How to Get a Drivers License in Texas

Driver Education, Driver License, Texas

To obtain your Texas driver license, you will be required to apply in person at your local driver license office.

When applying for your first Texas driver license (DL) or identification card (ID), you must provide documents to prove you have lived in Texas for at least 30 days. If you are surrendering a valid, unexpired driver license from another state, you
must still prove your Texas residency, but the 30- day requirement is waived. Simply provide two of the approved documents that contain the same name and Texas residential/physical address.

Document Checklist

Proof of Citizenship or Lawful Presence

Proof of Texas Residency

Proof of Identity

Texas Vehicle Registration and Proof of Insurance

The Texas Department of Public Safety issues Texas driver licenses to  Texas residents and is valid for 6 years. 

The Texas Driver’s Handbook is available online to help you qualify for a Texas driver license.

You will need to provide proof of the following to apply for a driver license:

  1. U.S. Citizenship or, if you are not a U.S. Citizen, evidence of lawful presence
  2. Texas Residency
  3. Identity, and
  4. Social Security Number
  5. Evidence of Texas Vehicle Registration* for each vehicle you own. (New Residents who are surrendering an out-of-state driver license only)
  6. Proof of Insurance* for each vehicle you own
    *If you do not own a vehicle, you will sign a statement affirming this.

You may download this brochure for information and this checklist to from the Texas Department of Public Safety to assist you in determining which documents you may have that will meet these requirements.

Additionally, you will need to provide evidence of completion of:

Impact Texas Driver (ITD) if you will be taking a driving test for the issuance of your driver license.

  • Divers 15-17 years of age who have completed a teen driver education course or a Parent Taught Driver Education Course, or
  • Drivers 18-24 years of age who have completed a teen driver education course.

 

Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD)
The Impact Texas Teen Drivers program (ITTD) is a free, 2-hour informational video that shares the dangers of distracted driving along with real-life stories of teens that have lost their lives. 

More information on taking the ITTD program. 

Driver education, if you are under 25 years of age.  (Does not apply to new residents who are 18 years of age or older and surrendering an out-of-state driver license)

Once your driver license has been issued, you will receive a temporary receipt at the office. Before leaving the driver license office, you should review the printed information on your temporary receipt for accuracy.  If any of the information is incorrect, notify the customer service representative. Your new card will arrive in the mail in approximately 2 – 3 weeks. To check the mailing status of your card, visit our mailing status web page.
Note: If you hold an identification card, you must surrender your identification card at the time of applicationfor a driver license.

Please check Texas Department of Public Safety for more detailed information.