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 take the tests until you have submitted your documents and been approved to test.

The process takes multiple visits unless you pass both tests on your first attempt. Most people spend two to four weeks from their first DPS visit to receiving their license in the mail, though this varies by office location and how quickly you schedule your driving test.

If you are under 18, the rules are stricter: you must hold a learner permit for at least six months, complete a driver education course, and have a licensed adult in the car during your driving test. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the permit stage and go straight to the license test.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a Social Security card or document showing your number, and two documents proving your Texas address to any DPS office.
  • Texas requires a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test; you cannot take either until DPS has verified your documents.
  • Drivers under 18 must hold a learner permit for at least six months and complete a state-approved driver education course before taking the driving test.
  • The license fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license; you pay only when you pass the driving test.
  • Your license arrives by mail within two weeks of passing your driving test; DPS gives you a temporary paper license to use while you wait.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. A photocopy is not acceptable. If you were born outside the United States, bring your original passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate from your country of origin, plus your original I-94 arrival/departure record or I-20 form if you are here on a visa.

Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement. A letter from the Social Security Administration counts. 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.

Bring two documents that prove you live in Texas. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax bill, homeowners or renters insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement. The documents must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A PO box does not count as a residential address.

Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one. If you do not have one, bring a photo ID such as a passport, military ID, or school ID. DPS will not accept a screenshot or digital copy of any document.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 30 multiple-choice 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 DPS can provide readers or other accommodations if you request them when you schedule your appointment.

The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, how to handle bad weather, and what to do if you are pulled over. You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS publishes free online. Many people also use practice tests available through third-party websites, though only the official handbook is may provide to match the real test.

You get one attempt per visit. If you fail, you must schedule another appointment and pay a retest fee of $7. Most DPS offices allow you to retest the same day or within a few days if you book ahead.

The driving test and how it is scored

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. A DPS examiner sits in the car with you and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, changing lanes, parking, and stopping. You must follow the examiner's directions and obey all traffic laws. The examiner is looking for safe habits, not perfect driving.

You fail the test if you commit a critical error such as hitting another car, running a red light, driving on the wrong side of the road, or refusing to follow an examiner's instruction. You also fail if you accumulate too many minor errors—things like rolling through a stop sign, not signaling, or drifting between lanes. The examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed before you leave the office.

If you fail, you must schedule another driving test. The retest fee is $7. You can usually retest within a few days, though wait times vary by office. You do not have to retake the written test unless more than one year has passed since you passed it.

Age-specific rules for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, you must first get a learner permit. To get a learner permit, you pass the written test and pay a $7 fee. With a learner permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

You must hold your learner permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test. During those six months, you must complete a state-approved driver education course. The course is usually offered through your high school or a private driving school and costs between $300 and $600. The course includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training with a professional instructor.

After you complete the course and have held your permit for six months, you can schedule your driving test. You must bring your learner permit and a licensed adult age 21 or older to sit in the car during the test. The adult does not have to be a parent or guardian, but they must be present.

Getting your license after you pass the driving test

When you pass the driving test, DPS gives you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two weeks. The mailing address must match the address on your process. If you move before your license arrives, contact DPS to update your address.

Your Texas driver license is valid for four years if you are under 85 years old, or eight years if you renew online. When you renew, you can renew by mail, online, or in person, depending on your age and whether your address has changed. You do not have to retake the written or driving test when you renew.

If your license is lost or stolen, you can get a replacement at any DPS office for $11. If your license is damaged, you can exchange it for a new one at no cost. Bring your damaged license and proof of identity.

Real ID and what it means for your Texas license

A Real ID is a federal security standard that applies to driver licenses and state ID cards. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license, passport, military ID, or other federal ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

When you get your first Texas driver license, DPS will issue it as a Real ID by default if you bring the required documents. The documents are the same ones listed above: birth certificate, Social Security card or number, and proof of residency. If you do not want a Real ID, you can request a non-Real ID license, but you will need a passport or other federal ID to fly.

If you already have a Texas driver license without a Real ID star, you can upgrade it to Real ID at any DPS office. Bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The upgrade costs $25 and takes about two weeks.

DPS office locations and how to schedule an appointment

Texas has DPS driver license offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by location.

You must schedule an appointment before you visit. You can schedule online at dps.texas.gov or by calling 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-377-8935). Online scheduling is usually faster. When you schedule, you will choose whether you are explore for a new license, renewing, or replacing a lost or damaged license.

Wait times at DPS offices vary widely. Some offices have same-day or next-day appointments available; others have waits of several weeks. Scheduling early in the morning or on weekdays usually means shorter wait times. If an office near you is fully booked, try an office in a nearby town.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver license 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. You will still need your birth certificate and proof of residency. If you are here on a visa, bring your passport and I-20 or I-94 form instead of a birth certificate.

What happens if I fail the driving test twice?

You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. There is no limit on the number of attempts. Each retest costs $7. If more than one year passes between your first written test and your driving test, you must retake the written test.

Can someone else pick up my license from the DPS office?

No. Your license is mailed to you automatically after you pass the driving test. You cannot pick it up in person or have someone else collect it. If you move before it arrives, contact DPS to update your mailing address.

Do I need a Real ID to drive a car in Texas?

No. A regular driver license without the Real ID star is still valid for driving. You need Real ID only if you want to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. For driving, either license works.

How much does a Texas driver license cost?

The license fee is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. You pay the fee only when you pass the driving test. The written test retest fee is $7, and the driving test retest fee is $7. Upgrading to Real ID costs $25.