Texas DPS Offices Are the Only Place to Get a License

You get a Texas driver's license from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). DPS runs every office where you can explore for, renew, or replace a license in the state. You cannot get one from a county clerk, city hall, or any other government office — only DPS.

DPS has two types of locations: full-service driver license offices and express offices. Full-service offices handle new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes. Express offices handle renewals and some replacements but not new licenses. Both require an appointment or accept walk-ins depending on the location.

You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. The site has a location finder where you enter your city or zip code and see all nearby offices, their hours, and whether they take appointments.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas DPS runs all driver license offices; no other government agency or private business can issue one.
  • Full-service DPS offices handle new licenses, but express offices cannot, so confirm your office type before you go.
  • You can find office locations, hours, and appointment availability on dps.texas.gov.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, proof of identity, and proof of lawful presence before you visit.
  • New licenses take about two weeks to arrive by mail after you pass the written and driving tests.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Texas requires four categories of documents for a new license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful presence in the United States.

Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid visa. Proof of Social Security number is usually your Social Security card itself, but a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 also work. Proof of residency must show your current Texas address and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. Proof of lawful presence is typically a U.S. birth certificate, passport, or visa — the DPS website lists all accepted documents by category.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. If a document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation as well. You will also need to provide your current address and any previous addresses from the last five years.

Making an Appointment vs. Walking In

Most DPS offices now use an online appointment system. You can book a time slot on dps.texas.gov up to 30 days in advance. Appointments typically fill up weeks ahead in busy areas, so check early if you need a specific date.

Walk-ins are still accepted at many locations, but wait times vary widely. Some offices have short waits on slow days; others have lines of two hours or more. The DPS website shows current wait times at each office, updated throughout the day. If you walk in, arrive early — most offices stop taking walk-ins an hour before closing.

If you cannot get an appointment and do not want to wait, some DPS offices in smaller towns have shorter waits. You can also check the website on weekday mornings, when appointment slots sometimes open up as cancellations are released.

The Written Test and Driving Test

At your DPS office visit, you will take a written test on Texas traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website.

If you pass the written test, you will take a driving test the same day or schedule one for a later date, depending on the office and how busy they are. The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

If you fail either test, you can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee again. Most people pass both tests on the first try if they study the handbook and practice driving beforehand.

How Long It Takes to Get Your License

After you pass both tests at the DPS office, you do not leave with a physical license that day. Instead, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you.

The permanent license usually arrives within two weeks, though it can take up to four weeks during busy periods. DPS does not send tracking information, so you cannot check the status online. If your license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DPS office where you tested to report it.

The temporary paper license is valid for driving, so you can use it when ready. Keep it with you while you drive, because police will ask to see it if you are stopped. Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid.

Renewing or Replacing an Existing License

If you already have a Texas license and it is expiring or you lost it, the process is faster than getting a new one. Renewals do not require a written or driving test — you just update your information and pay the fee.

You can renew online through the DPS website if your license is not suspended, you have not had a name change, and you do not need to update your address. Online renewal takes a few minutes and costs less than renewing in person. Your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew at any DPS office or express office. Bring your current license and proof of residency if you have moved. If you lost your license, bring proof of identity and residency instead, and DPS will issue a replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Texas law requires a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have one, you cannot get a standard license. You may be able to get an identification card from DPS instead, which does not require a Social Security number, but it cannot be used for driving.

What if I moved to Texas from another state and still have an out-of-state license?

You must get a Texas license within 60 days of moving to the state. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Texas, and proof of Social Security number to a DPS office. You will take the written test but may not need to take the driving test, depending on your age and how recently you got your out-of-state license.

How much does a Texas driver's license cost?

A new license costs $33 and is valid for six years. Renewals cost $25. Replacement licenses (if lost or damaged) cost $11. Fees are paid at the DPS office when you explore. Prices may vary slightly, so check dps.texas.gov for the current fee.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test at any time. There is no waiting period, but you will pay the test fee again. Most DPS offices let you schedule a retest the same day or within a few days. You do not have to retake the written test unless it has expired.

Can I get a license if I have a suspended or revoked license from another state?

No. DPS will not issue a Texas license if your driving privileges are suspended or revoked in any state. You must clear the suspension or revocation in the other state first. Contact that state's DMV or driver license office to find out how to do so.