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Updated
Minimum age: 15 for a learner’s license; 16 for a provisional license
Required documents: Social Security number and proofs of identity, Texas residency, and legal presence[1]
Testing requirements: Vision exam, knowledge test, and road test
Estimated cost: $16 to $33 for most licenses, plus driver education costs
Timeline: Six months to one year for most teen drivers to move from learner to unrestricted license
Texas drivers must meet multiple requirements before getting a license. The process varies by age, but most applicants must provide documents, complete driver’s education, and pass tests administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Must complete a driver’s education course. Drivers ages 18–24 must complete a six-hour adult driver’s education course before applying for a Texas license. Teens must finish a state-approved teen driver’s education program.
Show proof of identity. Applicants must provide proof of identity, such as a government-issued identification card, residency, lawful presence, and Social Security number, before submitting a Texas driver’s license application.
Pass a written test. First-time drivers generally must pass the written knowledge test unless their approved education program includes it.
Pass a vision exam. Both teen and adult drivers must pass a vision exam and demonstrate safe driving skills during the road test. Teens typically take the road test after meeting the required permit and supervised driving hours, while adults may do so after documentation and education steps.
Receive temporary license. After approval, applicants pay the driver’s license fees and receive a temporary paper license until the permanent card arrives in the mail.
The Texas DPS requires identification and proof of residency before issuing a license. The DPS recommends using its REAL ID checklist before an appointment.
Applicants commonly need:
Certified birth certificate or valid U.S. passport
Social Security card or proof of Social Security number
Two proofs of Texas residency, such as utility bills or lease agreements
Proof of lawful presence for non-U.S. citizens
Proof of Texas car insurance or a statement confirming you don’t own a vehicle
Driver’s education completion certificate, if applicable
Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) certificate before taking the driving test
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The cost of a Texas driver’s license depends on your age, your license class, and whether you need driver’s education. Most adults ages 18 to 84 pay $33 for a standard Class C license, while teens pay reduced fees for learner or provisional licenses.
Other costs may include driver’s education courses, third-party testing fees, and duplicate document charges.[2] [3]
Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Permit fee | $16 |
| Standard license fee (18–84) | $33 |
| Replacement license fee | $11 |
| Adult driver’s education course | Typically $38–$79 |
| Teen driver’s education course | Often $38–$89 |
| Road test fee | Usually included with application, though third-party providers may charge separately |
Texas operates a graduated driver licensing program that gradually introduces teens to licensed driving. Young drivers start with a learner license, progress to a provisional license, and then qualify for a full license.
Teens can apply for a learner license at 15 after completing the first part of a state-approved driver’s education course. During the permit stage, they must drive with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front seat.
After holding a learner license for at least six months and completing education, teens can apply for a provisional license at 16. Drivers younger than 18 must finish supervised and nighttime driving hours.
Texas provisional licenses restrict late-night driving and limit the number of passengers. Most drivers qualify for an unrestricted license at 18.
Teens in Texas can get a license by following these steps:
Start driver education at age 15. Teens must enroll in a Texas-approved driver’s education course.
Apply for a learner license. Teens complete paperwork, pass testing requirements, and begin supervised driving practice.
Complete supervised driving hours. Texas requires behind-the-wheel instruction and supervised practice, including nighttime driving.
Apply for a provisional license at 16. Teens who have held a permit for at least six months may take the Texas road test starting on their 16th birthday.
Receive a full license at 18. Most provisional restrictions end once drivers turn 18.
License Type | When Teens May Drive | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Learner license | Only with licensed adults aged 21+ in the front seat | Minimum age 15; driver’s education enrollment required |
| Provisional driver’s license: 16 | No driving from midnight to 5 a.m. except for school, work, or emergencies | Must hold a learner license for six months and complete driving requirements |
| Full, unrestricted license: 18 | No special restrictions | Clean driving history recommended |
Texas issues REAL ID-compliant licenses with a gold star in the top-right corner. A REAL ID is required for boarding domestic flights and entering some federal facilities after the enforcement deadlines.
You can get a REAL ID by following these steps:
Gather REAL ID documents. Collect your proof of identity, lawful presence, Social Security number, and Texas residency documents. You’ll need them for your appointment.
Schedule your DPS appointment. If you’re a first-time applicant, you must visit a Texas DPS office in person.
Complete the application. Submit the required driver’s license application in Texas, along with supporting documents.
