring proof of the name change. You do not have to retake the written or driving test, but you must pay a replacement fee.

If you move to a new address in Texas, you can update your address online through the DPS website without visiting an office, as long as your license is not expired. If your license is expired, you must visit an office to renew it.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can order a replacement online or by mail if your license is not expired. If it is expired, you must visit an office in person.

Finding a DPS office and scheduling your tests

Texas has DPS offices in most cities and many towns. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times for walk-ins can be long. Scheduling your written test and driving test online before you visit saves time and guarantees you a spot on a specific date.

To schedule online, go to the DPS website, select your county, and choose an available date and time for the written test. After you pass the written test in person, you can schedule your driving test for a date at least 14 days later. Some offices allow you to schedule the driving test on the same day you take the written test, even though you cannot take it until 14 days have passed.

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 or driving test remotely, and you cannot mail in an process for a license. You must visit an office at least twice: once for the written test and once for the driving test.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it after one day has passed. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Each retake costs the driving test fee again. You keep your learner permit while you practice and retake the test.

Do I need a vehicle to take the driving test?

Yes. You must bring the vehicle you will drive during the test. It must be registered in Texas, have valid inspection and registration, and be in safe working condition. You cannot borrow a vehicle from the DPS office or use a test vehicle provided by the examiner.

Can I renew my license online if it has already expired?

No. If your license is expired, you must visit a DPS office in person and retake the written test and driving test. You can renew online only if your license is still valid.

How long does it take to get a license after I pass the driving test?

You receive your license on the same day you pass the driving test, usually within a few hours. The DPS prints it at the office before you leave.