Apply for a Texas Driver License

The Texas Driver’s Handbook is available online or at any driver license office to help individuals qualify for a Texas driver license.

Individuals applying for their first Texas driver license must:

• Gather documents that verify their identity, Social Security Number, U.S. citizenship or lawful presence status, and Texas residency.  
• Complete the application. (This form is also available at any driver license office.)
• Present either:
  1. Proof of Texas vehicle registration (only if a new Texas resident) and evidence of financial responsibility for each vehicle owned by the applicant or
  2. A statement affirming that the applicant does not own a motor vehicle.
• Apply in person at any driver license office and bring the required documents and fees.
• Pass the knowledge and driving tests, unless exempt. (Read about testing in other languages.)

NOTE:  Applicants under 25 years of age must also successfully complete adriver education course before applying for their first Texas driver license.

Teen Drivers

Individuals under 18 years of age must meet extra requirements. For more information visit the Teen Drivers page.

Foreign Students and Nonresident Visitors

To reduce the risk of identity theft, enhance security and protect the integrity of the licensing process, nonresident visitors (including students) applying for a driver license or identification card must meet certain requirements. The US Citizenship or Lawful Presence page describes the requirements for proving citizenship or lawful presence.  Accepted documents may be found in theVerifying Lawful Presence Guide which also contains information for temporary visitors.” In addition, a brochure listing all of the acceptable documents is available for download.

New Texas Residents

New residents who have recently moved to Texas and hold a valid, unexpired driver license from another state or country should read the information onmoving to Texas.

Motorcycle and Moped Riders

For motorcycle and moped riders, read Motorcycle Licenses for more information on obtaining a Class M license.

U.S. Military Veterans

Some disabled veterans may qualify for a fee exemption on their driver license or ID card. A veteran designation for driver licenses is also available for qualifying veterans. More information about these services, including qualification requirements, is available on the Veteran Services page.