Texas driver license guide

Class C driver license fee

$16 if under 18, $33 for ages 18-84, $9 for 85 and older; free for qualifying disabled veterans.Source: texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Appointment

First-time applicants and new residents must go to a DPS office in person. Appointments can be booked online up to six months ahead; a few same-day slots exist at most offices.Source: texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Arriving for an appointment

Arrive no more than 30 minutes early; the appointment is cancelled if you are more than 30 minutes late.Source: texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Documents to bring (first license)

Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, proof of Texas residency, proof of identity; new residents surrendering an out-of-state license also need proof of vehicle registration (or a statement that they own no vehicle); an Impact Texas Drivers certificate if taking the driving test.Source: texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Tests at the DPS office

A vision exam, plus a written knowledge test and a driving skills test when they apply to you.Source: texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Driver education for ages 18-24

First-time applicants aged 18 to 24 must finish a six-hour adult driver education course before the appointment; not required at 25 and older.Source: texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) certificate

Needed for the driving skills test and must have been issued within 90 days of the appointment.Source: texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

New resident deadline

New residents must get a Texas driver license within 90 days of moving to the state.Source: txdmv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

New resident vehicle registration

A vehicle must be registered in Texas within 30 days of moving.Source: txdmv.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Online renewal

Yes. Eligible drivers can renew online through Texas by Texas (TxT) or by phone; among other conditions, the previous renewal must have been in person and the driver must be under 79 and a U.S. citizen.Source: texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Renewal window

A license can be renewed up to 2 years before it expires. If it has been expired more than 2 years you must apply as a new applicant and retake the knowledge and skills tests.Source: texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Renewal fee

$33 for ages 18-84; $9 for 85 and older.Source: texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Replacement license fee

$11Source: texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Address change fee

$11Source: texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Card delivery time

You leave with a temporary license; the permanent card is mailed and should arrive in about 2-3 weeks.Source: texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID basics

A Texas card with a star in the upper right corner is REAL ID compliant. All new, renewed and replacement Texas licenses and IDs are issued compliant. Since May 7, 2025 a REAL ID or other federally accepted ID is needed to board domestic flights and enter secure federal buildings.Source: texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Cards without a star

Still valid for driving, banking and voting in Texas until they expire, but not for federal purposes.Source: texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Minimum age for a learner license

15, once you have completed the classroom part of driver education. Applicants must be under 18; adults who want to practise get a restricted Class C license instead.Source: dps.texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Learner license fee

$16 ($15 license fee plus the $1 administrative fee).Source: dps.texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Learner license validity

The learner license is marked "Learner License" and expires on your 18th birthday.Source: dps.texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Parent or guardian signature

Applicants under 18 need the application signed under oath by a parent or guardian with custody (or, if none, an employer or county judge).Source: dps.texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Driver education before the learner license

You must finish the classroom portion of a driver education course and pass the vision and knowledge exams.Source: dps.texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

School attendance form (VOE)

Applicants under 18 must show a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance form signed by their school (or a diploma/equivalent). It can be no more than 30 days old during the school year, 90 days in summer.Source: dps.texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Who can supervise a learner

You may only drive with a licensed driver who is at least 21, has at least one year of driving experience, sits in the front passenger seat and is alert and sober.Source: dps.texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Learner license holding period

Drivers under 18 must hold the learner (or hardship) license for at least six months before they can get a provisional license.Source: dps.texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Knowledge test passing score

70 percent or better.Source: dps.texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Knowledge test taken in driver education

Completing certain approved driver education courses means you do not have to take the Class C knowledge exam at the DPS office.Source: dps.texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Test attempts per application

If you fail, your application is held for 90 days; after 90 days or three failed exams you must file a new application and pay the fee again.Source: dps.texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Vision exam

Your vision is checked at the driver license office; you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving.Source: dps.texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Provisional license (ages 16-17)

From 16 you can get a provisional license after completing driver education (classroom and behind the wheel), passing the vision and driving exams and holding a learner license for at least six months. It expires on your 18th birthday.Source: dps.texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Provisional license restrictions

Until 18: no more than one passenger under 21 who is not a family member, and no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. except for work, school activities or a medical emergency.Source: dps.texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Phones for drivers under 18

Drivers under 18 may not use any wireless device while driving, even hands-free, except in an emergency.Source: dps.texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD)

Teens take the free 2-hour ITTD video course after finishing behind-the-wheel training; the certificate is valid for 90 days and a printed copy must be brought to the driving test.Source: impacttexasdrivers.dps.texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How long a license lasts

Most licenses for ages 18-84 are valid for eight years; licenses for drivers 85 and older last two years.Source: dps.texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

In-person visit at least every 16 years

Even if you renew online or by phone, you must visit a driver license office at least once every 16 years for a vision exam and new photo, signature and fingerprints.Source: dps.texas.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

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