What You Need to Do to Get Your Texas License

To get your first Texas driver's license, you will visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, bring required documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The entire process takes one visit if you pass both tests, though you may need to return for a second appointment if you fail the driving exam. Texas does not allow online applications for first-time licenses — you must appear at a DPS office.

The process is the same whether you are 16, 18, or older, except that drivers under 18 have additional restrictions during their first year. You cannot get a license by mail, through a third party, or without taking the tests yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with your birth certificate, proof of residency, Social Security number, and a completed DL 44 form to start the process.
  • Texas charges a fee that varies by age and license type, and you will pay it at the DPS office when you explore — there is no way to pay in advance.
  • You will take a written knowledge test and a driving test on the same day if you schedule ahead, or the written test only if you walk in without an appointment.
  • If you pass both tests, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
  • Drivers under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the process, and their license will have a "Graduated Driver License" restriction for the first year.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You need: a birth certificate (original or certified copy), a Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and a completed DL 44 form (the Texas driver's license process). You can fill out the DL 44 at home before you go or at the office.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must sign the process in front of the DPS officer. If you cannot bring a parent, you can have them sign the form ahead of time, but the DPS officer may still require you to call them to verify.

If your birth certificate is not in English, bring an official English translation along with the original. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can use a passport, a consular report of birth, or a certificate of naturalization instead.

The Written Test and What It Covers

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and in other languages — ask the DPS office which languages they offer at your location.

You can study for free using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is available on the DPS website and at every DPS office. The handbook covers everything on the test. Most people study it for a few hours before their appointment and pass on the first try.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though some may require you to schedule another appointment. There is usually a small fee to retake the test.

The Driving Test: What to Expect and How to Schedule

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. A DPS examiner will sit in the passenger seat while you drive on public roads. They will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping, and they will watch how you handle traffic and follow road signs. You must use your own vehicle or borrow one — the DPS does not provide a car for the test.

To schedule a driving test appointment, you must first pass the written test. After you pass, the DPS office will give you a date and time for your driving exam, usually within one to four weeks depending on how busy the office is. You can also schedule online through the Texas DPS website if your local office offers that option.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you will have to schedule another appointment. There is a fee each time you take the test. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.

Fees and What Your License Costs

The fee for a first-time driver's license varies by age. As of 2024, a license for someone 18 or older costs around $25 to $35, while a license for someone under 18 costs less. The exact amount depends on how long the license is valid — licenses for drivers under 18 expire sooner than licenses for adults. You pay the fee at the DPS office when you explore, and you cannot pay online or by mail.

The fee covers the written test, the driving test, and the plastic license card. If you retake either test, you will pay an additional fee each time. Ask the DPS office for the exact current fee before you go, because prices can change.

What Happens After You Pass Both Tests

If you pass the written test and the driving test on the same day, you will receive a temporary paper license before you leave the DPS office. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and lasts until your plastic card arrives. You must carry it with you when you drive.

Your permanent plastic driver's license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process. It usually arrives within two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. Once it arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer valid — destroy it or keep it for your records.

If you only took the written test at your first visit (because you did not have a driving test appointment), you will not receive a temporary license. You will only get one after you pass the driving test.

Special Rules for Drivers Under 18

If you are under 18, your license will be labeled a Graduated Driver License (GDL), and it comes with restrictions for the first year. 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.

After one year, you can return to a DPS office and request an unrestricted license. You do not have to retake the tests — you just pay a small fee and the restriction is removed. If you turn 18 before the year is up, the restrictions automatically lift on your 18th birthday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test without scheduling an appointment?

Yes. You can walk into most DPS offices and take the written test the same day without an appointment. However, you cannot take the driving test without scheduling ahead. If you pass the written test as a walk-in, you will be given a date for your driving test appointment.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it, but you must schedule another appointment. You will pay a fee each time you take the test. Most offices can fit you in within a few weeks. You do not have to retake the written test unless it has expired — written test results are usually valid for one year.

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

Yes. You must provide your Social Security number or a document that shows it. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you go to the DPS office.

What if I move before my license arrives?

Contact the DPS office where you applied and give them your new address. They can update your mailing address so your license is sent to the right place. You can usually do this by phone or online.

Can someone else take the driving test for me?

No. You must take the driving test yourself. The examiner needs to see how you drive and handle the vehicle. If you cannot drive safely, you will not pass, and you will need more practice before retaking the test.