Hi there! This article will tell you everything you need to know about how to get your Texas driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, and motorcycle license. Show
Continue reading to discover how to get your Texas driver’s license! Types of Driver’s Licenses in TexasThe Lone Star State offers the following, non-commercial license types:
Texas Driver’s License RequirementsBefore you make your way to your local TX DMV office, you must determine whether you are required to apply for a new TX driver’s license. You must obtain a Texas driver’s license if:
You are not required to have a Texas driver’s license if:
Applying for Your Texas Driver’s LicenseThere are certain Texas driver’s licenses that are age specific.
To apply for a new Texas driver’s license, you can’t have any discrepancies, such as cancelation, suspensions, revocations, or other legal matters, that would prevent you from obtaining a valid Texas driver’s license. The state of Texas does not require drivers who are at least 18 years old to obtain a learner’s permit BEFORE applying. However, if you are obtaining your TX driver’s license for the first time, you must have a learner’s license to practice your driving test. To apply for your standard Class C driver’s license in Texas, you need to visit your local TX DMV and present the following:
Once you have met the above requirements, you will be issued a receipt that you can use to drive legally until your new Texas driver’s license arrives. Your permanent TX driver’s license will be mailed to the address you provided on the application within 3 weeks. Your Texas driver’s license expires 6 years after the issue date on your birthday. If you don’t pass the Texas knowledge and driving test on the first try, the TX driver’s license office will hold your application for 90 days, and you will have 3 chances to pass the tests. If you do not pass the test, you must start the Texas driver’s license application process again and pay a new fee. Acceptable Identification Documents in TexasIn Texas, there are different types of acceptable identification documents you can use when you’re applying for your TX driver’s license. Proof of Texas Residency
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence
Proof of Identity
Proof of Social Security Number
Click here for more information regarding acceptable identification documents in Texas. Obtaining a Texas Driver’s License Under the Age of 18If you are under the age of 18, you must complete the TX driver’s education course. You can start the classroom phase of the driver’s education course at 14 years old, but you can’t apply for your TX learner’s permit until you are at least 15 years old. There are four types of driver education you can select when you are taking this course, and they are as follows:
Click here to visit the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) Driver Education site for more information about your TX driver’s education options. Driver’s LicensingThere are two phases of licensing for all teens before they are allowed to graduate to a full driver’s license, which is known as the Graduated Driver’s License Program. Phase 1 – Learner’s License
Applying for Your Learner’s LicenseTo apply for your learner’s permit in Texas, you need to visit a driver’s license office and provide proof of the following:
This does not apply to new residents who are 18 years of age or older and surrendering an out-of-state driver’s license.
If you don’t own a vehicle, you must sign a statement confirming this. Once you gather the required documents and completed the required courses, you need to complete the following steps:
You must provide the following documentation to the license and permit specialist:
You are allowed to complete the testing requirements at the driver’s license office or through a third-party provider. Once you have been issued your TX learner’s license, you will receive a temporary driver’s license. Before you leave the driver’s license office, make sure you review the printed information on your temporary driver’s license for accuracy. If any of the printed information is incorrect, you must notify the license and permit specialist. Your new license will arrive in the mail at the address you provided on the application within 3 weeks. You can check the mailing status of your card here. Be advised that if you hold an identification card, you are not eligible to apply for a learner’s license until you surrender your identification card at the time of application. Phase 2 – Provisional Driver’s License
Applying for Your Provisional Driver’s LicenseOnce you have completed all the TX learner’s license requirements, you must visit a driver’s license office and provide the following additional documentation:
You must provide the following documentation to the license and permit specialist:
You can complete the driving test requirements at the Texas Driver’s License office or through a third-party provider. If you are completing your driving test at a local driver’s license office, you must:
Once you are issued your driver’s license, you will receive a temporary driver’s license. Before you leave the driver’s license office, make sure you review the printed information on your temporary driver’s license for accuracy. If any of the printed information is incorrect, you must notify the license and permit specialist. Your new license will arrive in the mail at the address listed on your application in approximately 3 weeks. You can check the mailing status of your license here. You are eligible to renew your Texas driver’s license up to 30 days before the expiration date, which will occur on your 18th birthday. You can renew your driver’s license online by clicking here. The cost to renew online is the same cost to renew your license at a driver’s license office. If you choose to renew your license in person before you turn 18 years old, you must be accompanied by your parent or legal guardian. If you plan to renew your license after your 18th birthday, you will not be required to be accompanied by your parent or