What You Need to Do to Get a Texas License

To switch from an out-of-state license to a Texas driver's license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a vision test, and surrender your current out-of-state license. Texas does not issue licenses by mail or online for people moving into the state. You will receive a temporary paper license on the day you pass your test, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

You do not need to take a written knowledge test or a driving test if your out-of-state license is still valid and you are not moving to Texas for the first time after a suspension or revocation. However, you must bring proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number or proof that you do not have one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DPS office in person with your current out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, and proof of identity to exchange it for a Texas license.
  • A valid out-of-state license usually waives the written and driving tests, but you will still take a vision test at the DPS office.
  • Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number; if you do not have one, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that fact.
  • Your temporary paper license is valid when ready after you pass the vision test; your plastic card arrives by mail in two to three weeks.
  • The fee for a standard five-year Texas license is $97, and payment is due at the time of your visit.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Texas requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Your current out-of-state driver's license counts as proof of identity. If your license has expired within the past two years, you can still use it, but if it expired more than two years ago, you must bring a second form of identity such as a passport, military ID, or state ID card.

For proof of Texas residency, bring a document dated within the past three months that shows your name and a Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Do not bring a post office box address; DPS requires a physical street address.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card. If you do not have a card or cannot locate it, bring a document from the Social Security Administration that shows your number, such as a benefit statement or a letter confirming you do not have a Social Security number. A tax return or W-2 form with your Social Security number printed on it is also acceptable.

When You Can Skip the Written Test

If your out-of-state license is currently valid (not expired), you will not take a written knowledge test. DPS assumes that a valid license from another state means you already know the rules of the road. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, you must pass the written test before you can receive a Texas license.

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It is 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost, but you must wait at least one hour between attempts.

If your out-of-state license was suspended or revoked, or if you are switching to a different license class (for example, from a regular license to a commercial license), you may be required to take both the written test and a driving test. Check with your local DPS office before your visit if you have any doubt about your situation.

The Vision Test and What Happens at Your DPS Visit

Every person who receives a Texas license must pass a vision test, even if you are straightforward exchanging an out-of-state license. The test checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. You must be able to read letters and numbers on a chart from a specific distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the test.

If you fail the vision test, DPS will not issue you a license that day. You will be told what vision correction you need and given time to obtain it. You can return to the same DPS office once you have corrected your vision. Some offices allow you to bring a letter from an eye doctor stating that you have corrected your vision; others require you to retake the test in person.

At your DPS visit, you will also have your photograph taken and your fingerprints recorded. Bring a document showing your current legal name if it differs from the name on your out-of-state license. If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

License Types and Fees in Texas

Texas offers several license types, and the one you receive depends on your age and driving history. A standard Class C license (for regular passenger vehicles) costs $97 for a five-year license or $195 for an eight-year license if you are 85 years old or younger. If you are 86 or older, a five-year license costs $27.

If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL) to drive a truck or bus, the fee is higher and the process is longer. You must pass a written test specific to commercial driving and a driving test in a commercial vehicle. A CDL is valid for five years and costs $97, the same as a standard license, but you must renew it in person every time.

If you want to add a motorcycle endorsement to your license, you must pass a written test and a riding test on a motorcycle. The endorsement costs an additional $25 and is added to your license at no extra charge beyond the base license fee.

How Long Your Texas License Is Valid

A standard Texas driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. Your expiration date will be printed on your plastic card. If you are under 18, your license is valid for four years. If you are 85 or older, you can choose a five-year license or renew every two years; the two-year option costs less per renewal but requires more frequent trips to the DPS office.

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days while you wait for your plastic card to arrive. If your plastic card does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DPS by phone or visit the DPS website to check the status. Do not discard your temporary license until you receive the plastic card.

Finding a DPS Office and Scheduling Your Visit

Texas has DPS driver license offices in every county. You can visit any office in the state; you do not have to go to the office in your county. However, some offices have shorter wait times than others. The DPS website has a list of all offices with their hours and phone numbers. Many offices now allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time from several hours to 30 minutes or less.

If you cannot schedule an appointment online, you can call the office directly or straightforward walk in during business hours. Walk-in service is available at all offices, but wait times vary. Offices in rural areas and small towns often have shorter waits than offices in major cities. If you are switching your license in a large city, consider visiting an office in a nearby suburb or scheduling an appointment in advance.

Some DPS offices are closed on certain days or have limited hours. Check the office's hours before you go. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some are also open on Saturday mornings. A few offices close for lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to take a driving test to switch my out-of-state license to a Texas license?

No, not if your out-of-state license is currently valid and you are not switching to a commercial license or adding a motorcycle endorsement. You will take a vision test and have your photograph taken, but you will not take a written test or a driving test. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must pass the written test.

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

Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days, and you can drive on it when ready after you pass your vision test at the DPS office. Keep the paper license with you while you drive. Once your plastic card arrives, you can discard the paper license.

What if my out-of-state license is expired?

If your license expired within the past two years, you can still use it as proof of identity and exchange it for a Texas license without taking a written test. If it expired more than two years ago, you must bring a second form of identity and pass the written test before you can receive a Texas license.

How much does it cost to switch to a Texas license?

A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $97. Payment is due when you visit the DPS office. If you are 86 or older, a five-year license costs $27. An eight-year license costs $195 and is available only to people 85 and younger.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you do not have a Social Security number. DPS will issue you a license with an Individual Identification Number (ITIN) instead. The process is the same, and the license is valid for the same length of time as a standard license.