Texas Driver's License Requirements at a Glance

To get a Texas driver's license, you must be at least 16 years old, prove your identity and residency in Texas, pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, and pay the process fee. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues all driver's licenses in the state. You cannot get a license by mail or online — you must appear in person at a DPS driver's license office.

The specific documents you need depend on whether you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or a visa holder. Texas also has different rules for minors (under 18) and adults, and the renewal process differs from the initial process. This guide covers what to bring, what to expect at the office, and how long the process takes.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number or a letter from the Social Security Administration if you do not have one.
  • Minors under 18 must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before taking the driving test.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, then a behind-the-wheel driving test at the same DPS office on the same day or a scheduled later date.
  • Texas driver's licenses are valid for six years for adults and four years for minors, and renewal can be done in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation.
  • The process fee is $16 for a four-year license or $24 for a six-year license, plus any test fees if you are retaking the written or driving test.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Texas requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted. If a document is not in English, you must bring a certified English translation.

Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a permanent resident card, a visa with an I-94 form, or a foreign passport with a visa. If you are a U.S. citizen without a passport or birth certificate, you can use a military discharge paper (DD-214) or a consular report of birth abroad. Expired documents are acceptable for identity purposes.

Proof of residency must show your current Texas address and be dated within the last 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a government check. A cell phone bill is not accepted. If you live with someone else and do not have a document in your name, you can bring a notarized affidavit from the person whose name is on the utility bill, plus a document showing your relationship (such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate).

You must also bring your Social Security number or a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you do not have one. If you are a non-citizen, you must bring your immigration document and your I-94 arrival/departure record if you have one.

The Written Knowledge Test

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It is administered on a computer at the DPS office and consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish.

You can study using the Texas Driver's Handbook, which is free and available on the DPS website and at every DPS office. The handbook covers everything on the test. You are allowed to take the test up to three times in a 12-month period; if you fail all three times, you must wait 12 months before testing again.

If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state or country, you may not have to take the written test, depending on your situation. Ask at the DPS office when you arrive, as the rules vary by license type and how long you have held your previous license.

The Driving Test and Behind-the-Wheel Evaluation

After you pass the written test, you will take a behind-the-wheel driving test. An examiner will ride with you in your vehicle and score you on your ability to control the car, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic maneuvers such as starting, stopping, turning, parking, and merging.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, wipers, and mirrors. You must also bring proof of insurance. If you do not have a vehicle available, some DPS offices allow you to use a DPS-owned vehicle for an additional fee, but this is not available at all locations — call ahead to confirm.

You can take the driving test on the same day as the written test if you pass the written test and an examiner is available, or you can schedule it for a later date. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt. You are allowed up to three attempts in a 12-month period.

Requirements for Drivers Under 18

Minors in Texas must follow additional steps before they can get a license. You must complete a driver education course — either a classroom course or an online course approved by the Texas Education Agency. The course covers traffic laws, vehicle operation, and crash prevention. After completing the course, you will receive a certificate of completion, which you must bring to the DPS office.

You must also obtain a learner's permit first. To get a learner's permit, you pass the written test and pay the permit fee (usually $16). You must then hold the permit for at least 30 days and practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and seated next to you. During this 30-day period, you cannot drive alone.

After 30 days with the learner's permit, you can schedule your driving test. If you are under 18 when you get your license, it will be valid for four years instead of six. You will also have restrictions on when you can drive and who can ride with you during the first six months — these are called graduated driver's license (GDL) restrictions. During the first six months, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you can have only one passenger under 21 in the car (unless the passenger is a family member).

Fees and Processing Time

The process fee for a Texas driver's license is $16 for a four-year license or $24 for a six-year license. If you are under 18, you will receive a four-year license. Adults can choose either option. If you fail the written test or driving test and need to retake it, there is no additional fee for the retest itself, but you will need to pay the process fee again when you reapply.

Your license is usually issued on the same day you pass both tests. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DPS office, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the DPS to check the status.

Wait times at DPS offices vary widely depending on location and time of day. Offices in rural areas are often faster than those in cities. Many DPS offices now use an online appointment system — you can schedule a time slot in advance on the DPS website to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait several hours during peak times.

Special Situations and Exceptions

If you are moving to Texas from another state and already hold a valid driver's license, you can exchange it for a Texas license without retaking the written and driving tests. You must bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number. The fee is the same as for a new license. This is called a license transfer or reciprocal license.

If you are a non-citizen with a visa, you can get a Texas driver's license as long as your visa is valid and you have an I-94 form. Your license will expire on the same date as your visa or I-94, whichever comes first. If you are a permanent resident, your license will be valid for the standard six-year period.

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, you may be required to take a medical examination or provide a letter from your doctor. You may also be issued a license with restrictions — for example, you might be required to wear corrective lenses or use hand controls. These restrictions will be printed on your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver's license online?

You can renew online if your license is not expired, you are not changing your address, you do not need to update your photo, and you do not have any medical restrictions. You must have a valid email address and a credit or debit card. The online renewal fee is $16 for a four-year license or $24 for a six-year license. If you do not meet these requirements, you must renew in person at a DPS office or by mail.

What if I fail the written test or driving test?

You can retake either test, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt. You are allowed up to three attempts in a 12-month period. If you fail all three times, you must wait 12 months before testing again. There is no additional fee to retake the test, but you will need to pay the process fee again when you reapply for your license.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Texas driver's license?

You must provide your Social Security number or a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you do not have one. Non-citizens may have a Social Security number even if they are not authorized to work. If you do not have a number and cannot obtain one, bring the letter from the Social Security Administration to the DPS office.

Can I use a digital copy of my documents instead of originals?

No. Texas DPS requires original documents or certified copies. Digital copies, photographs, or photocopies are not accepted. If your document is not in English, you must bring a certified English translation along with the original.

How long does it take to get a Texas driver's license from start to finish?

If you pass both the written and driving tests on your first attempt, you can receive your temporary license the same day. Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to retake either test, add at least one day between attempts. For minors, add at least 30 days for the learner's permit holding period before you can take the driving test.