legal guardian. However, you are required to make alternate transportation arrangements to visit your local TX driver’s license office because it is a violation of state law to operate a motor vehicle with an expired driver’s license. Getting a Driver’s License as a New Resident of TexasIf you are a new resident of Texas, you have a maximum of 90 days from you establishing residency in the state to obtain your TX driver’s license. Your out-of-state or out-of-country driver’s license will no longer be valid to use in the state of Texas. To apply for a license as a new resident of Texas, you will take the same steps that are outlined above, EXCEPT you will not be required to complete the knowledge or road test IF your current driver’s license is valid and unexpired or if your license is from a different U.S. state or territory or it’s from France, South Korea, Taiwan, or Germany. If your driver’s license is from a country other than the ones previously listed, you are required to complete both the Texas written and driving tests. Be advised that if you have a valid learner’s license from one of the counties listed above and want to upgrade to a Texas license, you must take the road test, but you will not be required to complete the knowledge test. The Texas Written Exam and Road TestsTaking the Texas Written Exam The Texas written exam consists of 30 questions, 21 of which you must answer correctly to pass the exam with a minimum passing score of 70%. The minimum age to apply to take the Texas written exam is 15 years old. Taking the Texas Road Test You will take the Texas road test to determine if you can safely operate a motor vehicle. You will be tested on specific driving skills, such as parking, turning, switching lanes, and other driving skills. Non-Commercial Class A or Class B Driver’s Licenses in TexasIn Texas, the class of driver’s license is determined by the following:
Unless prohibited by the Commercial Driver License Act, you (the holder of a valid driver’s license), are permitted to operate all vehicles in the class for which that license is issued and all lesser classes EXCEPT motorcycles. You may be required to complete a Texas Class A or B Driver’s License Application Form (Non-CDL Exempt Vehicles) (Form CDL-2) Class A, B, C, and M Texas driver’s licenses are issued to individuals who are exempt from obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or who are not required to obtain a CDL. Be advised that exempt individuals may be required to obtain a Class A or B driver’s license if the type of vehicle driven meets the weight requirement for a Class A or Class B vehicle. Individuals who are exempt from obtaining a CDL but may be required to obtain a Class A or Class B driver’s license are:
Married, Divorced, or Name Change?If you have changed your name, you may be required to provide name change documentation if you’re applying for a new TX driver’s license or ID card. You may need to submit a marriage license or the equivalent, to be issued a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID in your true full name. If the name on your identification documents is different from the name you provided on your application, you must submit proper documentation that establishes your true full name. Examples of the correct documentation that establishes your true full name can include the following:
Does the REAL ID Act Impact Texans?Starting May 3, 2023, you will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license that features a gold star, a valid passport, or U.S. military ID to travel by air in the U.S. The REAL ID Act establishes the minimum standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. This act requires you to obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or ID card to access federal facilities and fly in the U.S. Your current TX driver’s license or ID is REAL ID-compliant IF it has a gold star in the top right corner. If not, you will get the gold star on your next license renewal or you can request a replacement card. Is Obtaining a REAL ID Mandatory in Texas?No. Obtaining a REAL ID in Texas is mandatory. However, having a REAL ID can be beneficial in different situations. If you have valid documentation, you can use them to pass TSA checkpoints at airport terminals nationwide and visit a secure federal building or military installation at any time. You are not required to attain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card to complete any of the following actions:
How Do You Prepare to Apply for a REAL ID Card?There are multiple steps you are required to take to apply for a REAL ID in the state of Texas. Although REAL IDs are not required in Texas, they are good to have in many situations. To obtain a REAL ID-compliant Texas driver’s license identification card, you will need the following documents:
Applying for a Commercial Driver’s License in TexasIf you intend on driving a commercial motor vehicle, you are required to obtain a commercial driver’s license. According to federal law, you must obtain a commercial learner’s permit before you can attain your full commercial driver’s license to operate certain types of vehicles for commerce or transport. In addition to federal law, the state of Texas has specific requirements for drivers who plan to operate a commercial vehicle within or across state lines. Important Federal Training Requirements UpdateEffective February 7, 2022, the Texas Department of Public Safety mandates new CDL applicants complete an entry-level driver training course through an authorized provider. You must complete this training BEFORE applying for your first commercial driver’s license, upgrading your existing CDL, class, or applying for a HAZMAT, school bus, or passenger endorsement. Texas CDL Requirements and ExemptionsThe state of Texas has different CDL requirements and exemptions. Age and Vehicle Requirements There are different age requirements for obtaining a CDL in Texas based on whether you plan to drive intrastate (within state lines ONLY) or interstate (across state and international borders).
