Texas driver's license

Get your first license in Texas after moving to the US.

Texas issues a driver's license after you pass the knowledge exam and the driving exam.^{1, 2} A license valid for no more than one year costs $24.³ Your application is held for 90 days, and after three failed exams a new application and fee are required.¹ The license expires when your period of lawful presence expires.⁴ You can take the exams at a DPS office or with a third-party provider.²

How it goes

1
You arriveYou have moved to Texas and you want to drive here.
2
Your permitYou practice on the road with a learner permit.
3
The written testYou take the written test.
4
Behind the wheelYou take the drive test behind the wheel.
5
Your licenseYou pass the tests, and the license is yours.

What it costs

A driver license valid for no more than one year³$24

What you pay	Amount
A driver license valid for no more than one year³	$24

If you just arrived in the US

Your immigration status

Temporary visitors who meet the requirements are issued a driver license or ID card with "Limited Term" printed on it, and it expires when the period of lawful presence expires.⁴

Documents you need

Documents that are still validA driver license or ID issued by another US state, US territory, the District of Columbia, or a Canadian province is accepted if it is unexpired or within two years of its expiration date.⁵
- A photo Texas driver license or ID counts as a primary document if it is unexpired or within two years of its expiration date; expired more than two years, it counts only as a supporting document.⁶
- Identity documents including a US passport, Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), Employment Authorization Document, and foreign passport must be valid and unexpired.⁷

Your Social Security Number

Giving your number, and who may see it

The state asks for your Social Security number under federal law (42 U.S.C. § 405(c)(2)(C)(i), 42 U.S.C. § 666(a)(13)(A), 6 C.F.R. § 37.11(e), 49 C.F.R. § 383.153) and Texas law (Texas Family Code § 231.302(c)(1), Texas Transportation Code §§ 521.142 and 522.021).⁸

The Department uses your Social Security number for identification and releases it only as authorized by Texas Transportation Code section 521.044.⁹
Giving your Social Security number is mandatory when you apply for a driver license or identification card; the department enters it into its electronic database but does not print it on the card.¹⁰
Your Social Security number may be disclosed only to the child support enforcement division of the attorney general's office, another state's child support agency, the United States Selective Service System, the unclaimed property division of the comptroller's office, the Health and Human Services Commission, the secretary of state for voter registration or elections, or another state's driver licensing agency.¹¹

Tests you take

Tries you get on the written test

You get up to three attempts within 90 days to pass the knowledge and driving exams; after that, a new application and fee are required.¹

Practice questions for the written test

The Texas Driver Handbook is the study source, and Appendix C of the handbook holds study and review questions covering driver licensing, right-of-way, traffic signals, traffic flow, alcohol and drugs, and road safety.¹²

Practising with your permit

Who can sit with you while you practise

The licensed driver must be at least 21 years old with at least one year of driving experience, must sit in the seat beside you, and cannot be asleep, intoxicated, or doing anything that prevents them from watching and responding to your driving.¹³

What to bring to the drive test

Who comes with you

If you are not eligible to drive in Texas, a licensed driver must drive the car to the driver license office and exam area, and must also drive you away if you are not issued a license.¹⁴

The car and its insurance

You may use your vehicle's back-up camera for parallel parking during the driving exam, but an automated vehicle parking function is not allowed.¹⁵

A vehicle displaying dealer temporary cardboard tags cannot be used for the driving exam.¹⁶
The vehicle used for the driving exam must match the class of license on the application, and evidence of financial responsibility must be presented unless the vehicle is exempt.¹⁷

Where to go

Who gives the tests

Certified Driver Education schools are authorized to administer the driving test for Class C non-commercial driver licenses under the Third Party Skills Testing program.¹⁸

You may complete the required tests at a DPS office or with a third-party provider.²

Booking an appointment

Schedule an appointment at https://www.txdpsscheduler.com.¹⁹

Office locations

The full Texas list is at https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/service/driver-license-office-locations.²⁰

Other states

Sources

Every numbered fact above is quoted from the page that publishes it, in the words it uses.

