Who Can Get a Texas Driver's License

Texas DPS issues driver's licenses to people who meet basic age and residency requirements and can prove their identity and Social Security number. You must be at least 16 years old to hold a learner's permit or restricted license, and at least 18 to hold an unrestricted license. If you are 16 or 17, you can get a restricted license only after holding a learner's permit for at least six months and meeting additional requirements around supervised driving.

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to get a Texas driver's license, but you must have a valid Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you cannot provide a Social Security number, you can explore for a license without one, but the license will be marked as "not for federal purposes" and will not work as a Real ID document at airports or federal buildings.

Texas residency means you have lived in the state for at least 30 days before you explore. You do not need to own property or have a permanent address — a mailing address where you receive mail counts as proof of residency.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old and have lived in Texas for 30 days before you can get a learner's permit or restricted license.
  • Texas DPS requires proof of identity, Social Security number or ITIN, and Texas residency — all three must be documented before you take the test.
  • If you are 16 or 17, you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months and meet supervised driving requirements before you can get an unrestricted license.
  • You can explore at any Texas DPS office, and you will take a written test, vision test, and driving test on the same day or across multiple visits.

Documents You Need to Bring to Texas DPS

Texas DPS requires you to bring original documents or certified copies — not photocopies. You need one document that proves your identity, one that proves your Social Security number, and one that proves your Texas residency. Some documents count toward more than one category, which can reduce the number of items you need to bring.

For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, state ID card, military ID, or foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. A school ID or work ID does not count. If you bring a foreign passport, it must have a valid U.S. visa stamp or admission stamp showing you entered the country legally.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number printed on it. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one, or you can explore for an ITIN and bring documentation of that.

For proof of Texas residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. Your name must appear on the document. A cell phone bill, insurance bill, or government mail also counts. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a notarized affidavit from someone who lives with you, plus a document showing their residency.

Age-Specific Requirements for Minors

If you are under 18, Texas DPS requires a parent or legal guardian to sign your process in person at the DPS office. You cannot explore online or by mail. Your parent or guardian must bring their own ID and proof of guardianship (usually a birth certificate showing they are your parent, or a court order if they are your legal guardian).

If you are 16 or 17 and want an unrestricted license, you must first hold a learner's permit for at least six months. During that time, you must complete at least 30 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours at night. Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid license. When you are ready to take the driving test, you must bring your learner's permit and proof that you have completed the required hours — your parent or guardian can sign a form at the DPS office confirming this.

If you are 16 or 17 and want a restricted license instead of waiting six months, you can get one when ready after passing the written and vision tests, but you will have restrictions on when and where you can drive. Restricted licenses typically prohibit driving between midnight and 5 a.m., except for school, work, or emergencies, and limit the number of passengers you can carry.

The Testing Process at Texas DPS

You will take three tests: a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test. The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 70 percent of the questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can request a test reader or other accommodation if you need one.

The vision test checks whether you can see 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, you must wear them during the test and during the driving test. Your license will be marked with a restriction requiring you to wear them while driving.

The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner who sits in the car with you. You will be asked to perform basic maneuvers — starting the car, backing up, turning, parking, and stopping. The examiner will also have you drive on city streets or highways to assess your ability to handle traffic. You must pass all three tests to receive your license. If you fail any test, you can retake it, but you may need to wait a few days and pay a retest fee.

Real ID and Non-Real ID Licenses in Texas

Texas offers two types of driver's licenses: a Real ID-compliant license and a standard license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for those purposes after May 7, 2025, though it remains valid for driving.

To get a Real ID license, you must bring all the same documents as for a standard license, plus one additional document that proves your Social Security number or ITIN. You do not need extra documents if your Social Security card or other proof already counts toward your Social Security requirement. The fee for a Real ID license is slightly higher than for a standard license — the exact amount varies depending on the length of your license (four years or six years).

If you cannot provide a Social Security number or ITIN, you can still get a standard driver's license, but it will not be Real ID-compliant. You will need to use a passport or other federal ID for air travel and federal building access.

Fees and License Validity in Texas

The cost of a Texas driver's license depends on your age and the type of license. A standard license for someone 18 or older costs $33 for a four-year license or $66 for a six-year license. A Real ID license costs $33 for a four-year license or $66 for a six-year license — the same price as a standard license. A restricted license for someone under 18 costs $16 for a four-year license. A learner's permit costs $16.

Texas DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices. Some offices may have different payment methods, so check the DPS website for your local office. There is no additional fee to retake a test if you fail, but some offices charge a small fee to schedule a retest appointment.

Your license is valid for the number of years you choose at issuance — either four or six years. You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person, depending on your age and whether your license is Real ID-compliant. Renewal is usually simpler than getting your first license because you do not need to retake the tests.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When explore

The most common mistake is bringing photocopies instead of original documents or certified copies. Texas DPS will not accept a photocopy of your birth certificate, Social Security card, or residency proof. If you do not have the original, you can request a certified copy from the issuing agency — for a birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the county where you were born; for a Social Security card, visit your local Social Security office.

Another frequent error is not bringing a document that proves residency in your own name. If you live with family members and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring a notarized affidavit and a residency document from the person whose name is on the bill. The affidavit must state that you live at that address and be signed by a notary public.

If you are under 18, do not go to the DPS office without your parent or legal guardian. You cannot complete the process without them, and you will waste a trip. Make sure your parent or guardian brings their own ID as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver's license if I was born outside the United States?

Yes. You need a valid passport with a U.S. visa or admission stamp, proof of a Social Security number or ITIN, and proof of Texas residency. If your passport is in a language other than English, bring it with a certified English translation. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen.

What happens if I fail the written test or driving test?

You can retake the test. There is no additional fee at most DPS offices, though you may need to schedule another appointment. You can retake the written test the same day in some cases, but the driving test usually requires a separate appointment a few days later.

Do I need a learner's permit before I can get a driver's license?

If you are 18 or older, you do not need a learner's permit — you can go straight to getting a driver's license. If you are 16 or 17, you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can get an unrestricted license, unless you get a restricted license instead.

Can I explore for a Texas driver's license online?

You cannot explore for your first license online. You must go to a Texas DPS office in person to take the written and vision tests and to have your photo taken. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must be present. You can renew an existing license online if you meet certain requirements.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can get a Texas driver's license without a Social Security number by bringing a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for one. Your license will be marked "not for federal purposes" and cannot be used as a Real ID document. You can still use it to drive in Texas.