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.
The process takes longer than many states because Texas requires both a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test before issuing a license. You cannot skip either one, even if you have a valid license from another state — though Texas will waive the written test if you hold an out-of-state license that is still valid.
The fee for a five-year driver license is $25. A six-year license costs $30. You can choose which length you want when you explore. Texas also offers a Real ID-compliant license for an additional $15, which you will need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at a Texas DPS office with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to explore for a driver license.
- Texas requires you to pass both a written test and a driving test before receiving a license, even if you hold a valid license from another state.
- A five-year license costs $25 and a six-year license costs $30; a Real ID license costs an additional $15 if you need it for federal travel or building access.
- You can schedule a driving test appointment online through the Texas DPS website, but you must take the written test at the office on the day you explore.
- If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one day before you can retake it, and you pay the full fee again.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring one document that proves your identity. Texas accepts a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a certified birth certificate, or a consular report of birth abroad. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list: a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a bank statement, a utility bill, a lease, or a school transcript.
Bring one document that proves you live in Texas. A utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank statement all work. The document must show your name and current address. A post office box does not count as proof of residency.
Bring proof of your Social Security number. You can bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
Bring your current driver license if you have one, even if it is expired or from another state. If you do not have a license, bring nothing for this step. You do not need to bring the documents in color or bring originals — copies work.
How the written test works
The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 30 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and also in other languages at some offices.
You take the written test on the same day you explore, at the DPS office. You cannot study the test questions in advance — Texas does not publish them. However, you can study the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and covers all the topics on the test. The handbook is available online at the Texas DPS website and in print at every DPS office.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though some offices limit retakes to one per day. You pay the full process fee again if you retake the test. If you hold a valid driver license from another state, you do not have to take the written test at all.
How the driving test works
The driving test lasts about 25 minutes. An examiner sits in the car with you and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. The examiner also checks that you can use your mirrors, signal correctly, and follow traffic laws. You must use your own vehicle or borrow one — the DPS does not provide a car.
You schedule the driving test appointment online through the Texas DPS website. You choose a date and time at a DPS office near you. The website shows you how many days out appointments are available; in busy areas this can be several weeks. You can also call the DPS to schedule by phone, but online scheduling is faster.
You must pass the written test before you can take the driving test. If you pass the written test on the day you explore, you can take the driving test the same day if an appointment is available. Most people schedule the driving test for a later date.
If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one day before you can retake it. You pay the full process fee again. You can retake the test as many times as you need to, but each attempt costs the full fee.
What happens after you pass both tests
After you pass the driving test, the DPS issues your license on the spot or mails it to you within one to two weeks, depending on the office. If you chose a Real ID license, the process takes longer — usually two to three weeks by mail — because the DPS must verify your documents with federal databases.
Your new license is valid for five or six years from the date it is issued, depending on which length you chose when you applied. You can renew it by mail or online when it is about to expire, as long as you have not had any major changes to your address, name, or medical status.
If you need a license before the standard processing time, some DPS offices offer a temporary paper license on the day you pass the driving test. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and lets you drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. Not all offices offer this, so ask when you schedule your driving test.
Special situations: name changes, medical conditions, and visa holders
If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order. The DPS will not issue a license with a different name without this document.
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — such as vision loss, hearing loss, or a seizure disorder — tell the DPS when you explore. You may need a letter from your doctor confirming that you are safe to drive. Some conditions result in restrictions on your license, such as "corrective lenses required" or "daylight driving only." These restrictions are printed on your license and are legally binding.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a Texas driver license. You must bring your passport and visa, or your passport and an I-94 arrival/departure record. You do not need a Social Security number. Your license will be valid only as long as your visa or immigration status is valid, and the DPS will print an expiration date that matches your visa expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the driving test in a car with an automatic transmission if I learned to drive a manual?
Yes. You can take the test in any vehicle you have access to. However, if you pass the test in an automatic, your license will have a restriction that limits you to automatic transmissions. If you want to drive a manual, you must retake the driving test in a manual car.
What if I fail the written test three times?
You can retake the written test as many times as you need. There is no limit on the number of attempts. You pay the full process fee each time you retake it. Many people study the Texas Driver Handbook more thoroughly between attempts and pass on the second or third try.
Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Texas?
No. A standard Texas driver license is legal for driving anywhere in the state and the country. You need a Real ID license only if you want to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or access a military base. After May 7, 2025, a standard license will not work for these purposes.
How long does it take to get a Texas driver license from start to finish?
It depends on how quickly you schedule your driving test. If you pass the written test and take the driving test the same day, you can receive a temporary license that day and a permanent license within one to two weeks. If you schedule the driving test weeks out, the total time is longer. Real ID licenses take two to three weeks.
What if I move to Texas from another state and already have a valid driver license?
You can drive on your out-of-state license for as long as it is valid. You do not have to switch to a Texas license when ready. However, once you establish residency in Texas, you should get a Texas license within a reasonable time. When you explore, you can skip the written test because your out-of-state license counts as proof that you know the rules of the road.