You get a Texas driver's license at a Department of Public Safety office, not at a courthouse or city hall

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the only state agency that issues driver's licenses. You cannot get one anywhere else — not at your local DMV (Texas does not have a DMV), not at a county office, and not by mail. You must visit a DPS Driver License office in person, bring the required documents, pass a vision test and written exam, and have your photo taken.

DPS runs about 130 Driver License offices across Texas. Most are open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some offer Saturday appointments. You can find the office nearest you, check its hours, and reserve an appointment online through the DPS website. Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, but appointment holders are seen first, and wait times can exceed two hours without one.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit a Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License office — there are about 130 across the state, and you can find yours and book an appointment on the DPS website.
  • Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN before you go.
  • You will take a vision test and a written exam on traffic laws at the office; if you pass, you will have your photo taken the same day.
  • A standard five-year license costs around $25 to $35, depending on whether you choose a standard or Real ID card.
  • Processing takes a few days to a week; your temporary paper license is valid when ready, and your plastic card arrives by mail.

What documents you need to bring

Texas requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. For identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a consular report of birth abroad. If you do not have any of those, a combination of documents like a Social Security card plus a school transcript or medical record can work, but call your local DPS office first to confirm what they will accept.

For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a lease signed within the last 60 days is usually accepted. Bring the original or a certified copy — photocopies alone are not enough.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or be prepared to state the number from memory. If you are explore for a Real ID (the federal standard required for domestic air travel starting in 2025), you will need the same documents plus proof that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

The vision test and written exam

At the DPS office, you will take a vision screening before the written test. You must be able to read a standard eye chart from a certain distance; if you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the test. If you fail the vision test, you will be asked to see an eye doctor and return with a corrective lens prescription or a statement that you do not need one.

The written exam covers Texas traffic laws and road signs. It has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish. You can study the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website and covers everything on the test. Most people pass on the first try if they study the handbook for a few hours beforehand.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may have to wait and pay a retest fee. There is no separate behind-the-wheel driving test for a standard license — that requirement was removed in Texas years ago.

Cost and what type of license to choose

A standard Texas driver's license valid for five years costs around $25 to $35, depending on your age and whether you choose a Real ID. A Real ID card costs a few dollars more but is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings starting in 2025. If you do not fly or visit federal offices, a standard license is sufficient.

If you are under 18, the license is valid for four years and costs less. If you are 85 or older, you can get a license valid for two years. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) for truck drivers cost more and require additional testing and medical certification.

Payment is by cash, check, or card at the DPS office. You will receive a temporary paper license valid when ready, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within a week or two. Do not throw away the paper license until the plastic one arrives.

Finding your nearest DPS Driver License office

Go to the Texas DPS website and use the office locator tool. Enter your city or ZIP code, and it will show you the nearest offices, their hours, and phone numbers. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some closing for lunch. A few locations offer Saturday hours; check the website to see if yours does.

You can book an appointment online through the same tool. Appointments are free and usually available within a few days. If you cannot find an appointment nearby, you can walk in, but expect a longer wait. During busy times like the end of the month or back-to-school season, walk-in waits can be two to three hours.

If you are renewing or replacing a license

If your license is expiring or you lost it, you can renew or replace it at any DPS Driver License office using the same process. If you are renewing and your address has not changed, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office — the DPS website has a tool to check if you are may be able to access. Most people are may be able to access if their license is not expired and they have no medical conditions that need updating.

If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you must visit an office in person. Bring the same documents as for a new license, plus a police report if the license was stolen. A replacement license costs less than a new one — usually around $11 to $15.

Special situations: commercial licenses, motorcycle endorsements, and restrictions

If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL) to drive a truck or bus, the process is longer and requires a medical certificate, additional written tests, and a behind-the-wheel driving test. You must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam first, then schedule the CDL test at a DPS office. This takes several weeks and costs more than a standard license.

If you want to add a motorcycle endorsement to your license, you must pass a motorcycle safety course or take a riding skills test at a DPS office. The course route is faster and cheaper — most courses cost $100 to $200 and take one weekend. After you complete the course, the school sends your completion certificate to DPS, and the endorsement is added to your license.

If you have medical conditions like vision problems or seizures, DPS may add restrictions to your license, such as corrective lenses required or daylight driving only. These are noted on your card and are legally binding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Bring your ITIN documentation and the same identity and residency documents as anyone else. Some DPS offices are more familiar with ITINs than others, so call ahead to confirm your local office accepts them.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may have to wait and pay a small retest fee. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it. Study the Texas Driver Handbook between attempts — it covers every topic on the test.

How long does it take to get my plastic license card after I pass the test?

Your temporary paper license is valid when ready and can be used for driving right away. Your plastic card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Keep the paper license until the plastic one arrives, since you need proof of a valid license if you are stopped by police.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are seen first. Booking a free appointment online takes two minutes and usually saves you one to two hours of waiting. Appointments are available most days within a few days of when you want to come in.

What if I moved to Texas from another state — can I use my old license while I wait for my Texas one?

Your out-of-state license remains valid until it expires, so you can drive legally while you wait for your Texas license to arrive. However, Texas law requires you to get a Texas license within 30 days of establishing residency, so do not delay explore.