What You Need to Do to Get a Texas Driver's License
To get a new Texas driver's license, you must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The entire process takes about 45 minutes to an hour at the office, though you should expect to wait. You cannot renew or replace a license by mail or online if you are getting one for the first time in Texas.
Texas issues a standard driver's license valid for six years, or an REAL ID-compliant license valid for five years. The REAL ID version costs more but is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. If you do not need REAL ID yet, a standard license is cheaper and takes the same time to obtain.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with original documents proving identity, Texas residency, and your Social Security number.
- You will take a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving test before the license is issued.
- A standard Texas driver's license costs less than a REAL ID license but will not meet federal travel requirements after May 7, 2025.
- Processing takes 45 minutes to an hour at the office, but arrival times and wait times vary by location and time of day.
- You can schedule an appointment online at the DPS website to reduce wait time, though walk-ins are also accepted.
Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your Texas residency. For identity, the DPS accepts a U.S. passport, a passport card, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy with a raised seal, not a photocopy.
For residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days showing your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank statement. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. You cannot use a driver's license or ID card as proof of residency, even if it shows a Texas address.
You must also bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or a tax return. If you do not have your Social Security card, you can bring a document issued by a federal or state agency that displays your number. The DPS will not issue a license without verification of your Social Security number.
If you are explore for a REAL ID license, bring the same documents plus one additional document proving your date of birth if your identity document does not show it clearly. A certified birth certificate, a passport, or a military ID all satisfy this requirement.
The Written Test and Vision Screening
Before you take the driving test, you must pass a written knowledge test covering Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 30 multiple-choice 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 at no extra cost, though you may have to wait.
The DPS office will also conduct a vision screening to check that you can see well enough to drive safely. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the screening. If you fail the vision test, you cannot take the driving test that day and must return after your vision has been corrected.
You do not study for the written test in the DPS office. The DPS publishes a free study guide on its website that covers all the material on the exam. Many people read it and study at home before their appointment. The guide is available in English and Spanish.
The Driving Test and What Happens During It
After you pass the written test and vision screening, a DPS examiner will take you out in your own vehicle to test your driving skills. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic maneuvers such as starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. The examiner will also ask you to demonstrate that you understand traffic signs and can follow instructions.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, wipers, and mirrors. The examiner will check these before the test begins. If the vehicle fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day.
During the test, the examiner is looking for safe driving habits: smooth acceleration and braking, proper use of turn signals, awareness of other vehicles and pedestrians, and obedience to traffic laws. Minor mistakes such as slightly crossing the center line do not automatically fail you, but serious errors such as running a red light, hitting an object, or unsafe lane changes will result in failure. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day before trying again.
Cost and How Long It Takes
A standard Texas driver's license costs $16 and is valid for six years. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $32 and is valid for five years. Both prices are current as of 2024, but fees can change; check the DPS website before you go to confirm the current fee.
The license is issued on the spot after you pass all tests. You will receive a temporary paper license that day, valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. The plastic card usually arrives within two to three weeks. If it does not arrive within 30 days, contact the DPS to request a replacement.
The time you spend at the DPS office depends on how busy the location is. If you arrive without an appointment, expect to wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and day of the week. Mornings on weekdays are typically less crowded than afternoons or weekends. You can schedule an appointment online at the DPS website to reduce your wait time, though appointments fill up quickly in busy areas.
Where to Find a DPS Office Near You
The DPS operates driver's license offices in every Texas county. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. The website also shows which offices accept appointments and which accept walk-ins only. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only, while others have Saturday hours.
If you live in a rural area far from a DPS office, you may be able to renew or replace a license at a county tax assessor's office or a justice of the peace office, but these locations cannot issue a new license to a first-time applicant. You must go to a DPS office for your first license.
You do not have to visit the DPS office in your county of residence. You can go to any DPS office in Texas. If you work or spend time in a different county, you can visit the office there instead.
What to Do If You Fail the Driving Test
If you fail the driving test, you will receive a written notice explaining what you did wrong. You can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day. You do not have to retake the written test or vision screening unless your vision has changed. You will pay the test fee again, which is included in the license fee.
Many people fail because they are nervous or unfamiliar with the examiner's expectations. The DPS website publishes a guide to the driving test that explains what the examiner is looking for. You can also take a professional driving lesson before your next attempt; some driving schools in Texas specialize in helping people pass the DPS test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or at home?
No. You must take the written test at a DPS office in person. You cannot take it online or by mail. However, you can study for it at home using the free study guide on the DPS website before you go to the office.
What if I do not have a Social Security card?
You can bring any document issued by a federal or state agency that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form, a tax return, or a benefit statement. The DPS will not issue a license without proof of your number, so bring one of these documents if you do not have your card.
Do I have to get a REAL ID license?
No, but a standard license will not be accepted for federal building access or domestic air travel after May 7, 2025. If you plan to fly or enter federal buildings, get a REAL ID license. Otherwise, a standard license is cheaper and lasts longer.
What if I fail the vision test?
You cannot take the driving test that day. You must have your vision corrected and return to the DPS office for another vision screening. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them, and wear them during the screening.
How long is a Texas driver's license valid?
A standard license is valid for six years. A REAL ID license is valid for five years. After that, you must renew it. You can renew by mail or online if you have not had any changes to your name, address, or other information.