Getting a Texas driver’s license is less about memorizing jargon and more about moving through a clear, three-step path: gather the right documents, visit a driver license office (by appointment), and complete testing. The trick is knowing what to bring, which requirements apply to your age group, and how the road test and paperwork fit together.
Texas uses a REAL ID–compliant license. That means the same visit that gets you licensed also gets you a credential you can use at TSA checkpoints once you have the proper documents. If you’re over 18, you’ll likely need to complete an Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) video course before your road test; if you’re under 18, a teen version applies. These pieces are easy to miss, but they’re simple once you know where to look.
Before you book a slot, use the state’s checklist tools. They spell out exactly which proofs of identity, residency, and lawful presence you need, so you don’t make a second trip. It’s also smart to skim the Texas Driver’s Handbook and decide whether you’ll test at DPS or through a third-party skills tester—both are common options.
At your appointment, you’ll submit your application, provide biometrics, take a vision exam, and complete your knowledge and driving tests if required. Pass those, and you’ll leave with a temporary paper license while your plastic card arrives by mail. Small choices—like finishing your ITD certificate within 90 days of the road test—keep the process smooth. With the right prep, you can handle everything in a single, stress-free visit.
Think in threes: documents, appointment, testing. First, gather required proofs—identity, Social Security number, Texas residency, and (if applicable) lawful presence. New residents surrendering an out-of-state license also bring vehicle registration and insurance or a no-vehicle statement. Using the DPS REAL ID document checklist to build a personalized list keeps you from guessing and speeds up the counter visit.
Next, book a driver license office appointment online. Complete the application (you can fill it out ahead of time), then at the counter you’ll provide biometrics, take a vision exam, and pay the fee. If you need testing, you can take the knowledge and skills exams at DPS or a Third-Party Skills Testing provider. Either way, a passing result flows back into the same application.
Finally, you’ll receive a temporary paper license before your card is mailed. Double-check your temporary for spelling or address errors before leaving. If you’re 18–24, plan for a six-hour adult driver ed course and the Impact Texas Drivers certificate (valid for 90 days). Applicants 18+ must complete an ITD program before the drive test—ITAD or the teen ITTD both satisfy it.
Start by confirming which path is yours: first-time adult, teen, or new resident transfer. Each path uses the same office visit but different prep. Adults over 25 aren’t required to take driver ed, though it’s recommended; adults 18–24 must complete a six-hour course. Teens follow the graduated licensing track with distinct classroom and practice-hour requirements.
Book your appointment at a nearby driver license office. Bring your proofs of identity, residency, Social Security number, and (if applicable) lawful presence. If you’ll take a road test, finish your ITD video within 90 days of the skills exam and bring the printed certificate. Complete your application, submit biometrics, and pass the vision exam. Knowledge and skills testing can happen at DPS or a TPST school.
After you pass, you’ll leave with a temporary license while your REAL ID–compliant card ships. As of August 2025, Texas is rolling out a new, tamper-resistant design; unexpired older cards remain valid. The black laser-engraved star now indicates REAL ID compliance, replacing the previous gold star.
You’ll need four core items: proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, Social Security number, and (if applicable) proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence. A valid U.S. passport can satisfy both identity and citizenship, while utility bills help prove residency. If names differ across documents, bring legal name-change paperwork to connect them.
New residents surrendering an out-of-state license also bring current Texas vehicle registration and auto insurance (or a statement that you don’t own a vehicle). To avoid surprises, generate a personalized REAL ID document list with the state’s checklist tool before your visit. A few minutes of prep can save you a repeat trip and long wait times.
Appointments are required at most offices and are easy to make online. Pick a location, date, and time; if your schedule is tight, check multiple offices for earlier availability. Save your confirmation and aim to arrive 15 minutes early with all documents in hand to avoid rescheduling.
At the counter you’ll submit your application, provide biometrics (signature and thumbprints), take a quick vision screening, and pay the fee. If you’re testing that day, you’ll complete the written and—if applicable—road test. You can also opt to do the skills test with a Third-Party Skills Testing provider and bring results to DPS. Either way, you’ll walk out with a temporary paper license while your card is produced and mailed.
Teens follow the graduated licensing track, starting with a learner permit after completing required classroom hours and a written exam, then practicing supervised driving before moving to a provisional license with restrictions. Time behind the wheel with an eligible adult builds the habits examiners look for on test day.
Adults who prefer a staged approach can start with a learner permit, practice legally, and then take the road test to obtain a full license. In both paths, make sure your vehicle is insured and roadworthy for the skills exam, and ensure your paperwork and certificates are in order before you schedule.
Impact Texas Drivers is a short, free distracted-driving video required before the skills exam. If you’re 18–24 and completed the six-hour adult driver ed course, you must also complete ITAD and present the certificate for your drive test. Adults 18 or older must complete an ITD program prior to the skills exam; those 18+ can satisfy this with ITAD or ITTD, and the certificate must be dated within 90 days of testing.
The site lets you register, take the modules, and print your certificate. Plan your study so you’re testing within that 90-day window; otherwise, you’ll need to rewatch and get a new certificate. Because it’s free and on-demand, most applicants finish it the week of their exam and bring a paper printout to avoid connectivity issues at the test site.
New residents with a valid license from another U.S. state or territory (or Canada) typically do not take knowledge or skills exams. You’ll surrender your out-of-state license, present standard proofs (identity, residency, SSN, lawful presence if applicable), plus Texas vehicle registration and insurance (or a no-vehicle statement). You have a limited window as a new resident to complete the transfer, so schedule promptly after moving.
Bring your documents, complete the application, provide biometrics, and pass the vision exam. You’ll leave with a temporary paper license while the permanent card is mailed. If your previous license is expired or your situation is unique, DPS may require testing; the “Moving to Texas” guidance covers those edge cases so you can plan ahead.
A REAL ID–compliant Texas license lets you enter secure federal facilities and board domestic flights once federal enforcement is in effect. To get it, you must apply in person with identity, residency, SSN, and lawful presence documentation. The state’s checklist tool generates a custom list; using it prevents common errors like bringing a bill without your name or mismatched name details.
Federal enforcement begins May 7, 2025. Older Texas licenses without the star remain valid for driving and non-federal identification until they expire, but won’t be accepted by TSA after the deadline. Texas began issuing compliant cards years ago and, in August 2025, introduced a new tamper-resistant design; a black laser-engraved star now marks compliance.
Decide where you’ll test: DPS offices or Third-Party Skills Testing providers. Either way, bring your ITD certificate (if required), a properly insured and registered vehicle in safe working order, and your appointment confirmation. Verify that your ITD certificate date is within 90 days; an expired certificate means no test.
On test day, arrive early, do a quick vehicle safety check (lights, horn, signals, brakes), and have your documents ready. Listen closely to the examiner, scan proactively, and call out hazards in your head to stay calm. If you use a TPST provider, results are transmitted to DPS so your license can be issued after the office visit. Whether you test at DPS or TPST, you’ll receive the same credential once your application is complete.
If you just moved, handle three items promptly: register and insure your vehicle in Texas, book your driver license appointment, and gather your transfer documents. Most valid out-of-state license holders won’t need knowledge or skills tests, but they must surrender the old license and pass a vision exam. The state’s “Apply” page lists the added proofs new residents bring—vehicle registration and insurance—alongside the standard identity and residency proofs.
Remember that REAL ID rules tie into your documentation: getting your Texas license also gets you a REAL ID–compliant card if you bring the right proofs. If the checklist flags a mismatch in your name across documents, add legal name-change records to your folder. Scheduling early and using the checklist tool are the quickest ways to make your first visit the only visit.
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