So you're new to Texas, and it's time to get a Lone Star license. Turning in your old license (yes, you will have to hand it over) for a shiny new Texas drivers license can seem daunting at first, but as long as you show up to the DPS prepared with the right documentation you'll be on the road in no time!
1. Gather Your Paperwork
When you go to the DPS, you'll need to prove that you are who you say you are, surrender your old license and complete a license application.
You'll need to gather the following:
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or, if you are not a U.S. Citizen, evidence of lawful presence
Proof of Texas Residency
Proof of Identity
Proof of Social Security Number
Your valid license from the state in which you previously resided. You will need to surrender this if you want to avoid retaking your driving exam.
Evidence of Texas Vehicle Registration for each vehicle you own (if you do not own a vehicle you will sign a statement affirming this).
Proof of Insurance for each vehicle you own (if you do not own a vehicle you will sign a statement affirming this).
A completed Texas drivers license application. You can find and download the Application for Texas Driver License or ID Card here.
Application fee of $16 (under 18), $25 (18-84 years old) or $9 (over 85).
We recommend checking out the REAL ID Document Check Application tool. Plug in your details and the application will generate a checklist with the documents you need to get a Texas drivers license. You can also use this resource to find out what documents suffice, and this DPS checklist to make sure you have everything with you before heading to the DPS.
The one thing that will make this process more difficult than it needs to be is having to make a second trip to the DPS because you forgot a document!
2. Head to the DPS
If you live in a larger city, going to the DPS without holding your spot in line first can be a whole day ordeal. If you're in a smaller Texas town, you can likely go as a walk-in and be on your way in a matter of minutes.
You can use this helpful site to locate the DPS office nearest you. Once you enter your information, you'll be able to see if your local branch has the option to hold your spot in line. This lets you show up at the DPS at a set time and get helped right away without the long wait.
Keep in mind, this feature will put you next in line. So, if 100 people are already at the DPS you will be placed after them. If you want to get into the DPS early in the day, it's always better to check in as early as possible.
3. At the DPS
Finally! It's your turn at the DPS. The time has arrived to:
Surrender your old license
Provide the paperwork listed above
Pay the application fee
Take a vision exam - be sure to bring glasses or contacts if you require them
Provide your thumbprint
Have your picture taken
4. Wait for Your Official TX License to Arrive by Mail
In Texas, they don't print the official licenses at the DPS offices. You will instead receive a piece of paper that will serve as a temporary license while you wait for the official ID card to arrive by mail.
If you're planning on doing any out-of-state travel and don't have a passport to serve as a substitute ID, we recommend scheduling your license swap accordingly so you don't run into any problems.
That's it! Congratulations, you now have a Texas drivers license!
When to Get a New License
The state requires all new Texas residents switch over their license within 90 days of moving. If you just moved to Texas but don't have a license, start HERE.
Pro Tips From Someone Who’s Been Through the Process
- Get a Car Inspection in the Middle of the Week
- Get your car inspected during the workweek, if at all possible. Many local places are closed on the weekend, so you’re gonna find yourself at a Jiffy Lube in a long line. Your lunch break might not be ideal, but you could save a lot of time.
- Get to the Tax Office Early
- Get to the tax office as soon as it opens so you don’t have to wait in line. Also, make sure you have a couple hundred-dollars handy. Using a card could come with a 3% fee.
- Get in the DPS Line Virtually
- Get in line online. Yes, that’s exactly what it sounds like. If you live in Austin, San Antonio, Houston or Dallas you can get in line at the DPS virtually. Input your phone number on the DPS website and the system will send you a text message letting you know how long your wait is at the selected location. Instead of sitting at the DPS for hours, you can go about your day until your turn approaches.
- Make Sure You Bring Acceptable Forms of ID
- When it comes to proving your identity, the DPS is strict. Only certain forms of ID are acceptable and no photocopies will be accepted. Acceptable documents
include:
- Original birth certificate
- Passport
- State issued ID card
- Texas ID or drivers license within 2 years of expiring (for the locals)
- Certificate of naturalization or U.S. Citizen Certificate with an ID photo
- Military photo ID
- DHS or USCIS photo ID
There are also a number of supporting documents that can be used if you don’t have any of the IDs noted above. Any ID that’s used must be current and valid. Expired ID cards won’t be accepted.
Have more questions about getting your drivers license in Texas? Check out this step-by-step guide to getting your license in Texas.
*This article was updated on 5/29/2020