How do i get my license in texas

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles license renewals. To renew your Texas driver license, motorcycle license or identification card, click the link below:

Renew Your Driver License

Phone

Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 8AM - 5PM (Central Time). Due to the large number of calls we receive, you may experience longer than average hold times during certain hours. Our busiest times during the week are Mondays, Tuesdays, and daily 11AM to 2PM. Customers calling outside these times may experience shorter hold times. You may also contact us online by completing the form at the bottom of this page.

Toll-Free

1 (888) 368-4689

1 (888) DMV-GOTX

Local (Austin)

(512) 465-3000

Fax

(512) 465-4129

Dealer Contacts

ContactPhone NumberDealer Licensing Receptionist(512) 465-4029eTAG Helpline(512) 465-4010Licensing/Salvage Information(888) 368-4689 or (512) 465-3000

Law Enforcement Contacts

ContactPhone NumberFaxLaw Enforcement Assistance Team(512) 465-1243Advertising(512) 465-4147Dealer Enforcement/Training(888) 368-4689 or (512) 465-3000Enforcement Division Administrative Staff(512) 465-4204Lemon Law(888) 368-4689 or (512) 465-3000Motor Vehicle Investigations(512) 465-4205(512) 465-5651Motor Carrier Investigations(512) 465-1350(512) 465-5652Motor Carrier Enforcement/Training(512) 465-1350(512) 465-5652

Other Contacts

ContactPhone NumberMotor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA)(512) 465-1485Office of Administrative Hearings(512) 465-5000Media Inquiries(512) 465-1484Specialty License Plates (including Military)(512) 374-5010

Mail

Mailing Address

Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) 
4000 Jackson Avenue 
Austin, Texas 78731

Find Your Local Tax Office & DMV

County Name

Find Offices

Please include the following with all correspondence:

• First and last name
• Return mailing address
• Vehicle information (Vehicle Identification Number)
• Telephone number
• Email address
• Detailed description of your comment or concern (background information) and explain how we can assist you
• For dealers, provide your dealer license number and/or work item number

Contact Us Online

Messages submitted through this form are typically addressed within 5 business days.

Please include the following with all online correspondence:

• Vehicle Information (Vehicle Identification Number)
• First and Last Name
• Telephone Number
• County of Residence or Zip Code
• Detailed description of your comment or concern (background) and explain how we can assist you
• For dealers, provide your dealer license number or application number

Name Email Main Subject

You may request government records under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552). Please click the link below to visit our Open Records page for more information or to submit a request.

  Open Records Requests

TxDMV does not issue or renew the Texas driver license. If you have a driver license inquiry, please contact the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Making an appointment to apply for a drivers license at the Texas DPS comes with a full range of expectations. All new drivers in Texas are required to complete the following:

• Pass a written exam
• Pass a behind-the-wheel test
• Pass a vision exam
• Provide proof of identity
• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship or residency
• Supply valid vehicle registration
• Show proof of valid and adequate auto insurance
• Submit a completed drivers license application
• Pay the drivers license fee
• Agree to submit a thumb print and have your photograph taken

Drivers over the age of 25 are only expected to meet the requirements above. While an adult drivers ed course is a good idea, it's not a requirement.

Drivers Age 17 and Under

Apart from those listed above, Texas teens have a few additional requirements to fulfill before they apply for a new drivers license.

Teen drivers between the ages of 15-17 are required to complete a state-approved teen drivers education course. You must complete 32 hours of driver education, although that can be done online or in a classroom setting.

What do I need to get my license?

Completing a drivers ed course is just one step toward getting your license. Texas teens are also required to obtain a learners permit and practice driving with a licensed adult. To earn your learners permit, you must:

• Sign up for and complete the first 2 chapters of your drivers ed course
• Pass a drivers permit exam at the DPS

Once you've passed your permit exam, you can start your behind-the-wheel training. A teen's parent can apply to act as a drivers ed instructor (for parent-taught drivers ed) and help new drivers fulfill their driving practice requirement. Your behind-the-wheel driving requirement includes:

• 7 hours of driving practice with an approved instructor or parent-instructor
• 7 hours of practice with a licensed adult over the age of 21
• 30 hours of logged driving practice including 10 hours at night

Once you've completed the requirements above and passed your 16th birthday, you can go to the DPS. Be sure to bring the following:

What are the steps to getting your license in Texas?

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