What Texas requires for a first-time driver license

Texas requires you to bring six documents to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, a completed process (Form DL-44), your birth certificate or passport, and proof of a valid Social Security number. You must pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test. If you are under 18, you also need a completed Parental Consent form (Form DL-43) signed by a parent or guardian.

The identity document can be a passport, military ID, or a document issued by a foreign government that DPS accepts. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days of your process. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to get a Texas driver license, but you must have a valid Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

The entire process takes about 30 to 45 minutes at the DPS office, though wait times vary by location. You can schedule an appointment online through the DPS website to reduce wait time, though walk-ins are also accepted.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring six specific documents to the DPS office, including proof of identity, Social Security number, Texas residency, and your birth certificate or passport.
  • You will take three tests: a written knowledge test about traffic laws, a vision test, and a behind-the-wheel driving test.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign a Parental Consent form before you can receive your license.
  • Texas accepts driver licenses from people who are not U.S. citizens, as long as they have a valid Social Security number or ITIN.
  • You can schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time, though appointments are not required.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring originals or certified copies of all documents — photocopies alone will not be accepted. Your identity document must be current and issued by a government agency. A U.S. passport, military ID, or passport card all work. If you have a foreign passport, DPS will accept it if your country has a reciprocal agreement with Texas, which most do.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a document from the Social Security Administration. For proof of residency, the document must show your name and current Texas address and be dated within 90 days of your process. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all may have access to. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.

Your birth certificate must be an original or certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. If you do not have a birth certificate, a U.S. passport serves the same purpose. Bring your completed DL-44 form to the office — you can fill it out at home or at the DPS office.

The three tests you must pass

The written knowledge 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 DPS also offers it in other languages by request. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website.

The vision test checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. You must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to the test. If you fail the vision test, you can retake it, but you may be required to see an eye doctor and bring a vision report to the DPS office.

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. An examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle and watch how you handle basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must demonstrate that you can control the vehicle safely and obey all traffic signs and signals. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting a set period, usually a few days.

Age-specific rules for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian sign the Parental Consent form (DL-43) before you can get your license. The parent or guardian does not need to be present at the DPS office, but their signature must be notarized or witnessed by a DPS employee. You can bring the signed form to the office, or a DPS employee can witness the signature on the spot.

Texas also requires drivers under 18 to hold a learner permit for at least six months before they can take the driving test for a full license. During this time, you must drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old. After six months with the learner permit, you can take the driving test and move to a full license.

Once you have your license, Texas imposes restrictions on new drivers under 18. For the first six months, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency.

Real ID requirements and what they mean for your license

Texas offers two types of driver licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. You need a Real ID license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 7, 2025.

To get a Real ID license, you must bring the same six documents as for a standard license, plus one additional document that proves your Social Security number. This extra document can be a Social Security card, a W-2, a 1099, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. The cost is the same as a standard license — there is no extra fee for Real ID compliance.

If you do not want a Real ID license, you can still get a standard driver license. A standard license works for driving and most everyday purposes, but you will not be able to use it to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. You can always upgrade to a Real ID license later by visiting a DPS office and bringing the required documents.

What to do if you have a suspended or revoked license

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive in Texas. A suspension is temporary and can be lifted once you meet certain conditions, such as paying a fine or completing a defensive driving course. A revocation is permanent and requires you to reapply for a license after a waiting period, which varies depending on why your license was revoked.

Before you explore for a new license, check your driving record with the DPS to see whether your license is suspended or revoked and what you must do to restore it. You can check your record online through the DPS website or by visiting a DPS office in person. If your license is suspended, you may be able to get a Occupational Driver License, which allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments only.

If your license is revoked, you must wait the required period before you can reapply. The waiting period is usually one year for a first revocation, but it can be longer depending on the reason. Once the waiting period is over, you can explore for a new license by bringing all the required documents to a DPS office and passing all three tests again.

How to schedule an appointment and what to expect

You can schedule an appointment online through the DPS website by selecting your county, choosing a DPS office location, and picking a date and time that works for you. Appointments are free and typically reduce your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes. If you prefer to walk in without an appointment, most DPS offices accept walk-ins, though wait times can be longer, especially during peak hours.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. Arrive at least 10 minutes early to allow time to check in. Bring a valid form of payment — DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. The cost of a driver license in Texas is $33 for a standard license valid for five years, or $40 for a Real ID license valid for five years.

After you pass all three tests, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed to you. Your permanent license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is your proof of licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No, Texas requires a valid Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to get a driver license. If you do not have either, you will need to obtain one before you can explore. You can explore for an ITIN through the IRS if you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after waiting a few days. There is usually a small fee to retake the test, around $10 to $15. You do not need to retake the written or vision tests unless they have expired. Study the areas where you struggled and practice with a licensed adult before your next attempt.

Do I need to bring my learner permit to the DPS office?

Yes, if you have a learner permit, bring it to the DPS office when you explore for your full license. Your learner permit proves that you have held it for the required six months (if you are under 18) and that you have already passed the written and vision tests.

What if my documents are from another country?

DPS accepts foreign documents if they are original or certified copies and are in English or accompanied by an official English translation. Your birth certificate, passport, and identity documents must all meet DPS standards. If you are unsure whether your documents will be accepted, contact your local DPS office before your appointment.

Can I renew my license online?

You can renew a license online only if it is not expired and you have not had any major changes to your information. For a first-time license, you must visit a DPS office in person to take the tests and have your photo taken. Once you have your license, future renewals may be available online depending on your circumstances.