How to apply for a Texas driver license
Follow these steps to apply for your first Texas driver license.
Prepare your documents
Use this document checklist to confirm you have what you need. Necessary documents include:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
- Proof of Texas residency
- Proof of identity
- Proof of vehicle registration or a statement affirming you don’t own a vehicle or a statement affirming you don’t own a vehicle (for new Texas residents surrounding an out-of-state license only)
- An Impact Texas Driver (ITD) certificate, if you’re taking a driving test
Complete required training
If you are 18 through 24 years old and applying for your first Texas driver license, you have to complete a six-hour adult driver education course before your appointment. This requirement is waived for new residents 18 or older who are surrendering a valid license from another state. There are no driver education requirements for applicants 25 and older.
Driver education courses are offered by licensed providers across the state and cover essential topics including traffic laws, road signs, defensive driving techniques, and the dangers of distracted and impaired driving. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) oversees driver education programs and maintains a searchable directory of approved course providers.
Understanding Texas traffic laws and safe driving practices is important for all drivers, regardless of age or experience. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) provides resources on current driving laws and safety regulations.
Make an appointment with a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office
Schedule a time to go to your local DPS office. First-time drivers and new Texas residents have to visit a local DPS office in person. Appointments can be scheduled online up to six months in advance. A limited number of same-day appointments are also available at most offices. Arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before your scheduled time. Appointments are canceled if you arrive more than 30 minutes late.
ITD certificate requirement
If you’re taking a driving skills test, you need an Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) certificate issued within 90 days of your appointment.
Submit your application and complete required tasks
At the office you’ll
- Submit your completed application (available online or at the office)
- Present your required documents
- Provide your signature and thumbprints
- Have your photo taken
- Pay the application fee
- Pass a vision exam
- Pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test, if needed
Associated fees
*If you meet qualifying conditions
Get your license
You’ll get a temporary driver license at the office that allows you to drive legally right away. Review the printed information for accuracy before you leave. Your permanent card will arrive by mail.
Processing time
Your permanent driver license card should arrive by mail within 2–3 weeks. To track the status of your card, use the Where is my license or ID status tool the DPS website.
If it has been more than three weeks and you are unable to determine your status, contact DPS by calling (512) 424-2600 or completing the DPS Customer Service Center contact form.
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How to apply for a Texas ID card
If you need a state-issued ID but don’t need a driver license, you can apply for a Texas ID card.
Prepare your documents
Use this document checklist to confirm you have what you need. Necessary documents include:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
- Proof of Texas residency
- Proof of identity
Driver license vs. ID card
Texas law only permits you to hold a driver license or an ID card, but not both. If you currently hold a driver license, you must surrender it when applying for an ID card.
Online option for seniors
Texans age 65 or older who are U.S. citizens and hold a REAL ID-compliant driver license or Commercial Driver License (CDL) may surrender their license and apply for an ID card online using their Texas by Texas (TxT) account at Texas.gov.
Make an appointment with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office
Schedule a time to go to your local DPS office. Appointments can be scheduled online up to six months in advance. A limited number of same-day appointments are also available at most offices. Arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before your scheduled time. Appointments are canceled if you arrive more than 30 minutes late.
Visit the DPS office
At the office, you’ll:
- Submit your completed application (available online or at the office)
- Present your required documents
- Provide your signature and thumbprints
- Have your photo taken
- Pay the application fee
No vision exam or driving test is required for an ID card.
Fees
Get your ID card
You’ll get a temporary ID card at the office. Review the printed information for accuracy before you leave. Your permanent card will arrive by mail.
Processing time
Your permanent ID card should arrive by mail within 2–3 weeks. To track the status of your card, use the Where is my license or ID status tool on the DPS website. If it has been more than three weeks and you are unable to determine your status, contact DPS by calling (512) 424-2600 or completing the DPS Customer Service Center contact form.
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How to apply for a Commercial Driver License (CDL)
A Commercial Driver License (CDL) is required to operate commercial motor vehicles in Texas, including large trucks, buses, and vehicles transporting hazardous materials.
Confirm your eligibility
CDL applicants must meet all standard Texas driver license requirements. You will also need to pass additional knowledge and skills tests specific to the CDL class (A, B, or C) and any endorsements you are seeking, such as Hazardous Materials, Passenger, or Tank Vehicle. Before taking the CDL skills test, you may need to get a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) and complete Entry Level Driver Training. This is required if you’re:
- Applying for a CDL for the first time
- Upgrading your existing CDL
- Adding a passenger or school bus endorsement to an existing CDL
To get a CLP, you’ll need to fill out the CDL application and bring it to a local DPS office, along with your required documents.
