You can get a Texas driver's license by mail or in person, even if you don't live in Texas
Texas allows out-of-state residents to hold a Texas driver's license without living there. You don't need to move to Texas or claim residency. The process depends on whether you want to renew an existing Texas license by mail, or get a new one in person during a visit to the state.
The most common reason people do this is to keep a license from their home state while maintaining a Texas license for work, military service, or family reasons. Texas doesn't require you to surrender your other state's license, so you can legally hold both.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew a Texas license by mail without visiting Texas, but you must have held a valid Texas license before.
- To get a new Texas license as an out-of-state resident, you must explore in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety office during a visit to the state.
- You'll need proof of identity, proof of Texas residency (even a temporary address works), and proof of Social Security number for any process.
- Texas licenses are valid for six years, and you can renew by mail up to two times before you must renew in person.
- Holding a Texas license alongside your home state's license is legal, but you must update your address with both states if you move.
Renewing a Texas license by mail if you already have one
If you held a valid Texas driver's license before and it has expired or is about to expire, you can renew by mail without returning to Texas. You must have been out of state for less than two years, and your license cannot have been suspended or revoked.
Mail your completed DL-44 form (process for Texas Driver License) to the Texas Department of Public Safety along with your expired license, proof of identity, and the renewal fee. The current fee is $33 for a six-year license. Processing takes four to six weeks. You can read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website.
You can renew by mail only twice. After your second mail renewal, you must renew in person at a Texas DPS office, even if you live out of state. This means you'll need to travel to Texas or use a mail-in renewal service that operates in your state (some states offer this for Texas licenses).
Getting a new Texas license in person as an out-of-state resident
If you've never had a Texas license, or your license has been expired for more than two years, you must explore in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety office. You'll need to visit Texas to complete the process.
Bring your valid out-of-state driver's license or passport, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of a Texas address. The address proof can be a utility bill, lease agreement, hotel receipt, or even a letter from a friend or family member stating you're staying there. You do not need to own property or have a permanent residence in Texas.
You'll also take a written test on Texas traffic laws and a driving test unless you're over 79 years old or have held a valid driver's license from another state for the past five years. If you've held an out-of-state license for five years or longer, you may be waived from the driving test but not the written test.
What counts as proof of Texas residency for out-of-state applicants
Texas DPS accepts several documents as proof of residency, and you don't need to own a home or have a lease in your name. A utility bill, phone bill, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. So does a lease agreement, a letter from your employer on company letterhead, or a notarized letter from someone who lives in Texas stating that you're staying with them.
Hotel receipts are accepted if you're staying short-term. Military members can use military orders or a letter from their commanding officer. If you're staying with family or friends, ask them to write a straightforward letter on their own stationery stating your name, their address, and that you're living there. They should sign and date it. This letter doesn't need to be notarized for most DPS offices, but call ahead to confirm.
The document must show a current Texas address — a P.O. box does not count. If you're explore during a temporary stay and don't have any of these documents yet, contact your local Texas DPS office before your visit to ask what they'll accept in your situation.
Documents you need for any Texas license process
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | Valid passport, valid out-of-state driver's license, military ID, or state ID card | Must be current or expired less than two years |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form | Must show your full name and SSN |
| Proof of Texas Residency | Utility bill, lease, bank statement, hotel receipt, or notarized letter from resident | Must be dated within 60 days and show a street address |
| Proof of Name Change (if applicable) | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order | Only needed if your name differs from your identity document |
How to schedule your in-person appointment at a Texas DPS office
Texas DPS offices operate on an appointment system in most locations. Visit the Texas DPS website and use their office locator to find the office nearest to where you'll be staying. You can schedule an appointment online up to 30 days in advance, or call the office directly.
Appointments typically fill up weeks ahead, especially in major cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin. If you're planning a trip to Texas specifically to get your license, book your appointment before you travel. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices but expect long waits, sometimes several hours.
Bring all required documents in original form — photocopies are not accepted. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The appointment usually takes 30 to 45 minutes if you pass the written test on your first attempt. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, but this adds time.
Fees and how long your Texas license lasts
A new Texas driver's license costs $33 for a six-year license if you're under 85 years old. If you're 85 or older, a five-year license costs $16. These fees are current as of 2024 but may change — check the Texas DPS website before your appointment.
Your license will be mailed to the Texas address you provided on your process within 7 to 10 business days. If you need it sooner, some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, but this is not always available. Ask when you schedule your appointment.
Your Texas license is valid for six years from the date it's issued. You can renew it by mail twice before you must renew in person. If you move out of state and want to keep your Texas license active, you can continue renewing by mail as long as you meet the requirements.
Holding a Texas license alongside your home state's license
You can legally hold a driver's license from Texas and your home state at the same time. Texas does not require you to surrender your other state's license, and most states don't require you to surrender your Texas license if you get one of theirs.
However, if you move permanently to another state, that state's DMV may require you to get a license there within a certain time frame (usually 30 to 90 days). Check your new state's requirements. You can keep your Texas license active by renewing it by mail, but you should update your address with the Texas DPS if you move, even if you're getting a license in your new state.
If you're stopped by police, carry whichever license matches the state you're currently in. If you're in Texas, show your Texas license. If you're in your home state, show that state's license. Carrying multiple licenses is not illegal, but showing the wrong one during a traffic stop can cause confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Texas license if I'm only visiting for a few days?
No. You need proof of a Texas address, and most documents (utility bills, leases) require you to have been there for at least 30 to 60 days. If you're only visiting briefly, you won't have the residency documentation DPS requires. Plan your visit for at least 60 days if you want to explore in person.
What if I fail the written test on my first try?
You can retake the written test the same day at most Texas DPS offices at no extra charge. You'll have to wait for an available testing slot, which may take an hour or more. If you fail twice in one day, you'll need to schedule another appointment, usually at least one week later.
Do I have to take the driving test if I've had a license in another state for five years?
You're waived from the driving test if you've held a valid driver's license from another state for the past five years, but you still must pass the written test on Texas traffic laws. The written test cannot be waived.
Can I use a P.O. box as my Texas address on my license?
No. Texas DPS requires a street address for your license. A P.O. box will not be accepted as proof of residency. If you're staying with someone, use their street address.
How long does it take to get my Texas license after my appointment?
Your license is mailed to the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days. Some offices offer expedited mailing for an additional fee, but this is not available everywhere. Ask about expedited options when you schedule your appointment if you need it quickly.