Where to Get Your License in El Paso
In El Paso, you get your Texas driver's license at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. The main location is the El Paso DPS Driver License Division office, located at 4001 Montana Avenue, El Paso, TX 79903. This is where you will take your written test, road test, and pick up your license once it is issued.
You can also visit the satellite office at 9420 Montana Avenue if the main location has long wait times. Both offices handle the same services: written exams, driving tests, license renewals, and replacements. Hours vary by location, so check the Texas DPS website or call ahead before you go — wait times in El Paso can be several hours during peak times.
You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices in Texas, but El Paso offices sometimes offer online scheduling through the Texas DPS website. Scheduling ahead can cut your wait time significantly, especially if you are taking your road test.
Key Takeaways
- The main El Paso DPS office is at 4001 Montana Avenue, and a second location at 9420 Montana Avenue handles the same services if wait times are long.
- You will take your written test and road test at the same DPS office where you submit your documents and pay your fees.
- Texas DPS offices in El Paso do not always require appointments, but scheduling online can reduce your wait time by hours.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (passport or birth certificate) to pass the document check before testing.
- Road tests in El Paso are conducted by DPS examiners using a vehicle you provide, and you must pass both the written and driving portions to receive your license.
What Documents You Need Before You Go
Before you arrive at the El Paso DPS office, gather three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You cannot take your test without all three.
Proof of identity means a document issued by a government agency that shows your name and date of birth. A U.S. passport, birth certificate, or consular ID all work. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present with their own ID.
Proof of residency shows that you live in Texas. A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days works. A bank statement or government mail also counts. The document must show your name and current address.
Your Social Security number is required but you do not need to bring the card itself — you just need to know the number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one first through the Social Security Administration before you can get a Texas license.
The Written Test in El Paso
The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 70 out of 100 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can request a reader if you need one.
The test takes about 30 minutes. You will sit at a computer terminal in the DPS office and answer multiple-choice questions. The questions come from the Texas Driver Handbook, which you can read free online or pick up at the DPS office. Most people study the handbook for a few days before taking the test.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts in Texas. However, you will pay the test fee again each time you take it.
The Road Test and What to Bring
After you pass the written test, you schedule your road test. The DPS examiner will test your ability to start the vehicle, control it, follow traffic laws, and park. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers city streets and possibly a highway or rural road depending on which El Paso location you test at.
You must bring a vehicle to your road test — the DPS does not provide one. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the lights, wipers, horn, and brakes work before you start driving. Bring your proof of insurance and vehicle registration.
You must also bring a licensed driver with you to the test location (not in the car during the test). This person acts as a backup driver if something goes wrong. You cannot take the road test alone.
If you fail the road test, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. You will pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after practicing with a licensed driver.
License Types and Restrictions for New Drivers
In Texas, your first license is usually a Class C license, which lets you drive a regular passenger car. If you are under 18, you will get a Graduated Driver License (GDL) instead, which comes with restrictions that ease over time.
A GDL has three stages. In the first stage (learner's permit), you must have a licensed adult in the car. In the second stage (intermediate license), you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. and cannot use your phone while driving. In the third stage (full license), these restrictions lift. You move through the stages by holding each one for a set time and staying violation-free.
If you are 18 or older, you get a regular Class C license with no restrictions. You can drive any time and any place, as long as you follow traffic laws.
Fees and How Long Your License Lasts
Texas driver's license fees vary based on your age and how long the license is valid. A license for someone 18 to 84 years old costs around $16 to $25 for a four-year or six-year license. The exact amount depends on which validity period you choose. Fees change periodically, so confirm the current cost when you arrive at the El Paso DPS office.
You will also pay separate fees for the written test and road test if you take them. These fees are typically $10 to $20 each, but check with the El Paso office for current amounts.
Your Texas license is valid for the number of years you choose at issuance — usually four or six years. You renew it by returning to a DPS office, explore online, or using the mail, depending on your situation. El Paso residents can renew online if their license is not suspended and they have not had a major change in their information.
What Happens After You Pass Your Test
Once you pass both the written and road tests, the DPS office will take your photo and issue your temporary license on the spot. This temporary paper license is valid when ready and lets you drive while you wait for your permanent card.
Your permanent plastic license arrives in the mail within one to two weeks. The address on your license will be the Texas address you provided at the DPS office. If you move before your license arrives, you will need to update your address with DPS.
Keep your temporary license with you while you drive until the permanent one arrives. Once the card comes, destroy the temporary license — it is no longer valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my road test in a borrowed car?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured, but it does not have to be yours. Make sure the owner is comfortable with you using it for a test, and bring proof of insurance and registration. The DPS examiner will inspect the vehicle before the test begins.
What if I fail my road test in El Paso?
You can retake it after one day has passed. You will pay the road test fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, so keep practicing and try again when you feel ready.
Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a learner's permit?
No. If you hold a valid Texas learner's permit, you skip the written test and go straight to scheduling your road test at the El Paso DPS office. Bring your permit with you.
How long does the whole process take from start to finish?
If you pass both tests on your first try, you can complete everything in one or two visits to the El Paso DPS office — one for the written test and one for the road test. The written test takes about 30 minutes, and the road test takes about 20 minutes. Wait times at the office can add several hours to your visit.
Can I get a Texas license if I just moved to El Paso from another state?
Yes. You will need to pass the written test and road test, just like a first-time driver. Bring your out-of-state license as proof of identity, along with proof of Texas residency. Your out-of-state license will be surrendered when you receive your Texas license.