To get a new Texas driver’s license, you apply through the Department of Public Safety either online at Texas by Texas, by phone at 1-866-357-3639, or in person at a DPS driver license office. First-time applicants and anyone moving to Texas from another state must appear in person. Existing Texas drivers who meet the eligibility rules can usually renew or replace their card remotely. A standard license costs $33 and is good for eight years; a replacement for a lost or stolen card is $11.
Who Has to Apply in Person
If you have never held a Texas license, you cannot use the online or phone systems. You have to visit a DPS office to provide documents, pass a vision screening, and have your photo taken. The same rule applies if you’re moving to Texas from another state and surrendering an out-of-state license.
You’ll also need to go in person if your Texas license has been expired for more than two years, if your card was issued before October 10, 2016 and you want a REAL ID, or if you’re 79 or older.
Documents to Bring
In-person applicants need to gather three categories of documents before heading to DPS.
Proof of identity and lawful presence. A U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, or permanent resident card. The document must be an original or certified copy.
Social Security verification. Your Social Security card, a W-2, or a 1099 showing your full SSN.
Texas residency. Two documents showing your name and Texas residential address, such as a utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or mortgage document. At least one must show you’ve lived in Texas for at least 30 days. If you’re surrendering a valid license from another state, that 30-day requirement is waived, but you still need two residency documents.1Department of Public Safety. Texas Residency Requirement for Driver Licenses and ID Cards
Every in-person applicant fills out Form DL-14A, the standard Texas driver license application. The same form covers original applications, renewals, replacements, name changes, and address updates. You can download it from the DPS website or complete it at the office.2Texas Department of Public Safety. Texas Driver License or Identification Card Application
What Happens at the DPS Office
Schedule an appointment ahead of time at txdpsscheduler.com. Walk-ins are possible, but you’ll use a self-service kiosk in the lobby to grab whatever slot opens that day, and there’s no guarantee one will.3Department of Public Safety. Driver License Services – Appointments
Bring your completed DL-14A and your full document packet. A DPS employee will verify your documents, enter your information into the system, administer a vision test, and take your photograph. The vision screening requires at least 20/40 acuity in each eye or both together for an unrestricted license. Results between 20/50 and 20/70 can lead to restrictions like corrective lenses or daytime-only driving. Anything worse than 20/70 with the best eye is a fail.4Legal Information Institute. 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.51 – Vision Tests
First-time applicants, and anyone whose license expired more than two years ago, also have to pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test before DPS will issue a license.5Department of Public Safety. Renew Your Texas DL, CDL, Motorcycle License or ID
Renewing or Replacing Online
If you already hold a Texas license, the online portal at Texas by Texas (texas.gov/texas-by-texas) is usually the fastest option, and phone renewal at 1-866-357-3639 uses the same eligibility rules. You qualify for either only if every one of the following is true:
- You are 78 or younger.
- You are a U.S. citizen with a Social Security number already on file with DPS.
- Your license is not suspended, revoked, cancelled, or disqualified, and you have no outstanding warrants or tickets.
- Your license either expires within two years or has been expired for less than two years.
- You renewed in person at a DPS office last time, so your photo and biometric data are current.
Miss any one of these and the system will reject the transaction. You’ll need to go to a DPS office instead.5Department of Public Safety. Renew Your Texas DL, CDL, Motorcycle License or ID
The online system already has most of your data, so have your current license out for the audit number and use a valid email address for confirmation. If your card is lost, DPS can verify your identity through other records already on file.
Fees
- New or renewal, ages 18–84: $33, valid for eight years
- New or renewal, age 85 and older: $9, valid for two years
- Replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged): $11, keeps your current expiration date
Each amount includes a $1 administrative fee, which is waived for mail transactions.6Department of Public Safety. Driver License Fees Online and phone payments take major credit or debit cards. In-person offices also accept money orders and checks. Fees are non-refundable once DPS starts processing your request.
Check Your Card for the REAL ID Star
Federal REAL ID enforcement began May 7, 2025. You now need a REAL ID-compliant license or another federally accepted ID, like a valid passport, to board domestic flights and enter certain federal buildings.7Transportation Security Administration. REAL ID
Texas licenses renewed or replaced after October 10, 2016 are REAL ID compliant. They show a gold circle with an inset star in the upper right corner. If your card has that star, you’re set.8Department of Public Safety. Federal Real ID Act
If it doesn’t, you’ll need to visit a DPS office with identity and residency documents to get a compliant version. The online system cannot upgrade you to REAL ID on its own. DPS offers an interactive document checklist on its website to confirm what to bring.8Department of Public Safety. Federal Real ID Act
Temporary License and Delivery Time
You won’t leave your transaction with a permanent card. The system issues a temporary paper license valid for 60 days from the transaction date.9Department of Public Safety. Section 3 – Issuing A Temporary Permit If you renew online, print the temporary receipt right away. It is legally valid for driving in Texas while you wait. Your permanent license arrives by mail in two to three weeks.10Department of Public Safety. Where’s my Driver License or ID Card
One catch: TSA does not accept a temporary paper license at airport security.11Transportation Security Administration. Is a Temporary Driver’s License Sufficient for Entry Through a KCM Portal If you have a flight during the waiting window, carry a passport or another federally accepted photo ID.
If Your License Has Been Expired More Than Two Years
You cannot renew a Texas license that has been expired for over two years. DPS treats you as a new applicant. That means gathering identity and residency documents, visiting an office in person, passing the vision screening, and retaking both the written and driving tests.5Department of Public Safety. Renew Your Texas DL, CDL, Motorcycle License or ID The fee is still $33 for ages 18–84, but the time involved is much greater. If your card is close to the two-year mark, renewing now avoids the tests.
Driving Without a Valid License
Driving in Texas without a valid license is a misdemeanor. A first offense carries a fine of up to $200. A second conviction within one year raises the range to $25–$200. A third or later conviction within a year of the second can mean $25–$500 in fines plus 72 hours to six months in county jail. Causing a serious injury or fatal crash while driving without a license and without insurance escalates the charge to a Class A misdemeanor. These penalties apply whether your license is expired, suspended, or you never had one.