The documents and steps to get your first Texas license

To get a driver's license in Texas, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence. You'll also pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test. The whole process takes place at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, and you can't skip any of these steps — each one is required by state law.

The order matters: you can't take the written test before you've submitted your documents, and you can't take the driving test until you've passed the written test. Most people complete the document check and written test on the same day, then schedule the driving test for a later appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring four types of documents to a DPS office: one for identity, one for residency, one for your Social Security number, and one proving you can legally live and work in the United States.
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Texas Driver Handbook available on the DPS website.
  • You must pass a vision screening at the DPS office before you can take the written test.
  • The driving test happens in a separate appointment after you pass the written test, and you must bring the same vehicle you'll use for the test when you schedule it.
  • Texas charges a fee for the license itself, separate from any fees charged by the DPS office for testing.

Proof of identity: what documents work

Texas accepts a limited list of documents as proof of identity. The most common are a U.S. passport, a passport card, or a certified birth certificate. If you don't have any of those, you can use a military ID, a Native American tribal document, or a document issued by a U.S. state or territory that shows your name and date of birth.

The document must be an original or a certified copy — a photocopy won't work. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, it must be certified by the country that issued it. If your name has changed since the document was issued (through marriage, divorce, or court order), bring the document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree.

Proof of residency: what counts in Texas

You need one document showing that you live in Texas. The DPS accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax statements, and vehicle registration documents. The document must show your name and current Texas address, and it can't be more than 90 days old.

If you've recently moved to Texas and don't have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, a notarized letter from your landlord or a property owner stating that you live there can work. Some DPS offices also accept a bank statement or insurance document if it shows your name and address. Call your local DPS office before you go to confirm what they'll accept, because practices can vary slightly between offices.

Proof of Social Security number and lawful presence

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a document from the Social Security Administration. The document must show your full name and complete Social Security number.

For proof of lawful presence — meaning you have the legal right to live and work in the United States — Texas accepts a U.S. passport, a passport card, a birth certificate, a permanent resident card (green card), an employment authorization document, a visa, or a military ID. If you are a citizen of another country, you'll need a visa or employment authorization document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you don't have lawful presence status, you cannot get a standard driver's license, though Texas does offer a separate document called a driving privilege card for certain non-citizens.

The written test: what to study and how to pass

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 30 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish, and the DPS office provides the test on a computer.

The Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website, covers everything on the test. You can read it online or read it as a PDF. Many people study it for a few days before their appointment. The test includes questions about speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, what different road signs mean, and what to do in emergencies. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most DPS offices, though you may have to pay the test fee again.

The vision test and driving test

Before you take the written test, a DPS employee will check your vision using a machine that reads how well you can see. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the DPS office. If you fail the vision test, you won't be allowed to take the written test that day. You can come back after you've seen an eye doctor and had your vision corrected.

The driving test happens in a separate appointment after you pass the written test. You must bring the vehicle you'll use for the test — it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A DPS examiner will ride with you and watch how you handle the car, check your mirrors, obey traffic signs, park, and respond to other drivers. The test usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes. If you fail, you can schedule another test, though you'll have to pay the test fee again.

Fees and how long it takes

The DPS charges a fee for the written test and a separate fee for the driving test. The license itself also has a fee. These fees vary and change periodically, so check the DPS website or call your local office for current amounts. You may also pay a fee to the DPS office for processing your documents.

The entire process — from your first visit with documents through passing the driving test — usually takes two to four weeks if you schedule your driving test appointment right after you pass the written test. Some DPS offices have longer wait times for driving test appointments, especially in busy urban areas. You can check wait times on the DPS website before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test on the same day I bring my documents?

Yes. The DPS office will check your documents, do your vision test, and let you take the written test all in one visit if you pass the vision screening. You don't have to come back for the written test on a separate day.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can schedule another driving test appointment. You'll have to pay the test fee again. Many people take a few lessons with a professional instructor between attempts, which can help you understand what the examiner is looking for.

Do I need a learner's permit before I take the driving test?

No. In Texas, you can go straight from passing the written test to taking the driving test. A learner's permit is optional and is mainly used by people who want to practice driving with a licensed adult before they take the official test.

What if my documents are from another country?

Documents from outside the United States must be certified copies and may need to be translated into English. Bring the originals to the DPS office and ask whether they need a certified English translation. The DPS website lists which countries' documents they accept.

Can I get a Texas license if I don't have a Social Security number?

No. A Social Security number is required by Texas law. If you don't have one and are may be able to access to get one, you can explore through the Social Security Administration. If you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number, you may be able to get a driving privilege card instead, which has different rules.