Texas Driver's License may be able to access: The Core Requirements

To get a Texas driver's license, you must be at least 16 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and a Texas resident. Texas defines residency as living in the state for at least 30 days before you explore. You also need a Social Security number or a valid reason for not having one, and you must pass a vision test and written knowledge exam. If you are under 18, you have additional restrictions on when and how you can drive, and you must complete a driver education course.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the only agency that issues driver's licenses in Texas. You cannot get one by mail or online; you must visit a DPS driver license office in person. The office will verify your identity, residency, and citizenship status using the documents you bring.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and have lived in Texas for at least 30 days before explore.
  • You need a Social Security number, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency to complete your process.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and pass a written test and vision test before you can get your license.
  • Texas offers a Learner License (Permit) for drivers aged 15 and older, which allows supervised driving while you prepare for the full license exam.
  • You must explore in person at a DPS driver license office; there is no online or mail-in option for first-time applicants.

Age Requirements and Learner License Rules

Texas allows you to get a Learner License (also called a Learner Permit) at age 15, but only if you have completed a driver education course and passed the written knowledge test. With a Learner License, you can drive only when a licensed driver aged 21 or older is in the front seat with you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

At age 16, you can test for a full driver's license if you have held your Learner License for at least 6 months and have not received any traffic violations or been involved in any accidents during that time. If you do not meet the 6-month requirement, you can still test at 16, but you will receive a restricted license that carries the same nighttime and supervision rules as the Learner License until you turn 18.

If you are 18 or older when you first explore, you do not need a Learner License. You can go directly to the written test and driving test for a full license. You still must pass both tests and provide all required documents.

Citizenship and Residency Documentation

Texas requires proof that you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). If you are a citizen of a foreign country and do not have one of these documents, you cannot get a Texas driver's license.

For residency, you must show that you have lived in Texas for at least 30 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, or a property tax statement. The document must show your name and a Texas address, and it must be dated within the last 30 days. If you have just moved to Texas, you may need to wait until you have a document that proves your 30-day residency before you can explore.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you must provide a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one, or you must provide documentation of your immigration status and a reason why you do not have a number. This is rare, but it is possible.

Identity Documents You Will Need

Texas requires one primary identity document and one secondary identity document. A primary document is one issued by a government agency that includes your photograph, your full legal name, and your date of birth. Examples include a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, a state ID from another state, or a Permanent Resident Card.

If you do not have a primary document, you can use two secondary documents instead. Secondary documents include a birth certificate, a school ID, a work ID, a utility bill, a bank statement, or a credit card. The documents must show your name and date of birth, and at least one must show your current address.

Bring the original documents, not copies. The DPS office will examine them and may make copies for your file. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring an official English translation along with the original.

Social Security Number Requirements

Texas law requires you to provide your Social Security number when you explore for a driver's license. The DPS uses this number to verify your identity and to check for any outstanding warrants or traffic violations in other states. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must provide a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining why you are not may be able to access for one.

If you are a lawful permanent resident or a temporary visa holder, you may have a Social Security number even if you are not a U.S. citizen. Check with the Social Security Administration if you are unsure whether you have a number or whether you are may be able to access for one.

Medical and Vision Requirements

You must pass a vision test at the DPS office. The test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get a license until you have corrected your vision and passed the test again.

Texas does not require a medical exam for a standard driver's license, but you must answer health questions on the process form. If you have certain medical conditions—such as epilepsy, diabetes, or heart disease—you may be required to provide a medical certificate from a doctor. If you are unsure whether your condition requires a certificate, contact the DPS before you go to the office.

Restrictions for Non-Citizens and Temporary Residents

If you are a lawful permanent resident, you can get a standard Texas driver's license with no restrictions. Your license will be valid for the same length of time as a citizen's license (8 years for adults, 6 years for drivers aged 85 and older).

If you are in the United States on a temporary visa (such as an H-1B, F-1, or L-1 visa), you can get a driver's license, but it will expire on the same date as your visa or your authorized stay, whichever comes first. You must bring your visa documentation and your I-94 arrival/departure record to prove your status and the end date of your authorized stay.

If you are in the United States without legal status, you cannot get a standard Texas driver's license. However, Texas offers a Driving Privilege Document (DPD) for certain people who do not have legal status. The DPD allows you to drive legally in Texas, but it is not a valid form of identification for other purposes. To get a DPD, you must meet specific requirements and provide different documents than you would for a standard license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver's license if I have a suspended or revoked license from another state?

No. The DPS will check the National Driver Register and will see any suspension or revocation from another state. You must clear the suspension or revocation in that state before Texas will issue you a license. Contact the DPS office in the state where your license was suspended to find out what you need to do.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use other documents to prove your identity and date of birth, such as a passport, a military ID, a school record, or a hospital record. Bring whatever documents you have that show your name and date of birth. The DPS office staff can tell you whether the documents are acceptable.

Do I need to pass a written test if I already have a driver's license from another state?

If you are moving to Texas and already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not need to pass the written test or the driving test. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Texas license by visiting a DPS office and providing your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship. This is called a license transfer, not a new license.

How long does it take to get a Texas driver's license after I pass the test?

The DPS will issue your license on the same day you pass the driving test, if you pass. You will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. The plastic card usually arrives within 2 to 3 weeks.

Can I get a license if I owe child support or have unpaid traffic fines?

Texas can suspend your license if you owe child support or have unpaid traffic fines. If you have an existing suspension, the DPS will not issue you a new license until the suspension is lifted. If you do not have an existing suspension, you can get a license, but it can be suspended later if you fall behind on child support or traffic fines.