What You Need to Know Before You Go

Texas issues two main forms of ID: a Texas Driver License (which lets you drive) and a Texas ID Card (which is for identification only, no driving privileges). Both are issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). You cannot get either one online or by mail — you must visit a DPS office in person, bring specific documents, and pay a fee. The process takes about 30 minutes if you have all your paperwork ready, though wait times at busy locations can stretch that longer.

The main difference between the two is straightforward: a Driver License proves you can legally operate a vehicle in Texas; an ID Card does not. If you only need proof of identity for things like opening a bank account, boarding a plane, or entering a federal building, an ID Card is faster and cheaper. If you want to drive, you need a Driver License. Both are valid for six years (or eight years if you are 60 or older).

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Texas DPS office in person with original documents — you cannot explore online or by mail.
  • For either a Driver License or ID Card, you need proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number or a letter from Social Security.
  • An ID Card costs less and requires no driving test, while a Driver License requires you to pass a written test and a driving test.
  • Processing takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your temporary ID is valid when ready; your permanent card arrives by mail in one to two weeks.
  • If you are renewing an expired ID, the process is simpler and may be done online or by mail in some cases.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

The DPS requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security information. You must bring originals, not copies. A photocopy will not work.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a foreign passport with a U.S. visa, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of naturalization. If you were born outside the U.S., the document must have been issued by an official government agency.

For proof of Texas residency, bring one document dated within the last 30 days showing your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a government letter (such as from the IRS or a school). A piece of mail with your name and address on it usually works, but call your local DPS office first if you are unsure.

For Social Security information, bring your Social Security card, or a letter from the Social Security Administration if you do not have the card. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get an ID Card, but you will need to bring a letter from Social Security stating you are ineligible for a number.

Getting a Texas Driver License: The Written and Driving Tests

If you want to drive in Texas, you need a Driver License. The process includes two tests: a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and a practical driving test where a DPS examiner watches you drive.

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and what road signs mean. You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. The test has 30 questions; you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You take it at the DPS office on the day you explore. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another time.

The driving test is scheduled after you pass the written test. A DPS examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you bring) and watch you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, parking, backing up, and stopping. The test lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. You must follow traffic laws and the examiner's instructions. If you fail, you can retake it, but you may need to wait a few days or schedule another appointment.

You do not need to take either test if you are renewing a Driver License that expired less than two years ago, or if you are transferring a valid license from another state (though Texas will still require the written test in some cases).

Getting a Texas ID Card: No Driving Test Required

A Texas ID Card is simpler than a Driver License because there is no driving test and no written test. You bring your documents, pay the fee, and you are done at the office. You get a temporary ID card on the spot that is valid when ready, and your permanent card arrives by mail.

An ID Card is useful if you need proof of identity for things like opening a bank account, boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal building, or proving your age. It is not valid for driving. The card is the same size as a Driver License and looks similar, so it works for most identification purposes.

The fee for an ID Card is lower than for a Driver License. As of 2024, an ID Card costs around $16 for a six-year card, though fees can change. Check the DPS website or call your local office for the current price.

Fees and What Happens at the DPS Office

Fees vary depending on what you are getting and how long the card is valid. A six-year Driver License costs more than a six-year ID Card. If you are 60 or older, you can get an eight-year card at a lower cost per year. Fees also differ slightly by county. The DPS website lists the exact fee for your county.

When you arrive at a DPS office, bring all your documents and be ready to wait. Most offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some allow you to book an appointment online. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available in your area.

At the office, a clerk will check your documents, take your photo and fingerprints, and collect your fee. If you are getting a Driver License, you will take the written test at a computer terminal. If you pass, you will schedule your driving test for another day. If you are getting an ID Card, you are finished once the clerk processes your paperwork. You will receive a temporary ID card printed on the spot that is valid when ready. Your permanent card will arrive by mail in one to two weeks.

Renewing or Replacing an Expired or Lost ID

If your Texas ID or Driver License has expired, you can renew it. The process depends on how long it has been expired. If it expired less than two years ago, you may be able to renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it expired more than two years ago, you will need to explore in person as if you were getting a new ID.

To renew online, visit the DPS website and follow the renewal portal. You will need your ID number, your date of birth, and a valid email address. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about one week. Not all people are may be able to access for online renewal — the website will tell you if you are.

If your ID or Driver License was lost or stolen, you can report it and get a replacement. Bring your documents to a DPS office and ask for a replacement card. The fee is usually lower than getting a new card from scratch. Your replacement card will arrive by mail.

Finding a DPS Office and Scheduling an Appointment

Texas has DPS offices in most cities and towns. To find the one nearest you, go to the Texas DPS website and use the office locator tool. You can search by city or zip code. The website also shows each office's hours, phone number, and whether it offers appointments.

Some offices are busier than others. Rural offices often have shorter wait times than offices in large cities. If your local office has long waits, you may be able to visit an office in a nearby town instead. Your documents and may be able to access are the same no matter which office you visit.

If your office offers appointments, book one online before you go. This saves time and guarantees you a slot. If appointments are not available, arrive early in the day — offices are usually less crowded in the morning. Bring all your documents and be prepared to wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas ID or Driver License if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are ineligible for one. You can still get an ID Card or Driver License. If you are a non-citizen, you may be able to get an ID Card, but rules vary — call your local DPS office to confirm.

What if I fail the written test or driving test?

You can retake the written test the same day or at another visit. For the driving test, you will need to schedule another appointment, which may be a few days or weeks away depending on how busy your local office is. There is usually a small fee to retake a test.

How long does it take to get my permanent card in the mail?

Your temporary ID is valid when ready when you leave the office. Your permanent card usually arrives within one to two weeks. If it takes longer, call the DPS office where you applied and give them your process number.

Can I use my temporary ID to drive or fly?

Your temporary ID is valid for driving and for boarding domestic flights. It is printed on the spot and is legally valid until your permanent card arrives. Treat it like your permanent card — if you lose it, report it to the DPS office.

What if I moved to Texas from another state and still have a valid license from there?

You can transfer your out-of-state license to a Texas Driver License. Bring your out-of-state license and your Texas residency and identity documents to a DPS office. You may still need to take the written test, depending on your state's agreement with Texas. You will not need to take the driving test if your out-of-state license is valid.