What You Need to Get a Texas Learner Permit

A Texas learner permit (also called a learner license) requires six specific items: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, a completed DL-44 form signed by a parent or guardian if you are under 18, a passing score on the written knowledge test, and payment of the permit fee. You do not need a vehicle inspection or driving test to get the permit itself — those come later when you move to a full driver's license.

The order matters. You must bring your documents to a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass the written test on the same visit, and pay the fee before you leave. You cannot complete any of these steps online or by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You need six items at your DPS office visit: identity proof, Social Security proof, residency proof, a signed parental consent form (if under 18), a passing written test score, and the permit fee.
  • Minors under 18 must bring a parent or legal guardian to sign the DL-44 form in person; a notarized signature or electronic signature does not work.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs and is offered at the DPS office during your visit — you cannot take it ahead of time online.
  • A Texas learner permit is valid for two years and costs $16 if you are under 18 or $25 if you are 18 or older.

Proof of Identity Documents That DPS Accepts

DPS requires one document that shows your name, date of birth, and photograph. A U.S. passport, passport card, or a state ID card from another state all work. A school ID, birth certificate, or Social Security card alone does not meet this requirement — they lack either the photo or the date of birth in the right format.

If you do not have a passport or out-of-state ID, you can use a combination of two documents instead: a birth certificate plus a school ID, or a birth certificate plus a work ID. The birth certificate must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy you made at home. Hospital birth records and baptism certificates are not accepted.

Expired documents are acceptable as long as the expiration date is not more than two years past. A passport that expired in 2022 works in 2024; one that expired in 2021 does not.

Proof of Social Security Number and Texas Residency

Bring your actual Social Security card or a document issued by the Social Security Administration that shows your number. A tax return, W-2, or 1099 form with your Social Security number printed on it also works. You cannot straightforward tell the DPS officer your number — you must show a document.

For residency, DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your name and a Texas address dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement, insurance policy, or vehicle registration also works if it shows your current address. A piece of mail from a government agency (such as a tax notice or court document) counts as well. Post office boxes do not satisfy the residency requirement — the address must be a physical street address in Texas.

The DL-44 Form and Parental Consent for Minors

If you are under 18, you must bring a completed DL-44 form signed by a parent or legal guardian. The form is available on the DPS website and at every DPS office. Your parent or guardian must sign it in front of the DPS officer — they cannot sign it at home and bring it to you. If your parent cannot attend, a legal guardian, grandparent with custody, or foster parent can sign instead.

The DL-44 asks for your parent's or guardian's name, address, phone number, and signature. It also includes a section where they confirm they have read the Texas Transportation Code rules about learner permits. Do not leave any field blank. If the form is incomplete, the DPS office will ask you to fill it out again before you can proceed.

If you are 18 or older, you do not need parental consent or the DL-44 form. You sign the permit process yourself at the DPS office.

Taking the Written Knowledge Test at DPS

The written test is given at the DPS office during your visit. You cannot take it online, at home, or at a third-party testing center. The test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly (70 percent) to pass.

The test is offered in English and Spanish. If English is not your first language, you can request a test in Spanish or bring an interpreter, though the interpreter cannot help you answer questions — they can only translate the questions themselves.

You are allowed to take the test twice during the same visit if you fail the first time. If you fail both attempts, you must return to a DPS office on another day to try again. There is no fee for retaking the test.

Permit Fees and How Long Your Permit Lasts

A learner permit for someone under 18 costs $16. If you are 18 or older, the fee is $25. Payment is made at the DPS office on the day you pass your test. DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Personal checks are not accepted.

Your permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. You can drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat next to you. The permit does not allow you to drive alone, and it does not allow you to drive for commercial purposes.

If your permit expires before you pass your driving test and road test for a full license, you must renew the permit at a DPS office. Renewal requires the same documents and the same written test as the original permit.

Common Mistakes That Delay Your Permit

The most frequent mistake is bringing documents that do not meet DPS requirements. A school ID without a birth certificate, a utility bill older than 60 days, or a photocopy of your birth certificate instead of the certified original will send you home without a permit. Check the DPS website or call your local office before you go to confirm your documents are acceptable.

If you are under 18, arriving without your parent or guardian is an automatic stop. The DPS officer cannot proceed without a signature on the DL-44 form, and they cannot accept a notarized signature or a signature from anyone other than a parent, legal guardian, or court-appointed custodian. Plan for your parent to be present for the entire visit.

Bringing an incomplete DL-44 form — one with blank fields or missing your parent's signature — will require you to fill it out again at the office. Bring the form already completed and signed to save time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner permit if I have a suspended or revoked license from another state?

No. DPS will check your driving record in Texas and all other states. If you have an active suspension or revocation, you cannot get a permit until that suspension is lifted. Contact the DPS or the state that suspended your license to find out how to restore it.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must have a Social Security number to get a Texas learner permit. If you do not have one, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration. Bring your proof of identity and residency to your local Social Security office. The process takes several weeks, so plan ahead.

Do I need to bring my vehicle to the DPS office to get a permit?

No. A learner permit does not require a vehicle inspection or a vehicle at all. You only need your documents, your parent's signature (if under 18), and your passing test score. You do not need to show a vehicle until you take your road test for a full license.

Can my parent sign the DL-44 form at home and mail it to me?

No. Your parent or guardian must sign the form in front of the DPS officer at the office. A mailed signature, notarized signature, or electronic signature is not accepted. Your parent must be present during your visit.

What happens if I fail the written test twice?

You can retake the test on another day at any DPS office. There is no waiting period between attempts, and there is no fee for retaking the test. You must bring the same documents each time you return.