Texas driver license requirements for first-time applicants

Before the Texas DPS appointment

Texas DPS tells first-time applicants to gather proof of citizenship or lawful presence, Texas residency, identity and Social Security information before the appointment. Vehicle registration and insurance evidence may also apply depending on whether you own a vehicle and whether you are a new resident.

DPS recommends using its REAL ID Document Check tool to build a personalized document list before the visit.

Driver education depends on age

DPS says a first-time applicant age 18 through 24 must complete a six-hour adult driver-education course unless an applicable new-resident exception applies. DPS states there is no driver-education requirement for applicants age 25 and older. Teen applicants follow the separate Texas teen-driver route.

What happens at the driver license office

At the office, the applicant completes or presents the application and documents, provides biometric information and a photo, pays the application fee, and completes the required vision, knowledge and driving-skills testing. DPS also allows some testing through approved third-party providers.

• Texas documents checklist
• Texas Driver Handbook
• Texas knowledge-test guide