What You Need to Know About Texas Driver's Licenses
Texas issues driver's licenses through the Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the process depends on whether you are a new driver, renewing an existing license, or moving to Texas from another state. You will need to visit a DPS driver license office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and driving test (unless you are renewing), and pay a fee. The whole process typically takes 30 to 45 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Texas does not mail licenses to your home — you receive your temporary paper license at the office and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the card arrives, the temporary license is valid for 45 days.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number or proof you do not have one.
- New drivers must pass a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test; renewals do not require retesting unless your license has been expired for more than two years.
- A standard Class C license costs $33 for a four-year term or $66 for an eight-year term; commercial and motorcycle licenses have different fees.
- Your temporary paper license is valid when ready and works for driving until your plastic card arrives, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days.
- Texas accepts documents from other states and countries, but you must prove your identity and residency with specific document types that DPS lists on its website.
Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
Texas requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot complete the process without all three, so check the DPS website before you go and bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport (U.S. or foreign), a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a state ID from another state, or a tribal ID. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your visa and I-94 arrival/departure record or your employment authorization document.
For proof of Texas residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days showing your name and current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a property tax bill, or a government letter (such as one from the Texas Workforce Commission). A cell phone bill does not count. If you live with someone else, you can bring their utility bill plus a signed letter from them stating you live there.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
Steps to Get Your First Texas Driver's License
If you have never held a driver's license in any state, you must pass both a written test and a driving test. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; it is 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can study using the Texas Driver's Handbook, which is free on the DPS website.
After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test appointment. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, and wipers. You cannot use a vehicle with a "For Sale" sign or a temporary tag.
Once you pass the driving test, you pay the license fee and receive your temporary paper license on the spot. Your plastic license card is mailed to the address you provide and arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing or Replacing Your Texas License
If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew by mail or online without retaking tests. Mail renewal requires sending your current license, a completed process form (DL-44), and the renewal fee to the DPS address listed on the form. Online renewal is available if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired more than two years, you must not have any medical conditions that affect your driving, and you must not have changed your name or address since your last license.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must return to a DPS office in person and retake both the written and driving tests. If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at any DPS office or by mail; replacement costs $11 and does not require retesting.
Standard licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age. Drivers under 85 can choose either term; drivers 85 and older receive a four-year license. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
License Types and Fees in Texas
Texas issues several license types depending on what you will drive. A Class C license is the standard license for driving passenger vehicles and light trucks. A Class B license is for driving single vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 26,001 pounds (such as large trucks). A Class A license is for driving any combination of vehicles with a combined gross vehicle weight rating over 26,001 pounds (such as tractor-trailers). A motorcycle endorsement allows you to ride motorcycles and is added to any class of license.
| License Type | 4-Year Fee | 8-Year Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Class C (standard) | $33 | $66 |
| Class B (heavy truck) | $58 | $116 |
| Class A (commercial) | $83 | $166 |
| Motorcycle endorsement (added to any class) | $25 | $50 |
Commercial licenses (Class A and B) require a medical certificate from a licensed physician or nurse practitioner. You must pass a medical exam and provide the certificate to DPS before you can obtain the license. Motorcycle endorsements require passing a separate written test and riding test, or proof that you completed an approved motorcycle safety course.
Moving to Texas From Another State
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to retake the written and driving tests. Instead, you can exchange your out-of-state license for a Texas license by visiting a DPS office with your current license, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The fee is the same as for a new license. Your out-of-state license will be returned to you or destroyed at the office.
If your out-of-state license has been expired for more than two years, you must retake both tests. If you hold a commercial license from another state, you must provide a medical certificate and pass the Texas commercial driving test, even if you passed the test in your previous state.
Texas honors motorcycle endorsements from other states without retesting, as long as your license is valid and you provide proof of your Social Security number and Texas residency.
Finding a DPS Driver License Office and Making an Appointment
DPS operates driver license offices in most Texas counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now require appointments to manage wait times. You can schedule an appointment online through the DPS website or by calling the office directly.
Wait times vary widely depending on the office and time of day. Offices in rural areas typically have shorter waits than those in major cities. Early morning and mid-week appointments usually have shorter waits than afternoons and weekends. If you arrive without an appointment at an office that requires them, you may be turned away or added to a waiting list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Texas driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. You must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. This applies to some visa holders and non-citizens. You will still need proof of identity and Texas residency.
What happens if I fail the written test or driving test?
You can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee to retake a test. Most people pass on the second attempt if they study the handbook before returning.
Do I need to take a vision test at the DPS office?
Yes. DPS performs a vision screening at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to obtain a corrective lens restriction on your license or provide a letter from an eye doctor.
Can I renew my Texas license online if I am out of state?
Yes, if you meet the renewal conditions (license expired less than two years, no medical restrictions, no name or address change). You can renew online through the DPS website. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.
How long does it take to receive my plastic license card after I get my temporary one?
Usually 7 to 10 business days. The temporary paper license is valid for 45 days and works for all driving purposes while you wait. If you do not receive your card within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied.