What you need to get a Texas driver's license
To get a Texas driver's license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and bring documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. Texas does not issue licenses by mail or online, and you cannot take the tests remotely.
The documents you bring depend on whether you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or a temporary resident. All applicants need proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number or a letter from Social Security if you do not have a number.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will also need to show immigration documents. Permanent residents bring a green card or I-797 approval notice. Temporary residents bring a valid visa, I-94 arrival/departure record, or employment authorization document (EAD). Texas will not issue a standard driver's license to someone without legal presence, but it does offer a separate document called a Driving Privilege Document for people in the country without authorization.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person, bring proof of identity and Texas residency, and pass both a written and driving test to get a Texas driver's license.
- The documents you need depend on your citizenship status; permanent residents need a green card, and temporary residents need a valid visa or work authorization.
- Texas offers a Driving Privilege Document for people without legal immigration status, which works for driving but not for federal purposes like boarding a plane.
- A standard Texas driver's license is valid for six years if you are under 85, and renewal can be done by mail or online if you meet certain conditions.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve the underlying issue (such as unpaid traffic fines or an SR22 requirement) before DPS will issue or restore it.
How to pass the written and driving tests
The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Texas Driver's Handbook, which DPS publishes free on its website. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You take the test on a computer at the DPS office on the day of your appointment.
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. A DPS examiner sits in the car with you and scores your performance. You must use your own vehicle or borrow one; DPS does not provide test vehicles. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition (brakes, lights, wipers, and horn all functional).
If you fail either test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt. You pay the test fee each time you take a test. Many people pass on the first try, but some need two or three attempts, especially the driving test.
Texas driver's license types and what they cost
Texas issues several types of driver's licenses, and the type you get depends on your age and immigration status. A standard driver's license is valid for six years if you are between 18 and 84, and for five years if you are 85 or older. A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. Getting a Real ID license costs the same as a standard license but requires one additional document proving your Social Security number.
A Driving Privilege Document is available to people without legal immigration status and is valid for three years. It allows you to drive in Texas but cannot be used for federal purposes like flying or entering a federal courthouse. The cost is the same as a standard license.
The fee for a first-time license varies depending on the type and validity period. As of 2024, a six-year standard license costs around $33, but fees change and vary by office. Check the DPS website or call your local office for the exact fee. You pay by cash, check, or debit card at the office; most offices do not accept credit cards.
How to renew your Texas driver's license
If your license is not suspended or revoked, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about two weeks. You can renew online if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no address changes, and you are not renewing a Driving Privilege Document.
To renew by mail, you fill out an process form, include a new photo (or request that DPS use your old photo), and mail it to the address on the form along with your fee. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks. You can renew in person at any DPS office if you prefer to do it when ready, but you will wait in line and pay the same fee.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew it; you must explore for a new license and take both the written and driving tests again. If you have an address change, you must renew in person or by mail, not online.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
A Texas driver's license can be suspended or revoked for several reasons: unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, driving without insurance, accumulating too many points from traffic violations, or failing to maintain an SR22 insurance certificate if one was required. A suspension is temporary and can be lifted once you resolve the issue. A revocation is permanent for a set period (often one to ten years) and requires you to reapply and pass all tests again after the revocation period ends.
If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Texas and can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you receive a notice that your license will be suspended, you have the right to request a hearing before DPS takes action, but you must request it within a certain time frame (usually 20 days).
To restore a suspended license, you must pay all outstanding fines, appear in court if required, and provide proof of insurance if that was the reason for suspension. If an SR22 was required, you must maintain it for the full period ordered by the court (usually three years). Once you have resolved the issue, you can visit a DPS office to have your license reinstated.
Real ID and what it means for your Texas license
A Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued ID documents. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings. A Texas Real ID license looks like a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner.
To get a Real ID license, you bring the same documents as for a standard license, plus one additional document proving your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return). You do not need a Real ID to drive in Texas or to renew your current license; it is only required for federal purposes. If you do not fly or enter federal buildings, you can keep a standard license indefinitely.
If you already have a standard Texas license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so at any DPS office. You do not have to wait for your license to expire. The cost is the same as renewing a standard license.
How to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your Texas driver's license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it by visiting a DPS office in person or by mail. In person is faster; you can walk out with a replacement the same day. By mail takes four to six weeks. You do not have to retake the written or driving test to replace a license.
To replace your license in person, bring your proof of identity and residency (the same documents you brought for your original license) and pay the replacement fee, which is lower than the fee for a new license. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though it is not required to replace it with DPS.
If your license is damaged but still readable, some DPS offices will replace it on the spot for a small fee. Call your local office to ask whether they can do this without an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Texas driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No, you must provide your Social Security number or a letter from Social Security stating you are not may be able to access for one. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a Driving Privilege Document, which works the same way as a license for driving purposes but is not valid for federal purposes.
How long does it take to get a Texas driver's license after I pass the tests?
DPS mails your license to you within 7 to 10 business days after you pass both tests. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive. Do not lose the paper license; you will need it if you are pulled over.
What if I move out of Texas but still have a valid Texas license?
Your Texas license remains valid in every state and can be used for driving and identification. However, if you move to another state permanently, you should get a driver's license from that state within the time frame it requires (usually 30 to 60 days). Keeping a Texas license after moving away can cause problems with vehicle registration and insurance in your new state.
Can I renew my Texas license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?
No. If you have an unpaid traffic fine or a failure-to-appear warrant, DPS will not renew your license. You must pay the fine or resolve the warrant first. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out what you owe and how to pay it.
Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Texas?
No. A standard Texas driver's license is all you need to drive legally in Texas. Real ID is only required for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings after May 7, 2025. You can keep a standard license for driving indefinitely.