What you need to do to switch to a Texas license

To change to a Texas driver's license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring documents proving your identity and Texas residency, pass a vision test, and pay the fee. If you hold a valid license from another state, you do not have to retake the written or driving test — Texas will issue you a license based on your out-of-state record. The whole process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes at the office.

You cannot change to a Texas license by mail or online. You must appear in person at a DPS driver license office. If your out-of-state license is expired, you will need to retake the written exam and driving test, which adds time and requires scheduling a separate appointment for the driving portion.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with original documents proving identity and Texas residency.
  • If your current out-of-state license is valid, you skip the written and driving tests and receive a Texas license the same day.
  • Texas charges a fee based on how long you want your license to be valid — typically $16 for a two-year license or $32 for a five-year license.
  • You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Texas. For identity, the DPS accepts your current out-of-state driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and a Texas address on it. The residency document must be dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security card with you, you can provide the number from memory, but the DPS will verify it with the Social Security Administration. Bring your current out-of-state license even if it is expired — it helps the DPS pull your driving record and confirm you do not have suspensions or holds in other states.

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a document showing the legal change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DPS will not issue a license under a new name without proof of the change.

When you can skip the written and driving tests

If your out-of-state license is currently valid and not suspended, Texas will issue you a license without making you retake either test. The DPS will review your driving record from your home state and, if there are no disqualifying issues, issue your Texas license on the spot. This is called a reciprocal transfer and is the fastest path.

You cannot use reciprocal transfer if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. You also cannot use it if you have an active disqualification in your home state — for example, a DUI conviction within the past 10 years, a medical condition that makes you unsafe to drive, or a failure to pay child support. If any of these explore, you must pass the written test and the driving test before Texas will issue a license.

The vision test and what happens if you fail

Every person who gets a Texas license must pass a vision screening at the DPS office. The test checks whether you can see 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, bring them with you — you will be tested while wearing them, and your license will carry a restriction requiring you to wear them while driving.

If you fail the vision test, the DPS will not issue a license that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a statement that your vision meets the state standard, and return to the DPS office with that statement. Some DPS offices have an optometrist on site who can perform a full exam for a fee, which can speed up the process.

Fees and how long your license lasts

Texas charges different fees depending on how long you want your license to be valid. A two-year license costs $16, a five-year license costs $32, and an eight-year license costs $48. Most people choose the five-year option as a balance between cost and convenience. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the DPS office.

Your new Texas license will be mailed to the address you provide at the office within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait for the card to arrive. If you need the license sooner — for example, for a job that requires a valid ID — some DPS offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though availability varies by location.

How to find a DPS office and reduce your wait time

Texas has DPS driver license offices in most cities and towns. You can search for the office nearest you on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or zip code. The website also shows the current wait time at each office, updated throughout the day. Wait times range from 15 minutes to over two hours depending on the location and time of day.

Offices are typically less crowded early in the morning, on weekdays, and outside of school holidays. Many DPS offices now allow you to reserve a time slot online before you go, which can cut your wait significantly. Check whether your local office offers this option on the Texas DPS website — if it does, book a slot a few days in advance rather than showing up without one.

What to do if your out-of-state license is suspended or expired

If your license is suspended, you cannot change to a Texas license until the suspension is lifted in your home state. You will need to contact the DPS office in your home state, pay any fines or fees, and complete any required steps — such as taking a defensive driving course or paying child support — to clear the suspension. Once it is cleared, you can then explore for a Texas license.

If your license is expired, you must retake the written test and the driving test in Texas. You cannot use reciprocal transfer. Schedule an appointment for the written test first, pass it, and then schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. Once you pass both, you can receive your Texas license. This process takes longer than a straightforward transfer and requires two trips to the DPS office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get a Texas license if I move to Texas?

Texas law requires you to change to a Texas license within 60 days of moving to the state. After 60 days, driving on an out-of-state license is a violation. However, the DPS does not actively check this — you are only at risk if you are pulled over by police.

Can I change to a Texas license if I have a DUI on my record?

It depends on how recent the DUI is. If the conviction is more than 10 years old, you can change to a Texas license without issue. If it is within the past 10 years, Texas may deny your process or require you to pass additional tests. Contact the Texas DPS before you go to the office to confirm whether your record will disqualify you.

What if I lost my out-of-state license?

You can still change to a Texas license, but you will need to bring a different form of identity — such as a passport or military ID — instead. The DPS will request your driving record from your home state to verify you are may be able to access. This may take a few extra days, so plan ahead.

How long does it take to get my Texas license in the mail?

Your physical license card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days of your visit. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for driving until the card arrives. If the card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Texas DPS to check the status.

Can I renew my Texas license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your Texas license up to one year before it expires. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office, depending on your situation. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are not changing your address or adding restrictions.