What Texans need to know about getting a driver’s license

Brayden Garcia
·6 min read

Having a driver’s license or a state-issued identification card will come in handy wherever you go in Texas.

One of these state-issued IDs are needed to drive, open a bank account, travel on airplanes and to register to vote.

In Texas, the Department of Public Safety is the agency that issues driver’s licenses, renew licenses and update out-of-state licenses. It is also the place to get state-issued IDs. Residents can apply for these services in-person, online or by telephonel.

How do I renew my driver’s license online or by phone?

Most driver’s license and identification cards can be renewed up to two years before and after its expiration date.

Here are the requirements to renew a driver’s license online or by telephone, according to DPS:

  • Your last driver’s license renewal was in-person at a Texas DPS office.

  • You have a Class C, M or CM driver’s license or a Class A, AM, B, BM, C or CM commercial license without a hazardous material endorsement.

  • Your driver’s license either expires in less than two years or has been expired for less than two years.

  • You are at least 30 days away from turning 18 years old and your driver’s license is provisional.

  • You are younger than 79 years old.

  • Your vision, physical and mental conditions have not changed in a way that affects your ability to drive safely since your last license renewal.

  • You have a commercial driver’s license and your medical certificate on file is valid and not expired.

  • You do not have a suspended or revoked license and do not have any warrants or unpaid tickets. Check your status on the DPS’ license eligibility website.

  • You are a U.S. citizen.

  • Your Social Security number is on file.

Here are the requirements to renew a state-issued ID online or telephone:

  • Your last ID card renewal was in-person at a Texas DPS office.

  • You are a U.S. citizen.

  • Your Social Security number is on file.

  • Your ID card either expires in less than two years or has been expired for less than two years.

  • You are 18 years old or older.

To renew a driver’s license or identification card, you need to have the card you’re renewing and its audit number. If you do not have the audit number, security questions will be asked instead to verify identification.

A printer or email address is needed to print off the temporary license and payment receipt. A valid credit card and last four digits of your Social Security number is also required.

Renewing online begins with signing up for a Texas by Texas account, which is free. Follow the steps with Texas by Texas to renew your license online. If renewing by phone, call 1-866-357-3639.

How do I renew my driver’s license in person?

If you are getting a driver’s license for the first time or updating an out-of-state driver’s license, you have to make an appointment at a local DPS office. Fort Worth has three local driver’s license offices:

  • Fort Worth South — Open Tuesday-Thursday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at 6413 Woodway Dr. Next available appointment is Nov.r 14, 2022.

  • Fort Worth East — Open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at 3500 Miller Ave. Next available appointment is Jan. 24, 2023.

  • Fort Worth Mega Center — Open Monday-Thursday from 7:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. at 8301 Brentwood Stair Rd. Next available appointment is Nov. 16, 2022.

Here are a few steps to take for renewing in-person:

  • Make an appointment at your local driver license office. Appointments can be made online here and the wait times can vary at each location. Walk-in appointments are available on a limited basis.

  • Complete a renewal application either before arriving or at the local office.

  • Provide the following documents: renewal application, proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, personal identification (marriage license, divorce papers, birth certificate) and Social Security Number.

  • Sign for driver’s license or ID card, provide thumbprints, pass vision exam and have picture taken.

  • Pay the renewal fee.

Driver’s license or identification cards that have expired for more than two years cannot be renewed and you have to apply as a new applicant at your local office. To do this, you need to verify your eligibility for a driver’s license — meeting all the requirements.

Your new driver’s license or state-issued ID card will arrive in the mail in two to three weeks.

How do I apply for a driver license?

DPS issues driver’s licenses to Texas residents 18 and older, and they are valid for up to eight years. To apply for a driver’s license, you will need to provide the following documents:

The next step is certifying you have completed the Impact Texas Driver course and six-hour adult driver education course if you’re between 18 and 24 years old. Here’s what comes next:

  • Make an appointment at your local driver license office. Appointments can be made online here and the wait times can vary at each location.

  • Complete a renewal application either before arriving or at the local office.

  • Provide the following documents: renewal application, proof of U.S. citizenship or evidence of lawful presence, Texas residency, identification (marriage license, divorce papers, birth certificate) and Social Security Number.

  • Sign for driver license or ID card, provide thumbprints, pass vision exam and have picture taken.

  • Pay the application fee.

  • Take and pass the knowledge and driving tests.

Your new card will arrive in two to three weeks in the mail from the DPS.

What if I just moved to Texas?

New Texas residents can legally drive with a valid unexpired driver’s license from another U.S. state, territory or Canadian province, for up to 90 days after arriving in the Lone Star State.

Before the 90-day grace period is over, new Texans must apply for a license at any driver license office to continue driving legally. When applying for a new Texas license, you have to surrender your license from another U.S. state, territory or Canadian province.

Texas also has license issuance reciprocity with France, Germany, South Korea and Taiwan. Applicants from these countries are not required to take any knowledge or skill exams if they surrender their out-of-country license. If they do not surrender their out-of-country license, they must take the exams.

Applicants from other countries not listed above must take and pass both knowledge and skills exams.

Here are a few documents needed for new Texans when they seek to transfer out-of-state driver’s licenses:

  • Identification (a valid out of state license or other forms of ID)

  • Residency

  • Proof of citizenship or lawful presence

  • Texas vehicle registration for each vehicle you currently own.

  • Proof of insurance for each vehicle you own. If you do not own a vehicle, you must sign a statement saying this.

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