Applying for a New License

The bottom line―right here at the top―is that if you live in Texas and want to drive, you need a valid Texas driver's license.

Texas driver licenses are divided into several classes. The basic driver license described here is known as a Class C license and allows the holder to drive standard noncommercial vehicles.

Other classes of license include those for commercial drivers and motorcycle riders. These classes add some additional procedures and road tests for those specific types of vehicles.

How to Apply

The basic process of getting a Texas driver license is straightforward and easy to follow. Some details change if you are a brand-new driver, under 18, or transferring an existing license from another state.

If you're under 18, you'll go by a whole different set of procedures to become a teen driver.

First-time License (Texas Resident Over 18)

• Be 18 or over (if not, see the requirements for teen drivers).

• Provide proof of identity.

• Provide proof of Social Security number.

• Provide proof of Texas vehicle registration and liability insurance, if you own a vehicle.

• Complete required application forms available at any Texas driver license office.

• Pay the required fee.

• Pass the written, driving, and vision examinations. The applicant must provide the vehicle for the driving test.

• Your application must include a photograph and thumbprint. Vain? You may want to rehearse for your photo opp.

First-time License (Out-of-state Transfer Over 18)

• Be 18 or over (if not, see the requirements for teen drivers).

• Provide proof of identity.

• Provide proof of Social Security number.

• Provide proof of Texas vehicle registration and liability insurance, if you own a vehicle.

• Complete required application forms available at any Texas driver license office.

• Surrender any out-of-state licenses or permits.

• Pay the required fee.

• If your out-of-state license is invalid (expired), you must pass the written, driving, and vision examinations. You must provide the vehicle for the driving test. But if your license is still valid, you will only be required to pass the vision test.

• Your application must include a photograph and thumbprint. Remember that the photo will be with you for years―you may want to bring a hairbrush.

First-time License (Under 18)

You may begin the process to become a teen driver when you turn 15. Texas employs a graduated driver licensing program for minors, so a slightly different process applies to you. Our article just for teen drivers explains in detail how to apply for a driver's license if you're under 18.

Fees

The fees for obtaining a Texas driver license vary depending on the type of license and what you must do to obtain it. While the standard driver license fee is $24 for six years, this does not cover the fees for the instruction permit ($5) or the road test ($10).

Here are some of the fees you may need to pay to get a Texas driver license:

• Instruction permit: $5

• Driver's license examination: $10

• Original driver's license (under 18, expires on next birthday): $5

• Original driver's license (18 and over, expires in six years): $24

• Removal of restriction on driver's license or learner's permit: $10

Remember that you'll need to renew your Texas driver's license every six years.

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

If you're visiting Texas, between the ages of 18-75, and are a currently licensed driver from a country that has a reciprocity agreement with the United States, you may drive for up to one year in the state. Contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS) at (512) 424-2600 for more information.

Be sure to always have your license with you whenever you're driving.

Obtaining an International Driver Permit is a smart move. The permit, issued by your home country, basically translates your license to make it understandable to U.S. officials. Also, many rental car agencies require it in addition to your regular driver's license.

Should you become a resident of the Lone Star State, you'll need to apply for a Texas license within 30 days of your residency to maintain your driving privileges. The DPS provides a list of the documentation you'll need to take to the driver's license office.

Locations and Hours

You can find the licensing location nearest you using Texas' interactive map of driver license offices. The hours vary, and offices located in courthouses sometimes handle driver licensing only one day a week.

Not all offices will offer all types of testing; call to make sure. You may also want to check the list of holiday closures.