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

To get a Texas driver's license, you visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process takes one visit if you pass both tests, though you may need to return for a second appointment if you fail the driving exam. You cannot complete this by mail or online — Texas requires you to show up with original documents and take the tests face-to-face.

The fee for a five-year license is $25, or $40 for an eight-year license if you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, you can only get a five-year license. You pay this fee at the DPS office when you pass your tests.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency.
  • You will take a written test covering road signs and traffic laws, then a driving test in your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle.
  • The written test costs $10 and the license itself costs $25 for five years or $40 for eight years, paid only if you pass both tests.
  • Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, a birth certificate or passport, and two documents proving your current Texas address.
  • You can schedule an appointment online at the DPS website, though walk-ins are accepted at most offices during posted hours.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Texas requires you to bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Texas address. You must bring originals — copies are not accepted. If any document is not in English, bring the original and a certified English translation.

For identity, bring your birth certificate, passport, or a document issued by a U.S. government agency. A school ID or work ID does not count. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a document from the Social Security Administration. For your Texas address, bring two documents from this list: a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, a property tax bill, or a government check mailed to your current address. Both documents must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 90 days.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license. Bring your passport or a document from your country of origin, a birth certificate, and proof of your Texas address. You will be issued a license marked "Not Valid for Federal Purposes," which you cannot use to board a plane or enter a federal building.

The written test: what to expect and how to prepare

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 30 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DPS office. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can request a reader if you have a disability or cannot read English well.

The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle a skid, and when you must yield to pedestrians. You can study using the official Texas Driver's Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. Many people also use practice tests online, though the DPS does not endorse any particular study tool. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or on another visit — there is no waiting period between attempts.

The driving test: vehicle requirements and what the examiner checks

After you pass the written test, you take a driving test with a DPS examiner. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and responding to road conditions. You drive on public roads, not just in a parking lot. The examiner watches how you handle turns, stops, lane changes, and intersections.

You can use your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle. If you use your own, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before you start. The vehicle must have a valid inspection sticker. If you use a DPS vehicle, there is no extra fee, but availability varies by office. You must pass the driving test to receive your license. If you fail, you can schedule another test, usually within a few days or weeks depending on the office's schedule.

How to schedule your appointment and what to expect on the day

You can schedule an appointment online at the Texas DPS website by entering your zip code and selecting a nearby office. You choose a date and time, and you receive a confirmation number. Walk-ins are also accepted at most offices during their posted hours, though wait times can be long — scheduling ahead is faster. Some offices are busier than others; offices in smaller towns often have shorter waits than those in major cities.

Arrive 15 minutes early with all your documents. Bring the originals, not copies. You will check in at the front desk, pay the $10 written test fee, and wait to be called for the test. After you pass the written test, you will either take the driving test the same day or schedule a separate appointment. If you pass both tests, you pay the license fee ($25 or $40) and receive your temporary license on paper. Your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

Fees and payment methods at the DPS office

The written test costs $10, paid when you check in. The license itself costs $25 for a five-year license or $40 for an eight-year license, paid only if you pass both tests. If you fail the written test, you pay only the $10 test fee and can retake the test on another visit. If you fail the driving test, you pay only the $10 test fee for that visit and pay the license fee later if you pass on a second attempt.

The DPS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but this varies — call ahead if you plan to pay by check. You cannot pay online or by mail; payment happens in person at the office.

Real ID and what it means for your Texas license

A Real ID is a federal security standard that makes a driver's license acceptable for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Texas offers both Real ID and standard licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner. A standard license does not have the star.

To get a Real ID license, you bring the same documents as for a standard license, plus one additional document proving your current address (so three address documents total instead of two). The fee is the same: $25 for five years or $40 for eight years. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a Real ID license — you can only get a standard license marked "Not Valid for Federal Purposes."

Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license to board a domestic flight in the United States. If you have a passport, you can use that instead of a Real ID license. If you do not have either, you will need to show additional documents at the airport, which takes longer. Most people getting a new license now choose Real ID to avoid problems later.

What happens if you fail the written or driving test

If you fail the written test, you receive a score report showing which topics you missed. You can retake the test when ready at the same office or come back another day. There is no waiting period. You pay the $10 test fee each time you take it. Most people pass on the second or third attempt after studying the handbook again.

If you fail the driving test, the examiner gives you feedback on what you did wrong — for example, not checking your mirrors, rolling through a stop sign, or not maintaining proper speed. You can schedule another driving test, usually within a few days or weeks. You do not pay the $10 test fee again for the driving test; you only pay it if you retake the written test. When you pass the driving test, you pay the license fee at that time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The DPS offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. When you schedule your appointment or check in at the office, tell them which language you need. You can also request a reader if you have a disability or literacy concern.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still get a Texas driver's license. Bring your passport or a document from your country of origin, your birth certificate, and proof of your Texas address. Your license will be marked "Not Valid for Federal Purposes," meaning you cannot use it to board a plane or enter federal buildings. You cannot get a Real ID license without a Social Security number.

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

You receive a temporary paper license the same day you pass both tests. Your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If your card does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DPS office where you tested.

Can I use someone else's vehicle for the driving test?

Yes, as long as the vehicle is registered, insured, and has a valid inspection sticker. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before the test begins. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name.

What if I move to a different address before my license arrives?

Contact the DPS office where you tested and give them your new address. They can update your mailing address so your license goes to the correct location. You do not need to retake the tests.