If you have a suspended license, in any state, you are not allowed to apply for a commercial license. You must apply for a commercial driver’s license IF you operate a vehicle that:
Driving HistoryThe state of Texas ensures that all applicants have a clean driving record nationwide. The Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS) will search national driving record databases for the previous 10 years. The national records will include the Commercial Driver’s License Information Systems which shows your driver’s license or driving record in all other states, and the National Driver Register which shows your driving history, driving record points, and license suspensions and revocations. Exemptions From CDL RequirementsYou are exempt from requiring a commercial driver’s license if you are:
You can apply for certain waivers for vision impairment, agricultural industry membership, and prior military service. These waivers allow you to skip specific TX exams and may give you a restricted version of a CDL. Commercial Learner’s PermitWhen you apply for a commercial driver’s license in the state of Texas, you must first obtain your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). The CLP allows you to practice driving a commercial vehicle when you are accompanied by a licensed commercial driver. You are required to attain your CLP for at least 14 days BEFORE you can take your TX CDL skills exam to receive your full CDL. How to Get a Texas CDLWhen you’re ready to apply to receive your CDL, you need to visit your local Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TX DMV) office in person and:
In addition to providing the medical self-certification forms, you may also be required to submit a medical examiner’s certificate for certain categories. Click here for more information.
Once you complete these steps, you will receive your Texas commercial learner’s permit, which allows you to practice driving before taking your TX CDL skills exam. You can complete your on-road skills test once you attain your TX CLP for at least 14 days. Commercial Driver’s Skills TestAfter you’ve practiced driving with your TX CLP, you must take the on-road skills exam. You must provide the proper commercial motor vehicle for the class of license you need, or you risk a restriction being placed on your TX license. Your CDL driving skills exam consists of three parts:
Once you’ve passed this exam, the TX DPS will issue your full commercial driver’s license in the appropriate class. If you require a specific endorsement on your CDL to perform specific tasks or operate certain vehicles, you will need to complete additional knowledge and/or skills exams. Non-Resident CDL in TexasIf you are not a resident of the U.S., Canada, or Mexico and you want to drive a commercial vehicle in Texas, you must apply for a non-resident commercial driver’s license. There are two instances in which this CDL applies:
Temporary Non-Resident CDLIf you don’t have an SSN yet, you can apply for a temporary non-resident CDL. This CDL is NOT renewable. If your documents that are listed below expire, the temporary CDL also expires. To apply, you are required to meet all CDL requirements listed above. You need to visit a driver’s license office and:
Once you are issued a social security number, you must then apply for the permanent non-resident CDL. Permanent Non-Resident CDLIf you have a social security number as a non-resident, you can bypass the temporary CDL process and apply for a full non-resident CDL. First, you must meet all the requirements for a Texas commercial driver’s license. Visit a Texas licensing office and present:
Your non-resident CDL is valid until either your visa expires, or your I-94 form expires, whichever occurs first. Application for Replacement Texas CDLYou are required to apply for a replacement commercial driver’s license in person with the TX DPS. You can’t legally operate a commercial truck or any commercial vehicle until you have replaced your lost CDL. To apply for a replacement CDL, you need to visit your local TX DPS office and present:
Once you meet the above-listed requirements, your Texas DPS official will advise you in terms of when you’ll receive your permanent duplicate CDL. Be advised that if your original CDL is stolen, you must file a report with the local police and take a copy of the police report with you when you are applying for your replacement CDL. The DPS will decide whether you will require a new license number. Texas Out-of-State CDL HoldersIf you’re out of state when your CDL goes missing, you are not eligible to apply for a replacement CDL online or by mail. You are required to apply for a replacement CDL in person after returning to Texas. Applying for a Texas Motorcycle LicenseIf you are a new resident of Texas and currently have an out-of-state motorcycle license or endorsement, you are allowed to transfer your credentials as long as your current motorcycle license remains valid. To obtain your Texas motorcycle license, you must visit your local Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver’s license office within 90 days of moving to the state and:
Click here for a list of acceptable documentation to obtain a motorcycle license.
