What you need to get a Texas driver's license
To get a driver's 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. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while you wait for your license to arrive in the mail.
Texas does not issue licenses online or by mail. You cannot complete any part of the process remotely. Every applicant — whether you are 16, 25, or 65 — must show up to a DPS office with the right documents, take both tests on the same day or different days, and then wait for the physical license to be mailed to your address.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, a Social Security card or document showing your number, and proof of your current Texas address to a DPS office.
- The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook available on the DPS website.
- The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner and includes basic vehicle control, parking, and real-world driving on public roads.
- Your temporary permit allows you to drive when ready after passing the written test, but only if a licensed driver is in the front seat with you.
- The license fee varies by age and type; a standard five-year license for someone under 85 costs around $25 to $35, though prices change and you should confirm the current fee at your local DPS office.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy or hospital birth certificate is not accepted. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport, visa, or other immigration document that shows your legal status in the country.
Bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be your actual Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. A letter from Social Security is also accepted. You do not need to bring the original; a copy works.
Bring two documents that prove your current Texas address. These can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days. A cell phone bill counts if it shows your address. A piece of mail addressed to you at your current address is the fastest route.
Bring your Social Security card itself if you have it, though it is not required if you bring another document showing your number. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you; they will need to sign your process.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and also in other languages depending on the DPS office.
The test covers road signs and what they mean, right-of-way rules at intersections and four-way stops, speed limits and when they change, parking rules, what to do if you are pulled over, how to handle a crash, and safe driving practices like following distance and turning. You can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook, which is available as a PDF on the DPS website and also in print at any DPS office.
You get one attempt per visit. If you fail, you can take the test again on another day, but you will have to pay the fee again. Most people pass on the first try if they study the handbook for a few hours beforehand.
The driving test and how it works
The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner and lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner sits in the passenger seat while you drive on public roads near the DPS office. You will be tested on basic vehicle control, parking (both parallel and perpendicular), lane changes, turns, stopping, and how you handle real traffic and pedestrians.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, wipers, and mirrors. The examiner will check these before you start driving. If anything is broken, you will not be allowed to test that day.
You get three attempts to pass the driving test within a certain time frame. If you fail, you can schedule another test, but you will pay the fee again. Most people pass on the first or second attempt if they have practiced with a licensed driver beforehand.
Getting your temporary permit and when you can drive
After you pass the written test, the DPS office will issue you a temporary paper permit on the spot. This permit is valid for 180 days and allows you to drive in Texas while you wait for your physical license to arrive in the mail.
Your temporary permit has one major restriction: a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must be in the front seat with you at all times. You cannot drive alone. If you are under 18, the licensed driver must be at least 21; if you are 18 or older, the driver can be any age as long as they hold a valid license.
Your physical license will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks. Once it arrives, you no longer need the temporary permit and can drive alone. If your license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DPS to check the status.
Fees and how long the whole process takes
The fee for a five-year driver's license is around $25 to $35 for most people, depending on your age. The fee for an eight-year license (available to people 18 and older) is higher. Fees change periodically, so confirm the current amount at your local DPS office or on the DPS website before you go.
The written test and driving test can be taken on the same day or on different days. Many people take the written test first, get their temporary permit, practice driving for a few weeks, and then schedule the driving test later. This approach gives you time to build confidence behind the wheel.
From the day you pass the written test to the day your license arrives in the mail, expect two to four weeks total. If you need your license faster, some DPS offices offer expedited mail for an extra fee, though this is not available everywhere.
What happens if you fail either test
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. You will pay the fee again each time you test. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test, though most people pass within one or two attempts.
If you fail the driving test, you can schedule another test within a certain window. You will pay the fee again. You get three attempts within 12 months; if you do not pass within that time, you will have to start over and pay the full fee again as if you were a new applicant.
If you fail, ask the examiner what you did wrong. They will tell you which skills need work — parallel parking, lane changes, stopping distance, or something else. Practice that specific skill before your next test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or at home?
No. All tests must be taken in person at a DPS office. You cannot take the written test online, by mail, or at a third-party location. You must visit a DPS office during their business hours.
Do I need to schedule an appointment or can I just walk in?
Most DPS offices now require you to schedule an appointment online through the DPS website. Walk-ins are not accepted at most locations. Check your local DPS office's website to book a time slot. Appointments fill up quickly, especially in large cities, so book as far ahead as you can.
What if I was born outside the United States?
You will need to bring your passport, visa, or other immigration document that proves your legal status in the country, along with your birth certificate. If your birth certificate is not in English, bring an official English translation. The DPS office can tell you if your documents are acceptable before you take the tests.
Can someone else take the driving test for me?
No. You must take both the written test and the driving test yourself. The examiner needs to see that you can drive safely. You can practice with another licensed driver beforehand, but you must be the one behind the wheel during the official test.
What if I move to a different address before my license arrives?
Contact the DPS to update your address. Your license will be mailed to your new address. If your license is already in the mail and you cannot update it in time, you can pick it up at a DPS office instead of waiting for it to arrive at your old address.