What you need before you walk into the DPS office
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to bring specific documents in person. You cannot complete a driver's license process online or by mail — you must visit a DPS driver license office.
Bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID), proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number or a document showing it. If you were born outside the US, bring your immigration documents. Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one. All documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies do not work.
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and bring their own ID and proof of residency. If you are 18 or older, you can go alone.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency.
- The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices, and you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook online.
- The driving test happens on the same day as your written test if you pass, and the examiner watches you perform basic maneuvers and follow traffic laws.
- Your temporary paper license is valid when ready after you pass both tests, and your plastic card arrives by mail within two weeks.
- If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present, and you face restrictions on night driving and passenger limits for the first six months.
Finding a DPS office near you and booking an appointment
Go to the Texas DPS website and use the office locator tool to find the nearest driver license office. Many offices now require you to book an appointment online through the same system. Some offices still accept walk-ins, but appointment slots fill up weeks in advance, especially in cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin.
Book your appointment as early as possible. If no appointments are open, check back daily — cancellations happen. You can also call the office directly to ask about walk-in availability, though wait times for walk-ins often exceed two hours.
Bring all your documents to your appointment. If you are missing even one required document, the office will turn you away and you will have to reschedule.
Taking the written knowledge test
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.
Study using the free Texas Driver Handbook, available as a PDF on the DPS website. The handbook covers everything on the test. You can also take practice tests online through the DPS site. Most people spend two to four hours studying before taking the test.
You take the test on a computer at the DPS office. The test takes about 15 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. You must pass the written test before you can take the driving test.
Passing the driving test on the same day
If you pass the written test, you move directly to the driving portion. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: starting the car, backing up, turning, parking, and stopping. You will drive on local streets for about 10 to 15 minutes while the examiner watches and scores your performance.
The examiner is looking for safe driving habits: proper use of mirrors, smooth steering, correct signaling, and following traffic laws. Common reasons people fail include hitting the curb while parking, failing to signal, rolling through a stop sign, or hitting the examiner's brake pedal because the examiner felt unsafe.
Bring the vehicle you will use for the test. The car must have valid registration, working brakes, working lights, and a valid inspection sticker. If the car fails inspection, you cannot take the test.
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it by scheduling another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.
Getting your temporary and permanent license
When you pass both tests, the DPS office prints a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid when ready and works anywhere a regular license works — you can drive home that day. Write your address on the back of the temporary license.
Your plastic driver's license card is mailed to your address within two weeks. If you do not receive it after three weeks, contact the DPS office where you tested.
Your license is valid for six years if you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, your license expires on your 18th birthday, and you will need to renew it then.
Special rules if you are under 18
Texas has a graduated licensing system for drivers under 18. After you pass your driving test, you receive a license with restrictions for the first six months.
During the first six months, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to work, school, or a medical appointment. You can have no more than one passenger under 21 in the car, unless the passenger is a family member. These restrictions end six months after you pass your test.
If you get a traffic ticket or are involved in an accident during the first six months, the restrictions extend by another six months. If you are convicted of a traffic violation, your license can be suspended.
Renewing or replacing your license
You can renew your license online through the DPS website if you are 18 or older, have not had any address changes, and your license is not suspended. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about two weeks.
If you need to replace a lost or stolen license, you must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your ID and proof of residency. A replacement license costs less than a new license.
If your address changes, you can update it online or at a DPS office. You do not need a new license just to change your address — the DPS will mail you a sticker to put on your current license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English or Spanish?
No. Texas offers the written test only in English and Spanish. If you need help understanding English, you can bring an interpreter to the DPS office, but the interpreter cannot answer questions for you — they can only translate what the test says.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can schedule another appointment and retake the driving test. There is no waiting period and no limit to how many times you can retake it. You do not have to retake the written test unless your written test score expires, which happens after one year if you have not passed the driving test.
Do I need to take a driver's education course before I can get my license?
No. Driver's education is not required in Texas for adults. If you are under 18, you must complete a driver's education course before you can take the driving test, but you can take the course online or in person through a private school.
How much does a Texas driver's license cost?
The cost varies depending on how long you want the license to be valid. A six-year license costs around $33 for adults. Fees may be higher if you are renewing early or replacing a lost license. Call your local DPS office for exact pricing.
Can I use my temporary paper license to drive out of state?
Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid in all 50 states and is recognized as a valid form of identification. You can drive and travel with it until your plastic card arrives.