About the CLP
You need to have the CLP for at least 14 days so that you can get behind-the-wheel experience before taking your driver test. The CLP is valid for 180 days after it’s issued.
Prepare your documents
Whether applying for a CDL or CPL, you’ll need to submit a CDL application and provide the following:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
- Proof of identity
- Social Security Number
- Self-certification of medical status
- Medical examiner’s certificate
- Evidence of Texas vehicle registration and proof of insurance for each vehicle you own
You’ll also be asked to provide any endorsement-specific documentation.
Make an appointment with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office
Schedule a time to go to your local DPS office. Appointments can be scheduled online up to six months in advance. A limited number of same-day appointments are also available at most offices. Arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before your scheduled time. Appointments are canceled if you arrive more than 30 minutes late.
Submit your application and complete the required tasks
At the office, you’ll:
- Submit your completed application
- Present your required documents
- Provide your signature and thumbprints
- Have your photo taken
- Pay the application fee
- Pass a vision exam
- Pass the knowledge exam
Fees
Take your skills test
Once you’ve had your CLP for 14 days, you can take your skills test. Schedule an appointment at one of the CDL skills testing locations. You’ll need to provide your own commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for the driving test, and it must be representative of the type of CLP you hold.
Get your CDL
You’ll get a temporary CDL at the office. Your permanent card will arrive by mail.
Processing time
Your permanent ID card should arrive by mail within 2–3 weeks. To track the status of your card, use the Where is my license or ID status tool on the DPS website. If it has been more than three weeks and you are unable to determine your status, contact DPS by calling (512) 424-2600 or completing the DPS Customer Service Center contact form.
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How to renew, replace, update, or upgrade your driver license or ID card
Many of these services can be completed without visiting a DPS office. You may be able to handle these tasks online or by phone.
Prepare your information
To renew or replace your driver license or ID, you’ll need:
- Your most recent driver license or ID card number and the audit number from the card
- The last four digits of your Social Security Number
In some cases, such as if you’re living out of state or your license has been expired for more than two years, there are additional requirements.
Two-year renewal window
In Texas, you can renew your driver license up to 2 years before it expires. If your license has expired for more than two years, you must reapply as an original applicant and retake the knowledge and skills tests.
Determine whether you can complete your task online or by phone
There are different ways to renew, replace, upgrade, or update your driver license or ID card.
Option A: Online
You may be able to access these services online using TxT. It depends on whether you renewed in person last time, your age, the expiration date of your license or ID card, and other factors.
Learn who can use online driver license services
Option B: By phone
If you qualify to renew online, you can also renew by phone. Call 1-866-DL-RENEW (1-866-357-3639) to order your renewal or replacement, or to request an update or upgrade.
Option C: In person
You can always visit a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office to complete these tasks.
Lost or stolen license or ID
If you lose your driver license or ID, you can order a replacement online. However, you’ll need to know your driver license or ID card number and the audit number on the card. If you don’t have this information, you’ll have to schedule an in-person appointment.
Mail-in renewals
You may get an invitation to renew your driver license or ID card in the mail. If so, you can renew by mail by following the instructions on the form. You can only renew by mail if you get an invite.
Make an appointment with a DPS office, if needed
If you’re going in person, schedule an appointment at your local DPS office. Appointments can be scheduled online up to six months in advance. A limited number of same-day appointments are also available at most offices. Arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before your scheduled time. Appointments are canceled if you arrive more than 30 minutes late.
Submit your application and complete the required tasks
If you’re renewing online or by phone, you’ll be asked to provide your license or ID card information, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. You’ll also need a credit card to pay the fee.
If you’re renewing at a DPS office in person, you’ll:
- Complete an application
- Present your required documents
- Provide your signature and thumbprints
- Have your photo taken
- Pay the renewal fee
- Pass a vision exam
Fees
Get your new driver license or ID card
You’ll get a temporary driver license or ID card at the office. Review the printed information for accuracy before you leave. Your permanent card will arrive by mail.
Processing time
Your permanent driver license or ID card should arrive by mail within 2–3 weeks. To track the status of your card, use the Where is my license or ID status tool on the DPS website. If it has been more than three weeks and you are unable to determine your status, contact DPS by calling (512) 424-2600 or completing the DPS Customer Service Center contact form.
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How to reinstate your license
If your driver license has been suspended, revoked, canceled, or denied, follow these steps to check your status and work toward reinstatement.
