Texas DPS Driver License Offices Are Your Only Option
You must explore for your first Texas driver's license at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Division office. There is no online process for first-time licenses, no mail-in option, and no third-party vendors who can issue them. You walk in with your documents, pass the written test and driving test on the same day or in separate visits, and leave with a temporary license if you pass.
Texas has 124 DPS Driver License offices statewide. Most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You do not need to schedule an appointment at most locations, but wait times vary sharply by office and time of day. Offices in rural areas often have shorter waits; urban offices like Dallas, Houston, and Austin can have lines of two to four hours during lunch and late afternoon.
The office you choose does not have to be in your county. You can go to any DPS Driver License office in Texas. However, if you are explore for a license based on a Texas address, you should bring proof of residency for that address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days.
Key Takeaways
- All first-time Texas driver's licenses must be obtained in person at a DPS Driver License Division office; there are 124 locations across the state.
- You can visit any DPS office regardless of which county you live in, but bring proof of your current Texas address if you have one.
- Most offices operate Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no appointment required at most locations, though wait times can exceed two hours in major cities.
- You will take the written test and road test at the same office, though you may schedule them on different days if needed.
- Bring all required documents on your first visit; missing even one document means you will be turned away and must return another day.
Finding the DPS Office Nearest to You
The Texas DPS maintains an office locator on its website at dps.texas.gov. Search by city name or ZIP code to see the address, phone number, hours, and whether that office offers Saturday appointments. Some offices have limited services — for example, a few locations handle renewals only and cannot issue first-time licenses — so check the office details before you go.
Call the office directly before you visit. The phone number is listed in the office locator. Ask three things: whether they issue first-time licenses (almost all do, but confirm), what the current wait time is, and whether you can schedule your road test in advance or whether it is first-come, first-served. Some offices let you book a road test appointment online or by phone; others do not.
If you live in a rural area with only one nearby office, plan to arrive early — before 9 a.m. — or call ahead to ask about the slowest times. If you live near a major city, consider visiting a smaller satellite office in a suburb or neighboring county rather than the main downtown location.
What to Bring to Your First Visit
Bring originals of every document listed below. Copies, photos, or digital images will not be accepted. If you are missing even one document, the office will not process your process and you will have to return on another day.
| Document Category | What You Need |
|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or consular report of birth abroad (original or certified copy) |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form |
| Proof of Texas Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 90 days; must show your name and current address |
| Completed process | Form DL-44 (available at the office or online at dps.texas.gov) |
Bring your Social Security card itself if you have it — it is the fastest proof. If you do not have it, a recent W-2 or 1099 with your full Social Security number will work. Do not bring a tax return or bank statement; DPS does not accept those.
If you do not have a certified birth certificate, you can order one from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or the state where you were born. This takes one to two weeks by mail. A passport or consular report works when ready if you have one.
The Written Test and Road Test Process
After you submit your documents and pass a vision screening, you will take the written knowledge test. This is a computer-based test of 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must score at least 21 out of 30 to pass. The test takes about 20 minutes. You can take it the same day you explore, or you can schedule it for another day.
If you pass the written test, you are may be able to access to schedule your road test. The road test is a 10- to 15-minute drive with a DPS examiner in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you have access to). You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers — parking, turning, stopping, merging — and will watch how you handle traffic and follow instructions.
You can take the road test the same day as the written test if you pass and an examiner is available, or you can schedule it for a later date. Many offices book road tests weeks in advance, so ask about wait times when you call. If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day and may have to wait weeks for the next available slot.
Fees and What Happens After You Pass
The fee for a first-time Texas driver's license is $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. You pay this fee at the DPS office when you explore. Payment is cash, check, or card — ask the office which methods they accept.
If you pass both the written test and the road test, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent plastic license is being mailed to you. The permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Do not lose the temporary license — you will need it if you are stopped by police before the permanent one arrives.
If you fail the road test, you can retake it at the same office. There is no additional fee for retakes. You will have to wait for the next available appointment, which can be days or weeks away depending on the office's schedule.
Common Mistakes That Delay Your process
The most common reason people are turned away is a missing or incorrect document. Bring originals only — not copies, not photos. If your proof of residency is more than 90 days old, it will not be accepted. If your birth certificate is not certified (raised seal), it will not be accepted.
The second most common mistake is bringing the wrong vehicle to the road test. Your vehicle must be registered in someone's name, must have current insurance, and must have working brakes, lights, and wipers. If the examiner finds a safety problem, you will fail the test and have to reschedule. Bring proof of insurance in the vehicle.
Do not arrive without having completed Form DL-44 ahead of time. You can fill it out at the office, but this adds 10 to 15 minutes to your wait. read it from dps.texas.gov and fill it out at home to save time.
What to Do If Your Nearest Office Has a Long Wait
If the office closest to you has a wait of more than two hours, consider visiting a different office. Call three or four nearby offices and ask their current wait times. Offices in smaller towns almost always have shorter waits than major city locations.
Some DPS offices offer online scheduling for road tests. If your office does, you can book a specific time slot online and skip the walk-in line. Check the office locator on dps.texas.gov to see whether your office offers this.
If you cannot get an appointment for several weeks, ask whether the office has a cancellation list. Some offices will call you if someone cancels, which can move your test up by days or weeks. You will need to provide your phone number and agree to be flexible about timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test and road test on the same day?
Yes, if you pass the written test and an examiner is available. However, many offices have long waits for road tests, so you may have to schedule it for another day. Ask the office when you arrive whether same-day testing is possible.
What if I fail the written test or road test?
You can retake either test. There is no additional fee. You must wait at least one day before retaking the written test and can retake it at the same office. For the road test, you will have to wait for the next available appointment, which can be days or weeks away.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
Most DPS offices do not require appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, some offices offer online scheduling for road tests. Check your office's details on dps.texas.gov to see whether appointments are available or recommended.
What if I do not have a certified birth certificate?
You can use a U.S. passport or consular report of birth abroad instead. If you have neither, you will need to order a certified birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or the state where you were born. This takes one to two weeks by mail.
Can someone else pick up my permanent license for me?
No. Your permanent license is mailed to the address you provide on your process. You cannot have it mailed to a different address or picked up by someone else. The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid for 45 days while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.