The Documents You'll Bring to the DPS Office

To get a Texas driver's license, you need to bring six things to your local Department of Public Safety (DPS) office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, a completed process form, your current license or ID (if you have one), and payment for the fee.

The state has specific documents it will accept for each category. You cannot mix and match — you need at least one document from the identity list, one from the Social Security list, and one from the residency list. Bringing extras from each category is fine and actually speeds things up, because the DPS clerk can choose the clearest copies.

If you're under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present with you, and they'll need to bring their own ID. If you're 18 or older, you can go alone.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), one proving your Social Security number (Social Security card or W-2), and one proving you live in Texas (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
  • Fill out Form DL-44 before you arrive at the DPS office, or arrive early and fill it out there — either way takes the same amount of time.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and Texas traffic laws; you can study the official Texas Driver Handbook free online.
  • If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, but you'll pay the test fee again.
  • Bring cash or a debit card — not all DPS offices accept credit cards, and some accept only cash.

Proof of Identity Documents

Texas accepts a narrow list of identity documents. Your best options are a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate (the long form with the raised seal, not a photocopy), a military ID, or a passport card. If you don't have any of those, you can use a Certificate of Naturalization or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

A school ID, work ID, or library card will not work. Neither will a photocopy of a birth certificate — it must be the original certified copy with the state seal raised or embossed on it. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

If your birth certificate is in another state's records and you don't have it with you, you can order it online from that state's vital records office before your DPS appointment. Most states mail them within one to two weeks.

Proof of Social Security Number

Texas will accept your actual Social Security card, a W-2 form from your employer, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov. The Social Security card is the fastest — just bring the card itself.

If you don't have your card and can't find it, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Replacements usually arrive within two weeks. While you wait, a recent W-2 or pay stub with your full Social Security number works just as well.

If you've never had a Social Security number, you'll need to explore for one first at your local Social Security office. Bring your identity document and proof of residency with you. This adds one to two weeks to the process.

Proof of Texas Residency

You need one document showing your current address in Texas. The DPS accepts utility bills (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a government check. The document must show your name and current address, and it cannot be more than 90 days old.

A utility bill is the easiest because it's dated and shows your address clearly. If you just moved to Texas and haven't received a utility bill yet, a signed lease works. If you're living with family and don't have a lease, ask them to bring a utility bill in their name plus a signed letter saying you live there — the DPS will accept both together as proof.

A driver's license from another state, a passport, or a school ID will not count as residency proof, even though they have your address on them. The DPS wants a document that proves you pay bills or rent at that address.

The process Form and Written Test

You'll fill out Form DL-44, the process for a Texas Driver's License. You can read it from the Texas DPS website and bring it completed, or you can arrive at the office and fill it out there. Either way, the DPS clerk will review it with you to make sure it's correct before you take the written test.

The written test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test is on a computer at the DPS office, and you get your score when ready. If you fail, you can retake it the same day, but you'll pay the test fee again (usually $10 to $20, depending on your county).

You can study for the test using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free online at the DPS website. The handbook covers everything on the test. Most people spend two to four hours studying before they take it.

Fees and Payment Methods

A Texas driver's license costs between $16 and $33, depending on how long you want it to be valid. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. You'll also pay a separate fee for the written test, which varies by county but is usually $10 to $20.

Bring cash or a debit card. Not all DPS offices accept credit cards, and some accept only cash. Call your local DPS office before you go to ask what they take. If you're under 18, you may pay a slightly higher fee for a Graduated Driver License (GDL).

If you fail the written test and retake it, you'll pay the test fee again. There's no charge to retake it a second or third time on the same day, but each attempt costs the test fee.

What Happens After You Pass

After you pass the written test, the DPS will take your photo and print your temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one.

If you're under 18, your license will be a Graduated Driver License (GDL) with restrictions on when and where you can drive. These restrictions lift automatically when you turn 18, and you don't need to renew your license or visit the DPS office again.

Before you can drive on public roads, you also need to pass a road test with a DPS examiner. The written test is only the first step. You'll schedule your road test appointment at the same DPS office, usually for a date one to four weeks away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. The DPS requires an original certified birth certificate with the state seal raised or embossed on it. A photocopy will not be accepted. If you don't have the original, order one from the vital records office in the state where you were born.

What if I don't have a utility bill in my name?

Bring a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement instead. If you're living with family and none of those are in your name, bring a utility bill in their name plus a signed letter from them saying you live there. The DPS will accept both together.

Do I have to take the written test the same day I bring my documents?

No. You can bring your documents, have them verified, and schedule your written test for another day. However, most people take the test the same day because they're already there and have studied. If you fail and want to retake it, you can do that the same day at most offices.

What if I lose my temporary license before the permanent one arrives?

Call your local DPS office and ask for a replacement. They can usually issue a new temporary license the same day. There may be a small fee. Your permanent license will still arrive in the mail on its original timeline.

Can someone else bring my documents for me?

No. You must be present in person at the DPS office. If you're under 18, your parent or legal guardian must also be there with their own ID. The DPS will not accept documents dropped off by someone else.