The documents and age requirement for a Texas learner's permit

To get a learner's permit in Texas, you must be at least 14 years old and bring five documents to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You cannot get a permit online or by mail — you must appear in person.

The five documents are: proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form), proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), a completed process for a Learner License or Permit (Form DL-44), and proof of a valid Social Security number on file with the Social Security Administration. If you are under 18, you also need a parent or legal guardian to sign the process in person.

If your documents are from another country or state, DPS will accept them if they are originals or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a permit using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 14 years old and appear in person at a DPS office with your parent or guardian if you are under 18.
  • Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency dated within the last 60 days.
  • Complete Form DL-44 before you go to the DPS office, and have your parent or guardian sign it if you are under 18.
  • The permit costs money that varies by county, and you will take a written knowledge test at the DPS office on the day you explore.

What happens at the DPS office on the day you explore

When you arrive at the DPS office with your documents and completed Form DL-44, staff will verify your identity and residency. They will take a photo for your permit and run a background check. You will then take the written knowledge test, which covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.

The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day — there is no waiting period between attempts. If you pass, you will receive your learner's permit when ready, usually on the same day.

The entire process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. Arrive early, because many DPS offices do not accept walk-ins after a certain time and require you to make an appointment online or by phone.

The cost of a Texas learner's permit

The fee for a learner's permit varies by county but is typically between $16 and $25. Some counties charge slightly more or less. You must pay in cash, check, or debit card — not all DPS offices accept credit cards, so call ahead to confirm what payment methods they take.

If you lose your permit or it is damaged, you can get a replacement at the same DPS office. The replacement fee is usually the same as the original permit fee. If your permit expires before you turn 18, you can renew it at any DPS office without retaking the knowledge test.

How long a learner's permit is valid in Texas

A learner's permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. If you turn 18 before your permit expires, the permit remains valid until the expiration date printed on it. You do not need to renew it early.

If your permit expires and you have not yet passed the driving test for a full driver's license, you will need to get a new learner's permit and retake the knowledge test. There is no grace period — once the expiration date passes, the permit is no longer valid.

Restrictions and rules while you hold a learner's permit

A learner's permit in Texas comes with specific rules you must follow. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat at all times. You cannot drive alone, and 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 or other wireless device while driving, even if it is hands-free. This rule applies to all drivers under 18 in Texas, not just permit holders. If you are caught breaking any of these rules, you can be cited and fined, and your permit can be suspended.

These restrictions stay in place until you pass the driving test and receive your full driver's license. Once you have your license, some restrictions remain — for example, you still cannot use a cell phone while driving until you turn 18.

Getting your documents ready before you go to the DPS office

Before you visit the DPS office, gather all five required documents and make sure they are originals or certified copies. Check that your proof of residency is dated within the last 60 days — if it is older, it will not be accepted. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask a parent or guardian for one of theirs, as long as it shows your address.

Fill out Form DL-44 completely and have your parent or guardian sign it if you are under 18. Bring the form with you to the DPS office. Do not sign it yourself if you are under 18 — the office will not accept it. If you are 18 or older, you can sign it yourself.

Study for the knowledge test before you go. The Texas DPS website has a free study guide and practice tests that cover the same topics as the real test. Most people who study for 30 minutes to an hour pass on their first try.

What to do if you cannot find one of the required documents

If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or the state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks. If you need a permit sooner, ask the DPS office whether they will accept a passport or consular report of birth instead — both are valid forms of identity.

If you do not have a Social Security card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration online or by visiting a local Social Security office. If you do not have a Social Security number at all, you can use an ITIN to get a permit. Bring a letter from the IRS showing your ITIN.

If you do not have proof of residency in your name, bring a document in a parent or guardian's name that shows your address. The DPS office will accept it as long as it is dated within the last 60 days and shows your current address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit before I turn 14?

No. Texas law requires you to be at least 14 years old to get a learner's permit. If you are younger, you will need to wait until your 14th birthday. Some other states allow permits at younger ages, but Texas does not.

Do I have to take the knowledge test in English?

No. The DPS offers the knowledge test in English and Spanish. Tell the staff at the office which language you prefer when you arrive. The test covers the same material in both languages.

What if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. Most DPS offices let you retake it when ready if you fail. You will need to pay the permit fee again if you retake the test on a different day.

Can my parent or guardian get the permit for me if I cannot go to the DPS office?

No. You must appear in person at the DPS office to get a learner's permit. Your parent or guardian must also be present if you are under 18. Neither of you can send someone else to get the permit on your behalf.

What happens to my learner's permit if I move to another state?

Your Texas learner's permit is only valid in Texas. If you move to another state, you will need to get a learner's permit from that state. Some states will honor your Texas permit for a short time, but you should check with the new state's DMV to be sure.