What you need to do to switch your license to Texas

To transfer your out-of-state driver's license to Texas, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a vision test, and pay a fee. Texas does not accept mail-in transfers or online renewals for out-of-state drivers. You will receive a new Texas license with a new number, not a conversion of your old one.

The process takes about 30 minutes at the DPS office, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You cannot drive on your old license after you have applied for the Texas license — Texas law requires you to surrender it at the time of transfer. If you need to drive before your Texas license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license on the spot.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Texas DPS office in person with your current out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, and proof of identity to transfer your license.
  • Texas requires a vision test at the time of transfer, even if your out-of-state license is still valid and you passed a vision test recently.
  • You will surrender your old license when ready and receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed.
  • The transfer fee is $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license; the cost does not depend on your age or driving record.
  • If you have an out-of-state commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot transfer it — you must take the full CDL exam in Texas.

Documents you must bring to the DPS office

Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, one document proving your Texas residency, and one document proving your identity. A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days counts as proof of residency. A passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card counts as proof of identity.

If your name has changed since your out-of-state license was issued, bring a document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you do not have one of these documents, the DPS office can tell you what alternatives they will accept, but calling ahead saves a trip.

You do not need to bring your Social Security card itself, but you will need to provide your Social Security number at the office. Bring your number written down or memorized; the DPS will verify it with the Social Security Administration.

How to find a DPS office and schedule an appointment

Visit the Texas DPS website and use the office locator tool to find the nearest location. You can search by city or ZIP code. Most DPS offices accept walk-ins, but many also offer online appointment scheduling. Scheduling an appointment usually cuts your wait time to 15 minutes or less, while walk-ins may wait 45 minutes to an hour depending on the time of day.

Appointments fill up fastest on weekday mornings and slowest on weekday afternoons. If your nearest office has no appointments available for several days, try offices in nearby cities — you can transfer your license at any DPS office in Texas, not just one in your county.

Some DPS offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days. Check the office's hours before you go. If you cannot reach an office by phone, the online scheduling system will show you which days and times have availability.

What happens during the vision test and at the counter

The vision test is brief and happens at the DPS office before you see the license examiner. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot receive a license until you pass — you will need to return after getting your vision corrected.

At the counter, the examiner will verify your documents, take your photograph, collect your old license, and process your payment. The photograph is taken on the spot; you cannot bring your own. The examiner will ask you to confirm your address and other information from your old license. If anything has changed, tell them now.

After you pay, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided. Most licenses arrive within two to three weeks, though mail delays can extend this.

Fees and payment methods

A four-year Texas driver's license costs $16. An eight-year license costs $32. You pay the same amount regardless of your age or driving history. Texas DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is safer.

If you are over 85 years old, your license is free. If you are between 60 and 84, a four-year license costs $8 and an eight-year license costs $16. Military members on active duty and their spouses may be may have access to to a discount; ask the examiner if this applies to you.

What to do if your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked

If your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked, you cannot transfer it to Texas. Instead, you must first resolve the suspension or revocation in the state that issued it. Contact the DPS office in that state to find out what steps you need to take — this might mean paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.

Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can then transfer your license to Texas. If you move to Texas before resolving the issue, you will not be able to obtain a Texas license until the old state's suspension is cleared. Texas checks the National Driver Register (NDR) during the transfer process and will see any active suspensions from other states.

Temporary paper license and waiting for your permanent card

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days and works the same as a plastic license for driving purposes. You must carry it with you whenever you drive. If you lose it, you can request a replacement at any DPS office, though you may be charged a small fee.

If your permanent license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DPS by phone or visit an office to check the status. Delays sometimes happen due to mail issues or printing backlogs. The DPS can reissue your license if it is lost or damaged in the mail.

Special situations: CDL, name changes, and address updates

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) from another state, you cannot straightforward transfer it. You must take the full CDL written exam and skills test in Texas. This is more involved than a standard license transfer and requires scheduling at a DPS office that administers CDL tests. Not all DPS offices offer CDL testing, so you may need to travel to a larger office.

If your name has changed since your out-of-state license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document proving the change. The DPS will update your name on your new Texas license at no extra cost. If you do not have the document, you can sometimes use a certified copy from the county clerk's office.

If you need to update your address after you receive your Texas license, you can do so online through the Texas DPS website or at any DPS office. Address changes are free and do not require a new photo or vision test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive on my old out-of-state license while I wait for my Texas license to arrive?

No. Once you surrender your old license at the DPS office, you can only drive on the temporary paper license they give you. The temporary is valid for 45 days, which should cover the time it takes for your permanent card to arrive. If your permanent license is delayed beyond 45 days, return to a DPS office and they can issue you another temporary.

Do I have to take a written driving test to transfer my license?

No. You only take a vision test. Texas does not require a written exam or road test for out-of-state license transfers, as long as your old license is currently valid and not suspended.

What if I just moved to Texas and my out-of-state license expires soon?

Transfer it anyway. It is faster and cheaper to transfer now than to wait for it to expire and then renew in Texas. Once you transfer, your new Texas license will be valid for four or eight years depending on which you choose, so you will not need to renew again for several years.

Can I transfer my license by mail or online?

No. Texas requires all out-of-state transfers to happen in person at a DPS office. You cannot mail in your documents or complete the transfer online, even if you are moving out of state temporarily.

What if I lost my out-of-state license?

You can still transfer to Texas, but you will need to bring a different form of identity — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. Contact your old state's DPS to request a replacement license before you move, or bring the identity documents you have to the Texas DPS office and ask what they will accept.