What You Need to Do to Transfer Your License to Texas

To transfer an out-of-state driver's license to Texas, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, surrender your current license, and pass a vision test. You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless your license has been expired for more than two years, or unless Texas has reason to believe you are not a safe driver. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Texas recognizes valid out-of-state licenses and will not make you start from scratch. However, you must prove your identity, Texas residency, and Social Security number before the DPS will issue your new license. Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with your current out-of-state license and proof of Texas residency, identity, and Social Security number.
  • You will pass a vision test but usually skip the written and driving tests if your license is current and valid.
  • Your new Texas license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you receive a temporary paper license at the office to drive when ready.
  • The fee for a standard five-year license is $45; a Real ID-compliant license costs $52 and requires an additional document proving citizenship or legal residency.
  • If your out-of-state license has been expired for more than two years, you must retake the written and driving tests as if you were a new driver.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Bring your current out-of-state driver's license and one document proving your identity. The DPS accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy of any of these will be rejected — the document must be an original or a certified copy from the issuing agency.

You also need proof of Texas residency. The DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail also works. Bring one document showing your current address.

Finally, you must provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, or the DPS can verify it through the Social Security Administration if you provide the number and sign a consent form at the office.

When You Must Retake the Written and Driving Tests

If your out-of-state license is currently valid and not expired, you will not retake either test. The DPS trusts that you passed your home state's tests and can drive safely. You will only pass a vision screening to make sure you can see well enough to drive.

If your out-of-state license expired more than two years ago, Texas treats you as a new driver. You must retake the written test (covering Texas traffic laws) and the driving test. You can schedule the driving test at the same DPS office visit or online through the DPS website. The written test is given on the spot if you pass the vision test.

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you fall into a middle ground. Some DPS offices will waive the tests; others will not. Call your local DPS office before you go to find out what they require.

Real ID Versus Standard License: What Costs More and Why

Texas offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The standard license costs $45 for five years. The Real ID license costs $52 for five years. Both are valid for driving in Texas and nationwide.

The difference is that a Real ID license meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license or passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you do not fly or visit federal offices, a standard license is sufficient.

To get a Real ID license, you must bring an additional document proving U.S. citizenship or legal residency. This can be a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your visa and I-94 arrival/departure record, or your green card. The DPS will make a copy and return the original to you.

How to Find Your Nearest DPS Office and Schedule an Appointment

The Texas DPS operates driver license offices in every county. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Search by city or county, and the site will show you the address, phone number, and hours of operation.

You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary widely. Some offices have a 15-minute wait; others have a two-hour wait. To avoid a long wait, you can schedule an appointment online through the DPS website. Appointments are usually available within a few days. If you schedule an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early with all your documents.

If you cannot find an appointment near you, call your local DPS office directly. Staff can sometimes fit you in the same day or the next day, especially if you call early in the morning.

What Happens at the Office and What You Receive

When you arrive at the DPS office, you will check in and wait to be called. A clerk will review your documents, verify your identity and residency, and take a new photo for your license. You will pass a vision test using a machine that checks how well you can see. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test.

After the vision test, you will pay the fee ($45 for standard, $52 for Real ID). The clerk will give you a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. This temporary license allows you to drive when ready while your permanent license is printed and mailed.

Your permanent Texas driver's license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. It is valid for five years from the date of issue. Once it arrives, destroy the temporary paper license.

Transferring Your License if You Have a Suspended or Revoked Status

If your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked, Texas will not issue you a new license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Before you go to the DPS office, contact your home state's Department of Motor Vehicles to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what you must do to restore it.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or a DUI conviction. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or child support, you must pay what you owe. If it is due to a DUI or reckless driving conviction, you may need to complete a defensive driving course or an alcohol education program. Once your home state lifts the suspension, you can transfer to Texas.

If you have an active suspension in Texas (for example, from a previous traffic violation), the DPS will not issue you a new license until that suspension is resolved. The DPS will tell you at the office if this is the case and what steps you need to take.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take the written test if my out-of-state license is still valid?

No. If your license is current and not expired, you only take a vision test. Texas recognizes that you passed your home state's written and driving tests. You do not need to retake them.

Can I transfer my license if I do not have a Social Security number?

If you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number, you can still transfer your license. Bring your visa, I-94 arrival/departure record, and passport. The DPS will verify your identity and residency through other means. Call your local DPS office before you go to confirm what documents they need.

What if my out-of-state license was suspended in my home state?

Texas will not issue you a new license until the suspension is lifted in your home state. Contact your home state's DMV to find out why it was suspended and what you must do to restore it. Once it is restored, you can transfer to Texas.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

The temporary paper license is valid for 45 days. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, call the DPS to check the status.

Can I renew my out-of-state license by mail instead of going to the DPS office?

No. Texas requires you to transfer in person at a DPS office. You cannot transfer by mail or online. However, once you have a Texas license, you can renew it by mail or online in future years.