Access the License Eligibility System
You can see the status of your license using the License Eligibility System. You’ll need:
- Your driver license or ID number
- Date of birth
- Last four digits of your Social Security Number
Review requirements
Review what you need to do to get your license reinstated. Requirements may include:
- Finishing your suspension period
- Completing compliance documents
- Taking classes
Understand the law
You must resolve all outstanding requirements before your license can be reinstated. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Texas.
Pay fees, if needed
You may need to pay fees to have your license reinstated. If so, you can do that using the License Eligibility System.
Wait for processing
It may take time for your payments to process or your status to update. Once it says you are “Eligible” in the License Eligibility System, you may need to visit a local Department of Public Safety (DPS) office to get your new license.
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Apply for a Texas driver license or ID card
A Texas driver record is an official document that contains your driving history, including traffic violations, crash records, license status, and any suspensions or revocations. Records are commonly requested by employers, insurance companies, attorneys, and courts.
Determine the type of record you need
There are several types of driver records:
- Status Record (Type 1) — includes your current license status and any restrictions
- 3-year History Record (Type 2) — includes your current license status and any violations and accidents from the past three years
- Certified 3-year History Record (Type 2A) – Certified version of a Type 2 record
- List of All Accidents and Violations on Record (Type 3) — includes your current license status and all violations and accidents you have on record
- Certified List of All Accidents and Violations on Record (Type 3A) — Certified version of a Type 3 record
- Certified Abstracts of Driving Record (Type AR) – A certified abstract of your complete driving record
Choosing the right record
Make sure you choose the right record based on what you need. For example, a Certified 3-year History Record (Type 2A) is not acceptable for a Defensive Driving Course (DDC). Only a Certified List of All Accidents and Violations on Record (Type 3A) will be accepted by a DDC.
Order your record
Use the DPS driver record ordering system to order your record online. You’ll need:
- Your driver license number and the audit number from the card
- Date of birth
- Last four digits of your Social Security Number
- A credit card
- personal information to place an order.
If you don’t want to order online, you can also order by mail.
Fees
Get your record
Depending on the record type, you may be able to download it immediately or you may get it by mail.
Processing time
Online records are typically available immediately. Mailed records may take 5–10 business days.
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REAL ID
A REAL ID-compliant driver license or another accepted form of identification is now required to board domestic flights and enter secure federal facilities. Check whether your card is REAL ID-compliant and learn how to get one if it isn't.
Do you have a REAL ID?
Does your Texas driver license or ID have a star in the upper right corner? If so, you are already REAL ID-compliant and no action is needed. If no, you need a REAL ID-compliant card or another federally accepted ID (such as a U.S. passport) to board domestic flights or enter secure federal buildings.
What is REAL ID?
REAL ID is a federal standard for state-issued driver licenses and identification cards. The REAL ID Act was passed by the U.S. Congress in 2005 in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, implementing a key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission. The Act directs states to meet minimum security standards for identity verification, document authentication, and card security features.
Read the REAL ID Act (PDF)
REAL ID in Texas
Texas has fully complied with the REAL ID Act since October 10, 2016. All new, renewal, and replacement driver licenses and ID cards issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) are REAL ID compliant. REAL ID-compliant Texas cards are marked with a star inside a circle in the upper right corner of the card.
Both compliant (star) and non-compliant (no star) cards remain valid for state purposes — including driving, banking, and voting — until their expiration date. However, as of May 7, 2025, only REAL ID-compliant cards or another federally accepted form of ID may be used for federal purposes, such as boarding domestic flights or entering secure federal buildings.
Texas driver licenses and ID cards do not contain an electronic chip. Driver information is maintained securely by DPS and is not entered into a national database. REAL ID does not permit a person to hold both a driver license and an identification card — Texas law allows only one.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirements
The TSA requires adult passengers 18 and older to show a REAL ID-compliant driver license or another accepted form of identification at the airport security checkpoint. Non-REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver licenses and identification cards are not accepted at TSA checkpoints.
Check acceptable forms of identification for TSA
Learn more about TSA and REAL ID
Update your license or ID
You can get a REAL ID-compliant card at your next renewal or by requesting a duplicate card in person at a DPS Driver License office. You may renew up to two years before your card expires.
To get a REAL-ID-compliant Texas driver license or ID, you’ll need:
- An original or certified copy of a Birth Certificate or an unexpired U.S. Passport Book or Card
- Social Security Card
- Current Texas Vehicle Registration or Title
- Current Car Insurance Policy or Car Insurance Statement
- If your name has changed, legal documents showing proof of name change from your birth name
Use the DPS REAL ID Document Checklist to find out exactly which documents to bring to your Driver License office visit.