Pass required testing. First-time drivers may need vision, knowledge, and driving tests.
Receive your REAL ID-compliant license. Texas licenses issued today generally meet REAL ID standards automatically.
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New Texas residents generally have up to 90 days after moving to transfer an out-of-state license. New applicants must visit a DPS office in person, as Texas doesn’t issue first-time licenses online.
Texas usually waives the written knowledge and road tests for drivers with valid out-of-state licenses, but drivers with expired licenses may need additional testing.
To transfer your out-of-state license, follow these steps:
Gather required documents. Bring proof of identity, residency, Social Security number, vehicle registration, and Texas car insurance.
Schedule a DPS appointment. Texas driver’s license offices operate primarily by appointment.
Surrender your old license. Texas generally requires drivers to give up their out-of-state licenses.
Pass testing if required. Expired licenses or certain driving histories may trigger additional testing.
Pay fees and receive a temporary license. Most adults pay $33 for a standard Texas driver’s license.
Texas drivers may renew or replace their license online, by mail, by phone, or in person, depending on eligibility.
When to renew: You can renew most Texas licenses up to two years before expiration.
Renewing online: You can renew online only if you meet DPS eligibility rules and have previously renewed in person.
Visiting an office: First-time applicants, some REAL ID applicants, and people with expired licenses must visit the office to renew their licenses.
Associated costs: Texas charges $11 to replace lost, stolen, or damaged licenses.
Minimum-coverage rates start as low as $44/mo.
Texas law requires all drivers to carry at least 30/60/25 liability coverage — $30,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage liability. New drivers often pay more for Texas car insurance because insurers view inexperienced drivers as higher-risk.
Teen drivers often remain on a parent’s insurance policy because it’s typically far cheaper than purchasing separate coverage. In Texas, learner license holders are generally covered under a parent or guardian’s insurance policy while practicing supervised driving.
Young drivers with speeding tickets, accidents, or DUI violations can face especially high premiums. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers can help reduce costs.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $88 | $170 |
| Allstate | $124 | $243 |
| Progressive | $125 | $228 |
| GEICO | $129 | $273 |
| Mile Auto | $135 | $302 |
| USAA | $148 | $289 |
| Root | $159 | $263 |
| Mercury | $164 | $263 |
| The General | $168 | $374 |
| First Acceptance | $170 | $413 |
| Clearcover | $171 | $299 |
| GAINSCO | $173 | $334 |
| Alinsco | $177 | $347 |
| Bristol West | $183 | $354 |
| Lone Star | $183 | $427 |
| Dairyland | $186 | $436 |
| Commonwealth Casualty | $187 | $408 |
| Covercube | $195 | $447 |
| Mendota | $207 | $404 |
| Sun Coast | $215 | $433 |
| Elephant | $223 | $346 |
| AssuranceAmerica | $224 | $410 |
| Direct Auto | $227 | $358 |
| Loop | $230 | $429 |
| Safeco | $239 | $352 |
| National General | $240 | $398 |
| Trexis One | $267 | $556 |
| Chubb | $279 | $548 |
| 21st Century | $282 | $552 |
| Liberty Mutual | $335 | $490 |
Texas has one of the largest driver licensing systems in the U.S., and requirements can vary depending on your age, residency status, and prior driving experience.[4] Here, you’ll find answers to common questions about obtaining a license in Texas.
For adults, the process can take a few weeks if appointments are available quickly. Teen drivers in Texas usually need at least six months of supervised driving before they can obtain a provisional license.
Most adult drivers pay $33 for a standard Class C license. Teen learner and provisional licenses typically cost $16, though education courses and testing fees can add to the total.
No. First-time applicants must visit a Texas DPS office in person. Some renewals and replacement licenses may qualify for online processing through Texas.gov.
You’ll need proof of your identity, your Social Security number, Texas residency information, lawful presence, and proof of insurance or a vehicle ownership statement. Many applicants also need driver’s education and testing certificates.
Drivers moving to Texas generally must visit a DPS office, surrender their old license, provide residency and identity documents, and pay the required fee within 90 days of establishing residency.
Drivers older than 25 can apply directly for a standard Texas driver’s license. Texas doesn’t require driver’s education courses for applicants 25 and older, though studying the Texas Driver Handbook is strongly recommended.
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15 years at the Boston Globe
5+ years covering insurance industry
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 20461358
Featured in
Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
Impartial, independent expert
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