1
“If you do not pass the knowledge and driving exams on your first attempt, your application will be held for 90 days. After 90 days or three failed exams, a new application and fee will be required.”
dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-7.pdf
Checked August 4, 2026
2
“You may complete the testing requirements at the DPS office or with a Third Party provider . Step 3. The Final Steps: Once your driver license has been issued, you will receive a temporary driver license that allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent card.”
dps.texas.gov/…/how-apply-texas-driver-license
Checked August 4, 2026
3
“(a-3) Except as provided by Subsections (a-1) and (a-2), the fee for a driver's license or personal identification certificate that is issued to a person who is not a citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the United States or a refugee or asylee lawfully admitted into the United States and that is valid for not more than one year is $24.”
tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/TN/htm/TN.521.htm
Checked July 27, 2026
4
“Temporary visitors who meet the requirements will be issued a driver license or ID card with “Limited Term” printed on it. The driver license or ID card will expire when the period of lawful presence expires.”
dps.texas.gov/…/driver-licenses-and-id-cards-temporary-visitors
Checked August 1, 2026
5
“Expired Texas DL or ID (expired more than two years— ... actual card) ... DL or ID issued by another U.S. state, U.S. territory, ... District of Columbia, or Canadian province (unexpired ... or within two years of the expiration date - actual card)† ... ID card issued by government agency (actual card)†”
dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-57.pdf
Checked July 26, 2026
6
“Expired Texas DL or ID (expired more than two years— show the same name and date of birth. If they do not, you or N-578) actual card) must present additional supporting documents – such as a appointment. If you are moving to Texas, needing more • Unexpired U.S. military ID card for active duty, reserve or • DL or ID issued by another U.S. state, U.S. territory, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court-ordered information on the issuance process, applying for a retired personnel Commercial Driver License, or are under the age of 25, visit District of Columbia, or Canadian province (unexpired name change - to demonstrate the reason for the • Unexpired Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or or within two years of the expiration date - actual card)† differences in names and/or dates of birth. our website at www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) additional requirements. • ID card issued by government agency (actual card)† photo ID. Examples include: • Pilot’s license (actual card)† Proof of U.S. Citizenship • Concealed handgun license or License To”
dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-57.pdf
Checked July 26, 2026
7
“Valid, unexpired U.S. passport book or U.S. passport card • U.S. Citizenship Certificate or Certificate of Naturalization (N-550, N-560, N-561, N-570, or N-578) • U.S. Citizen ID card (Form I-197 or I-179) • Original or certified copy of a U.S. Department of State issued Consular Report of Birth Abroad (DS-1350, FS- 240, or FS-545) • Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident card (I-551) • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport book or U.S. passport card stating, ‘The Bearer is a U.S. National and not a U.S. Citizen’ • Unexpired employment authorization document (EAD) (I-766) • Machine Readable Immigrant Visa with temporary I-551 language and an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunications System (ADIT) stamp. When applying for a DL or ID card, you must provide your complete Social Security Number (SSN).ǂ The Department will verify the SSN number electronically with the Social Security Administration (SSA). If the SSN cannot be verified electronically, the Department will be unable to process your application. ǂ According to state and federal law, DPS collects and uses SSN information for identification purposes. This information is released to government agencies only for purposes authorized by the Texas Transportation Code. What it takes to Apply for a DL or ID Card • Proof of Insurance for each vehicle you own. (All first-time applicants) • Evidence of Texas Vehicle Registration for each vehicle you own*. (New residents who are surrendering an out –of- state driver license only.) *If you do not own a vehicle, you will sign a statement affirming this. Social Security Number Proof of Residency in Texas Texas Vehicle Registration and Proof of Insurance For more information, go online to: www.dps.texas.gov/ DriverLicense Satisfy the following requirements, and you’ll be ready to apply for your Texas DL or ID card! Photo IDs issued by government agencies with the applicants full name and date of birth are considered primary documents. Simply show one document from the list below to prove your identity. All Primary Identification documents must be verifiable. Documents must be the original document or a copy certified by the issuing agency. No photocopies are accepted. Primary Identification Documents • Texas DL or ID with”
dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-57.pdf
Checked August 1, 2026
8
“This information is solicited pursuant to 42 U.S.C. section 405(c)(2)(C)(i), 42 U.S.C. section 666(a)(13)(A), 6 C.F.R. section 37.11(e), 49 C.F.R. section 383.153, Texas Family Code section 231.302(c)(1), and Texas Transportation Code sections 521.142 and 522.021.”
dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-14A.pdf
Checked July 26, 2026
9
“The Department will use social security number information for identification purposes and will only release the number as statutorily authorized by Texas Transportation Code section 521.044.”
dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-14A.pdf
Checked July 26, 2026
10
“Disclosure of your social security account number is mandatory for identification card and driver license applicants, but voluntary for election identification certificate applicants. This information is solicited pursuant to 42 U.S.C. section 405(c)(2)(C)(i), 42 U.S.C. section 666(a)(13)(A), 6 C.F.R. section 37.11(e), 49 C.F.R. section 383.153, Texas Family Code section 231.302(c)(1), and Texas Transportation Code sections 521.142 and 522.021. The Department will use social security number information for identification purposes and will only release the number as statutorily”
dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-14A.pdf
Checked August 1, 2026
11
“Information provided on a driver's license or personal identification certificate application that relates to the applicant's social security number may be used only by the department or disclosed only to: (1) the child support enforcement division of the attorney general's office; (2) another state entity responsible for enforcing the payment of child support; (3) the United States Selective Service System as provided by Section 521.147 ; (4) the unclaimed property division of the comptroller's office; (5) the Health and Human Services Commission; (6) the secretary of state for the purposes of voter registration or the administration of elections; or (7) an agency of another state responsible for issuing driver's licenses or identification documents.”
web.archive.org/…/TN.521.htm
Checked July 27, 2026
12
“Appendix C: Study and Review Questions for Class C Operators Texas Driver Handbook Appendix C Study and Review Questions for Class C Operators 1. What is the minimum age at which you can get a Class C driver license without either driver education or being a hardship case? (Chpt. 1) 2. How much is the maximum fine for a first conviction of driving without a license? (Chpt. 1) 3. What type of restrictions may be placed on your license? (Chpt. 1) 4. In what direction should you turn your wheels when parking uphill without a curb? (Chpt. 7) 5. What action should you take if you fail to receive the renewal notice card reminding you that your driver license is about to expire? (Chpt. 1) 6. On a one-way street, what color is the broken lane marker? (Chpt. 5) 7. Describe the “Yield” sign. (Chpt. 5) 8. What does a “Narrow Bridge” sign look like, and how should the driver react when he sees one? (Chpt. 5) 9. What is the shape of a “Keep Right” sign, and how should the driver react when he sees one? (Chpt. 5) 10. Which sign tells you to slow down because you are approaching a double curve? (Chpt. 5) 11. What does a “Do Not Pass” sign mean? (Chpt. 5) 12. Which sign tells you to keep in the right-hand lane when driving slow? (Chpt. 5) 13. What does “Yield Right-of-Way” mean? (Chpt. 4, 5) 14. Describe the equipment required on passenger cars by state law. (Chpt. 2) 15. What is the purpose of an exhaust emission system? (Chpt. 2) 16. Describe the types of equipment that Texas state law specifically forbids on passenger cars driven within the state. (Chpt. 2) 17. How should you react when a traffic officer tells you to do something that is ordinarily considered to be against the law? (Chpt. 5) 18. Once the brakes have been applied, about how many feet does a car which was going 70 mph travel before it comes to a stop? (Chpt. 8) 19. When is it necessary to stop before proceeding when you overtake a school bus loading or unloading children? (Chpt. 4) 20. About how many feet will the average driver going 50 mph travel from the moment he sees danger until he hits the brakes? (Chpt. 8) 21. Within how many feet of a crosswalk may you park, when parking near a corner? (Chpt. 7) 22. What is the state speed limit for automobiles in urban districts? (Chpt. 8) 23. Does a posted speed limit of 55 mph mean that you may drive 55 mph on that highway under all conditions? (Chpt. 8) 