Texas Motorcycle License EligibilityIn Texas, to be eligible for a Class M motorcycle license, you are required to:
If you’re younger than 18 years old, you will also have to:
Once you meet the eligibility requirements listed above, you can visit your local TX DPS driver’s licensing office and apply for your TX motorcycle license. Texas Motorcycle License RestrictionsYour age determines the types of restrictions that are placed on your Class M motorcycle license.
Obtaining Your Texas Motorcycle License Once you are eligible, you can visit your local TX DPS driver’s office license and do the following:
If you’re between 15 and 17 years old, you are required to bring your parent or legal guardian, and:
After completing these steps, you will receive your unrestricted Class M motorcycle license. Your license is valid for 6 years, UNLESS you are under 18 years old, then your Class M license will expire once you turn 18 years old. Motorcycle Education in TexasCompleting a motorcycle safety course is required for all Texas motorcycle license applicants. If you’re between 15 and 17 years old, BEFORE you enroll in a motorcycle safety course, you must already have any of the following:
If you’re at least 18 years old and hold a valid Texas driver’s license, completing a motorcycle education course will allow you to waive the TX DPS motorcycle written and road exams. Regardless of your age, completing a Texas motorcycle safety course can be beneficial, enabling you to learn different skills, such as:
Fees for Texas Motorcycle LicensesThe fees that are associated with obtaining your Class M motorcycle license in Texas are as follows:
Transferring an Out-of-State Motorcycle LicenseTo transfer your out-of-state motorcycle license, you must visit your TX DMV with your existing motorcycle license or endorsement and proper identification. You must also pass a knowledge test and a vision test. Once you pay the applicable Texas motorcycle license fees, you will be able to transfer your out-of-state motorcycle license. If you have a motorcycle endorsement or motorcycle license that is expired, the rules for transferring the endorsement depend on the length of its expiration. You may be required to apply for a new endorsement or license, which requires you to pass the Texas knowledge and road tests, and any state-approved motorcycle courses that are required. Be advised that you can’t transfer a motorcycle license for a driver’s license. Texas DMV LocationsThere are different DMV locations across the state of Texas where you can apply for a new driver’s license. Here are different TX DMV locations. What do I need to get a replacement driver's license in Texas?Bringing proof of identity documents, such as military ID, government-issued ID, or passport, along with two secondary pieces of ID that could include your Social Security card, birth certificate, or voter registration card. Paying the replacement license fee using cash, credit card, check, or money order.
How long does it take to get a replacement drivers license in Texas?After you request a new license or ID, you will receive it in the mail in two to three weeks, no matter what method you used to request it.
How much does it cost to replace a lost Texas drivers license?Driver License Fees:. How do I replace my lost drivers license?You can download a copy of the driver's license application form from LTO's website and have it filled up. You will be requested to select your preferred LTO branch for the appointment. You may also opt to apply for a duplicate/replacement license and submit the affidavit of loss offline at any LTO office.
|