What You Need to Know About Texas Driver's Licenses

A Texas driver's license is issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and serves as your legal proof that you can operate a motor vehicle in the state. The license is valid for six years for most adults, though the validity period depends on your age and whether you renew in person or by mail. You will need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test to get your first license, but renewal usually requires only a vision test and a form update — no driving test needed.

Texas offers several ways to renew: online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. Which option you can use depends on how much time has passed since your last license, whether your address or name has changed, and whether your license is expired or still valid. Understanding which path applies to you saves time and prevents rejected applications.

Key Takeaways

  • A new Texas driver's license requires passing a written knowledge test, vision screening, and a driving test at a DPS office.
  • License renewal by mail or online is available only if your license is not more than two years expired and you have no address or name changes.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to any in-person DPS visit.
  • Texas licenses are valid for six years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration without losing your current license's validity period.
  • Scammers pose as DPS online and send fake renewal notices — always go directly to the official Texas DPS website, never through email links.

Getting Your First Texas Driver's License

To obtain a new Texas driver's license, you must visit a DPS office in person. You cannot complete this process online or by mail. Bring your proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). You will also need to provide your Texas residency address.

At the DPS office, you will take a written test covering traffic laws and road signs — the test has 30 questions and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You will also have your vision screened and your photograph taken. If you pass the written and vision tests, you will schedule a driving test, which is usually conducted within a few weeks. The driving test checks your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. Once you pass all three tests, your license is issued on the spot or mailed to you within days.

The fee for a new license is $33 for a six-year license. If you are under 18, you may have additional restrictions on your license, such as limits on when you can drive and who can be in the car with you.

Renewing Your License Online or by Mail

If your Texas license is still valid or expired by no more than two years, and your name and address have not changed, you may renew online through the Texas DPS website. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $33. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to visit an office, take any tests, or have your photograph retaken — the DPS uses your existing photo.

Mail renewal follows the same rules: your license must not be expired by more than two years, and your name and address must be unchanged. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires. Complete the form, include a check or money order for $33, and mail it to the address on the notice. Processing takes two to three weeks by mail, so send it at least a month before your license expires if you need it by a certain date.

If your license is expired by more than two years, or if your name or address has changed, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must visit a DPS office in person and bring updated documents.

Renewing Your License in Person at a DPS Office

You must renew in person if your license is expired by more than two years, if your name or address has changed, if you need to update your photo, or if you want to change your license class or restrictions. Bring your current license (or expired license if you still have it), proof of residency dated within the last 90 days, and proof of your Social Security number. You will have your vision screened and a new photograph taken. The fee is $33 for a six-year license.

In-person renewal does not require you to retake the written or driving tests unless the DPS has reason to believe you are not safe to drive — for example, if you have been convicted of certain traffic offenses since your last renewal. Processing is when ready: you receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Wait times at DPS offices vary widely by location and time of day. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait. Check the Texas DPS website for your nearest office and whether appointments are available.

Documents You Must Bring

The Texas DPS requires three categories of documents for any in-person visit: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Acceptable documents vary, and bringing the wrong ones will delay or reject your process.

Proof of identity includes a U.S. passport, a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state or territory, a consulate ID, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If you were born outside the U.S., you may need a Certificate of Naturalization or a Permanent Resident Card (green card).

Proof of residency must be dated within the last 90 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail showing your current address. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.

Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. A Social Security letter from the government also works. You cannot use a driver's license or ID card as proof of your Social Security number.

If you are renewing by mail or online and your name or address has not changed, you do not need to bring documents — you only need your current license number.

Changing Your Address or Name on Your License

If you move to a new address in Texas, you must update your license within 30 days. You can do this online if your license is not expired by more than two years and no other information has changed — only your address will be updated. Online address changes cost $0 and take about 10 minutes. Your updated license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license is expired by more than two years, you must renew in person and provide proof of your new residency. If you change your legal name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must visit a DPS office in person and bring your current license, proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of residency. Name changes cannot be done online or by mail.

Scams and Safety Alerts

Scammers frequently impersonate the Texas DPS by sending emails or text messages claiming your license is expiring or that you owe a fee. These messages often include a link to a fake website that looks like the real DPS site. If you click the link and enter your personal information, scammers can steal your identity or financial information.

Never click a link in an unsolicited email or text message claiming to be from DPS. The real Texas DPS does not send renewal reminders by email or text. If you receive such a message, delete it. To renew your license, go directly to the official Texas DPS website by typing the URL into your browser — do not use a link from an email.

Be cautious of third-party websites that offer to renew your license "faster" or "easier" for a higher fee. These sites are not affiliated with the Texas DPS and may not submit your process correctly. The official DPS website is free to use for online renewal.

If you lose your license or it is stolen, report it to the DPS when ready. You can request a replacement license in person at any DPS office or online if your license is not more than two years expired. A replacement costs $11.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if I live out of state?

If you are a Texas resident living temporarily out of state, you can renew by mail if your license is not more than two years expired and your name and address have not changed. If you have moved permanently out of Texas, you should obtain a license from your new state instead of renewing your Texas license.

What happens if my license expires while I am waiting for my renewal?

If you have submitted a renewal process before your license expires, you can legally drive using your expired license and the proof that you submitted the renewal — such as a confirmation email from online renewal or a mailed process receipt. Once your new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid.

Do I need to take the driving test again when I renew?

No. Renewal does not require a driving test. You only take the driving test when you obtain your first license or when the DPS has reason to believe you are unsafe to drive due to a recent conviction or medical condition.

How much does a Texas driver's license cost?

A new six-year license costs $33. Renewal by mail or online also costs $33. A replacement for a lost or stolen license costs $11. Address changes are free online. Fees may vary slightly, so check the Texas DPS website for current pricing.

What if I fail the written test for a new license?

You can retake the written test the same day at most DPS offices, though some offices may require you to schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee to retake the test. You have unlimited attempts, but you must pass before you can take the driving test.