How to Switch to a Texas Driver's License

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

To switch to a Texas driver's license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a vision test, and pay the fee. If you currently hold a valid driver's 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 credential. The whole process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Texas issues licenses valid for six years (or eight years if you are 85 or older). You must be at least 16 years old to hold a Class C license, which covers regular passenger vehicles. If you are moving to Texas from another state, you have 30 days from establishing residency to switch your license, though there is no penalty if you wait longer — you straightforward cannot legally drive on your out-of-state license after that window closes.

Key Takeaways

You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth, plus two documents proving Texas residency such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
If your out-of-state license is expired or suspended, Texas will not issue a new license until you resolve the suspension through the original state or pay any outstanding fines.
You will pass a vision test at the DPS office but will not retake the written or road test if your current license is valid and not suspended.
The fee for a six-year Class C license is $33, payable by cash, check, or debit card at most offices; credit cards are not accepted.
You can find your nearest DPS office and check current wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Texas requires one document proving your identity and two documents proving you live in Texas. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a consular report of birth, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A photocopy of your birth certificate is not acceptable — it must be an original or certified by the issuing vital records office.

For proof of residency, bring two documents from different categories. Acceptable documents include a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a current lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement dated within the last 60 days, a property tax bill, a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, a paycheck stub, or a government document such as a voter registration card or tax return. A document with your name and current Texas address on it counts; a PO box does not satisfy the residency requirement.

Bring your current out-of-state driver's license as well. If it is expired, bring it anyway — it still proves your driving history. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

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

If your out-of-state license is currently suspended, Texas will not issue you a new license until you clear the suspension. You must contact the state that suspended your license and resolve the reason — whether that means paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period. Once that state lifts the suspension, you can return to the DPS office and complete your Texas license process.

If your license is straightforward expired but was never suspended, you can still switch to a Texas license without delay. Texas does not require you to renew your old license first. However, if you have outstanding traffic fines or child support obligations in any state, the DPS system may flag your record, and you will need to resolve those before Texas issues your license.

The vision test and other requirements at the DPS office

When you arrive at the DPS office, staff will check your documents, verify your identity, and conduct a vision screening. The vision test checks whether you can read a chart at a specific distance and whether you have adequate peripheral vision. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the test. If you fail the vision test, the DPS will not issue your license until you see an eye doctor and bring back a vision correction certificate.

You will also be photographed and fingerprinted for your license. The DPS uses your fingerprints to check for criminal records and to prevent fraud. If you have a criminal record, you may still receive a license — Texas does not automatically disqualify people with convictions — but the DPS may delay processing while it verifies your background.

You will not retake the written test or the road test if your current out-of-state license is valid and not suspended. Texas honors valid licenses from other states and assumes you have already demonstrated knowledge and driving ability. If your out-of-state license was suspended for a reason related to unsafe driving (such as reckless driving or DUI), the DPS may require you to retake the written test before issuing a Texas license.

Fees and payment methods

A six-year Class C driver's license costs $33. If you are 85 or older, an eight-year license costs $33 as well. The DPS accepts cash, checks, and debit cards at most offices. Credit cards are not accepted at any DPS office. If you need a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen, the fee is the same.

Some DPS offices charge an additional fee if you request a duplicate or corrected license on the same day. Check with your local office before you go if you need more than one document processed at once.

Finding a DPS office and checking wait times

Texas has DPS offices in every major city and many smaller 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 location, updated every 15 minutes during business hours. Some offices are busier than others — rural offices often have shorter waits than urban ones, and mid-morning on a weekday is usually faster than late afternoon or Saturday.

You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices; you straightforward walk in and take a number. However, some offices in large cities now offer online appointment scheduling. If your local office offers appointments, booking one can save you an hour or more of waiting. Check the office's page on the DPS website to see whether appointments are available.

DPS offices are typically open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Hours vary by office, so confirm the hours before you go. If you cannot visit during regular hours, some offices stay open one evening per week.

What to do if the DPS denies your license

The DPS may deny your license if you have an active suspension in Texas or another state, if you owe child support, if you have an outstanding warrant, or if you fail the vision test and do not bring a vision correction certificate. If your license is denied, the DPS will give you a written reason and tell you what you must do to resolve the issue.

If the denial is due to a suspension or warrant, contact the agency that issued it — the state that suspended your license, the child support office, or the court with the warrant. Once you resolve the underlying issue, return to the DPS office with proof that it is cleared. If the denial is due to vision, schedule an eye exam, get a vision correction certificate from your eye doctor, and return to the DPS office with that certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take the written and road test again if I move to Texas?

No. If your current out-of-state license is valid and not suspended, Texas will issue you a license without requiring you to retake either test. You will pass a vision screening at the DPS office, but that is the only test required. If your out-of-state license is suspended for a serious driving violation, the DPS may ask you to retake the written test.

How long does it take to get a Texas license after I visit the DPS office?

You receive your temporary license at the office on the day you explore, valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your permanent license sooner, some DPS offices can issue it on the spot for an additional fee, though this service is not available at all locations.

What if I moved to Texas but my out-of-state license is not expired yet?

You can still switch to a Texas license when ready. You do not have to wait for your old license to expire. Texas law requires you to switch within 30 days of establishing residency, though there is no penalty for switching later — you straightforward cannot legally drive on an out-of-state license after that window.

Can I change my address on my license without getting a new one?

No. In Texas, any change to your address requires you to get a new license. You cannot update an address on an existing license. You must visit a DPS office, bring proof of your new address, and pay the $33 fee for a new license.

What if I have a commercial driver's license from another state?

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) from another state, you must pass the Texas CDL written test and a road test before Texas will issue you a CDL. Texas does not waive these tests for out-of-state CDL holders. Contact a DPS office to schedule your CDL road test, which must be done in a vehicle that matches the class of license you are seeking.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.