24. You should never drive on the left half of the roadway when you are within how many feet from an intersection, bridge, or railroad crossing? (Chpt. 6) 25. What should you do if you discover you are in the wrong lane to make a turn as you enter an intersection? (Chpt. 6) 26. When two cars meet at the intersection of a two-lane road with a four-lane road, which one must yield the right-of-way? (Chpt. 4) 27. If you are driving and hear a siren coming, what should you do? (Chpt. 4) 28. What is the first thing that should be done when a car starts to skid? (Chpt. 9) 29. At what time of the day should your headlights be turned on? (Chpt. 9) 30. Under what conditions may your driver license be suspended? (Chpt. 1) 31. What is carbon monoxide, and how may it be harmful to drivers? (Chpt. 14) 78 Appendix C: Study and Review Questions for Class C Operators Texas Driver Handbook 32. Describe what you should do if you have a blowout while driving. (Chpt. 9) 33. What should you do when driving down a steep grade in a car with standard transmission? (Chpt. 9) 34. What should you do if you damage an unattended vehicle? (Chpt. 11) 35. When are crash reports required? (Chpt. 11) 36. If you are required to show proof of financial responsibility for the future, how many years must such proof be kept up? (Chpt. 3) 37. What type of sign warns you to watch right and left for cross traffic? (Chpt. 5) 38. Describe the emblem that identifies vehicles which travel at speeds of 25 mph or less. (Chpt. 5) 39. In which gear should you drive when going down a steep hill? (Chpt. 9) 40. What qualifications must one have to teach a beginner to drive? (Chpt. 1) 41. If the person is under 18, when does his provisional license expire? (Chpt. 1) 42. When parked parallel, your curb side wheels must be no more than how many inches from the curb? (Chpt. 7) 43. When following another car, what is a good distance at which you should follow behind? (Chpt. 8) 44. To what agency and within what time period must a change of address be reported for driver licensing purposes? (Chpt. 1) 45. What effects does the use of marijuana and amphetamine have on driving? (Chpt. 10) 46. What is the penalty for being convicted of driving while intoxicated? (Chpt. 10) 47. What does a green arrow showing with a red light mean? (Chpt. 5) 48. How should you react to a flashing red light? (Chpt. 5) 49. Which sign tells you to watch out for a train? (Chpt. 5) 50. Describe the sign that warns you to slow down for a winding road. (Chpt. 5) 51. What sign indicates that the road that you are on merges with another? (Chpt. 5) 52. What”
dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-7.pdf
Checked August 4, 2026
13
“The licensed driver must be at least 21 years of age with at least one year of driving experience, must occupy the seat beside the driver, and cannot be intoxicated, asleep, or engaging in any activity that prevents observation and response to the actions of the driver.”
dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-7.pdf
Checked August 1, 2026
14
“If you are not eligible to drive in Texas, a licensed driver must drive the car to the driver license office and exam area. If you are not issued a driver license then the licensed driver must also drive you away from the driver license office.”
dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-7.pdf
Checked August 4, 2026
15
“Parallel parking (you may use the back-up camera on your vehicle for parallel parking; however, the use of an automated vehicle parking function will not be allowed) b.”
dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-7.pdf
Checked August 4, 2026
16
“Dealers temporary cardboard tags may be used for demonstrating a vehicle for sale, or for transporting or servicing vehicles without a motor vehicle inspection. These vehicles may not be used for driver license driving exams. 6.”
dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-7.pdf
Checked August 4, 2026
17
“The driving exam is given only after all other exams are passed and evidence of financial responsibility is presented or the vehicle is exempt under the Texas Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act.”
dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-7.pdf
Checked August 4, 2026
18
“The Third Party Skills Testing (TPST) program authorizes Driver Education schools that have been certified by the Department to administer the driving test for Class C non-commercial driver license applicants.”
dps.texas.gov/…/third-party-skills-testing-program
Checked August 4, 2026
19
“To schedule an appointment, please visit our website at https://www.txdpsscheduler.com .”
dps.texas.gov/…/driver-license-services-appointments
Checked August 4, 2026
20
“https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/service/driver-license-office-locations”
dps.texas.gov/…/driver-license-office-locations
Checked August 1, 2026

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