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

To get a Texas driver's license, you visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process takes about 30 to 45 minutes on the day of your appointment, though you may wait weeks to get that appointment depending on your location. You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence in the United States — the exact documents accepted vary by your citizenship status.

Texas does not issue licenses by mail or online. You cannot take the tests remotely. You must show up at a DPS office with your documents, take both tests on the same day, and if you pass, you walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Texas DPS office in person, bring four types of documents (identity, residency, Social Security proof, and lawful presence proof), and pass a written test and a driving test on the same day.
  • The fee is $16 for a Class C license valid for five years, or $32 for an eight-year license; additional fees explore if you need a Real ID or if you fail a test and retake it.
  • You can schedule an appointment online through the DPS website, and appointment wait times vary from same-day to several weeks depending on your location.
  • If you are under 18, you must first hold a learner's permit for at least six months and complete a driver education course, or you can skip the course if you are 18 or older.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after passing both tests; your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Texas requires four categories of documents. You need one document proving your identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), one document proving you live in Texas (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), one document proving your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and one document proving you are legally allowed to be in the United States (a U.S. birth certificate, passport, permanent resident card, employment authorization document, or visa).

If you were born outside the United States, the rules are stricter. You must bring an unexpired passport or a certified birth certificate from your country of origin, plus a document showing your lawful immigration status — a green card, employment authorization document, or visa. A driver's license from another country does not count as proof of identity in Texas.

Bring originals, not copies. The DPS office will not accept photocopies of your documents. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The written knowledge 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 you can request a reader if you have a documented disability. You have no time limit, though most people finish in 20 to 30 minutes.

The test covers traffic signs and what they mean, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking rules, what to do at a red light or stop sign, how to handle a traffic stop, and safe driving in bad weather or at night. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available online at the DPS website or in print at any DPS office. Many people also study using third-party apps or practice tests, which are not official but follow the same topics.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. Each retake costs an additional $7.

The driving test: what the examiner watches for

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You drive a vehicle (usually your own, though some DPS offices have test vehicles available) while an examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches how you handle basic driving tasks. The examiner scores you on vehicle control, safe driving practices, and following traffic laws. You must score at least 70 percent to pass.

The examiner will ask you to do things like start the car, drive forward and backward, make turns, stop at a stop sign, change lanes, and park. They are watching for smooth steering, proper use of mirrors, correct signaling, safe speed, and awareness of other vehicles and pedestrians. Common reasons people fail include hitting the curb while parking, failing to stop completely at a stop sign, not checking mirrors before changing lanes, or hitting something.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it the same day if time allows, or schedule another appointment. Each retake costs an additional $7. You do not have to retake the written test if you passed it.

Fees and how long the license lasts

A standard Class C driver's license costs $16 and is valid for five years. If you want an eight-year license, the fee is $32. If you want a Real ID (which meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings), add $15 to either option. You pay when you pass both tests.

If you fail either test and retake it, each retake costs $7. If you need a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen, that costs $11. If you need to renew your license before it expires, the renewal fee is the same as the original license fee.

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your plastic card is mailed to the address you provided and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS to request a replacement.

How to schedule your appointment and what to expect

Go to the Texas DPS website and use the online appointment scheduler. You enter your zip code, choose a nearby DPS office, and see available appointment times. Some offices have same-day or next-day appointments; others may have a wait of several weeks. You can also call a DPS office directly to schedule, though the online system is usually faster.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents. The office will check your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. You will then take the written test at a computer terminal. If you pass, you move on to the driving test. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day for an additional $7, or you can schedule another appointment.

Bring your Social Security number memorized or written down. Bring your phone number and a current email address. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the driving test if you normally wear them while driving. Do not bring weapons, illegal items, or anything that might delay the process.

Special rules if you are under 18

If you are under 18, you must first hold a learner's permit (called a Learner License in Texas) for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a full license. You must also complete a driver education course, either through a school or a private provider. The course is usually 32 hours of classroom instruction plus 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training.

If you are 18 or older, you do not need a learner's permit or a driver education course. You can go straight to the DPS office, take both tests, and get your license the same day.

If you are under 18 and hold a learner's permit, you can drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work or a school event. These restrictions end when you turn 18 or when you pass the driving test and get your full license, whichever comes first.

What happens if you fail or need to retake a test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready the same day if the office has time, or you can schedule another appointment. You do not have to wait any set amount of time between attempts. Each retake costs $7.

If you fail the driving test, the examiner will tell you what you did wrong. Common failures include not coming to a complete stop, hitting the curb, not checking mirrors, or unsafe lane changes. You can retake the driving test the same day if the office has time, or schedule another appointment. You do not have to retake the written test. Each driving test retake costs $7.

If you fail both tests on the same day, you pay $7 for each retake, so $14 total if you retake both. There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test, though you will pay the $7 fee each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. Texas requires you to take both the written test and the driving test in person at a DPS office. You cannot take either test remotely, by mail, or through any online system.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must have a Social Security number to get a Texas driver's license. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. If you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number, you may be able to get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and use that instead; contact your local DPS office to confirm.

Do I need a Real ID to drive in Texas?

No. A standard driver's license is legal for driving anywhere in Texas and the United States. A Real ID is only required if you want to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building without a passport. A Real ID costs an extra $15 and requires one additional document proving your residency.

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

Your temporary paper license is valid when ready and lasts 30 days. Your plastic card is mailed to you and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS to request a replacement.

What if my appointment gets cancelled or I need to reschedule?

You can reschedule through the online appointment system or by calling your local DPS office. If the office cancels your appointment, they will contact you by phone or email. There is no fee to reschedule, but wait times vary by location.