Getting a Driver's License or ID

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According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS, 512-424-2000), full-time students are not required to get a Texas driver’s license (TDL) if they maintain a valid out-of- state license. If you work part-time or are only a part-time student, you have 30 days to get a TDL. However, many law enforcement officers, particularly in small towns in and around Houston (Southside Place, for example), will try to cite you because they assume that you won’t want to waste time fighting the fine in court.

If you do not want a driver’s license, you will still need a picture ID for purposes of cashing checks, getting into bars and clubs, and things of this nature. The DPS also issues a Texas ID card for $5. This will also take six weeks to arrive by mail, but they won’t take your old driver’s license if you have one. See the DPS FAQ about identification cards.

You cannot get a TDL if you have a car registered in your name in another state. You will have to register your car in Texas. After completing the process to get the TDL, it takes 4-6 weeks for it to get to you on the mail. You forfeit your driver’s license from another state of residence (if any), but you do get a receipt that entitles you to drive in the meantime. Most banks will require your driver’s license or your passport to open a bank account on your name. A TDL also makes writing checks in stores much more convenient. Fortunately, most stores will accept a check with your temporary TDL and your Rice ID card.

See the DPS instructions: 'Moving to Texas?' 

To get a TDL, you need proof of identity (typical documents are a current driver's license or US passport), your social security card, and about $30 cash. If your out-of-state license is current, no tests are needed. You may even avoid standing in line, as most people there will be waiting to take written and driving tests. If you have no driver’s license, have allowed your old license to expire, or are in need of a motorcycle license, you will have to take the written and driving tests. The written test is fairly easy, although people do fail it. You can trot up to the window and get a driver’s handbook to study while you wait in line. Once you pass the written test, you will be given an appointment for a driving test on the same day. If you get to the window after 11am, you may not be able to take the driving test that day. Your best bet is to get in line early (office opens at 8 am) and expect a one or two hour wait. The car that you bring to the driving test must be street legal (e.g., with valid inspection and registration), and you must have proof of liability insurance. They will inspect the car on the spot; if anything is out of order, you will be told to get it fixed, and (you guessed it) you will probably have to wait in line again.

Lines can be very time consuming but there are ways to minimize your wait! First, going on Saturday may not be a good choice. Second, be aware that most people in line will be taking both the driving and the written tests. If you do not need to take a road test, you may want to go after lunch. By this time, most road test people will have made their appointments. TDL renewal and changes of address on the TDL can be processed online (http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/).

Motorcycle or Mo-ped Licenses 

If you ride a motorcycle or mo-ped, you must have a special license. You get this at the same place and will have to take a written and driving test. There is a separate motorcycle handbook that will prepare you for the motorcycle/moped test. This test is somewhat more difficult than the general test, but it is easy to pass after reading the book. If you are getting a regular license too, you will be given one license valid for a car and a motorbike. Both the car and the motorcycle must have the required inspection stickers, registration, insurance, lights, etc.