International students and scholars (ISSS) who will be in the U.S. for longer than 30 days and plan to drive a car should obtain a Texas Driver's License at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Access to a car, knowledge of Texas driving regulations, as well as testable driving skills are basic requirements for a driver's license. You must provide your own vehicle when taking the driving test.
For the location of the nearest Driver License Office go to https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/media-and-communications-office/contact-us
If you do not plan to drive in the U.S. but want a U.S. form of identification, you may apply for a Texas ID Card at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/how-apply-texas-identification-card
Any applicant aged 18-24 years old must take a 6-hour Adult Driver Education course online or at a driving school.
Any applicant over the age of 24 can either take the 6-hour Adult Driver Education course or take the computer test at the DPS Office.
When visiting a TxDPS location, certain documents are required to apply for a driver's license or identification card. Some essential documents are needed to apply; lawful presence/identification, social security (if applicable), and two proofs of residency (address).
If you have a valid driver's license from another U.S. state, U.S. territory, you must surrender the license and you are not required to take the knowledge or skills exam.
Texas also has license issuance reciprocity with Canada, France, Germany, South Korea, and Taiwan only. If you have a valid, unexpired license from either of these countries, you do not have to take the knowledge exam if they surrender their out-of-country driver license.
Any applicant over the age of 24 can either take the 6-hour Adult Driver Education course or take the computer test at the DPS office.
A "B" restriction will be added to your license. The "B" restriction means it's a license to practice. When practicing, a person that's 21 years or older has to be in the car at all times when driving.
At the time of the road test, the Young Adult Impact Certificate must be presented before the road test.
When setting up the appointment yourself, ensure the correct office is selected; some locations have a Commercial Driver's License Office on the premises. Select the reason you are coming to the office (i.e., first time applying for a driver's license or identification card).
https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/driver-license-services-appointments
If you are having trouble with verifying your immigration status with the Department of Public Safety, check the SAVE System to see the status of your immigration verification with DHS.
Additional Info
For the location of the nearest Driver License Office go to https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/media-and-communications-office/contact-us
If you do not plan to drive in the U.S. but want a U.S. form of identification, you may apply for a Texas ID Card at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/how-apply-texas-identification-card
How to Apply for a Texas Driver's License:
Instructions on the TxDPS website: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/how-apply-texas-driver-licenseAny applicant aged 18-24 years old must take a 6-hour Adult Driver Education course online or at a driving school.
Any applicant over the age of 24 can either take the 6-hour Adult Driver Education course or take the computer test at the DPS Office.
When visiting a TxDPS location, certain documents are required to apply for a driver's license or identification card. Some essential documents are needed to apply; lawful presence/identification, social security (if applicable), and two proofs of residency (address).
- Proof of Lawful Presence/Identity: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/us-citizenship-or-lawful-presence-requirement
- Proof of Residence: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/texas-residency-requirement-driver-licenses-and-id-cards
- Social Security Number, if applicable: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/social-security-number-ssn
- I-20 or DS-2019 depending on your visa status.
If you have a valid driver's license from another U.S. state, U.S. territory, you must surrender the license and you are not required to take the knowledge or skills exam.
Texas also has license issuance reciprocity with Canada, France, Germany, South Korea, and Taiwan only. If you have a valid, unexpired license from either of these countries, you do not have to take the knowledge exam if they surrender their out-of-country driver license.
Applying for a Driver's Permit:
Any applicant aged 18-24 years old must take a 6-hour Adult Driver Education course online at a driving school.Any applicant over the age of 24 can either take the 6-hour Adult Driver Education course or take the computer test at the DPS office.
A "B" restriction will be added to your license. The "B" restriction means it's a license to practice. When practicing, a person that's 21 years or older has to be in the car at all times when driving.
At the time of the road test, the Young Adult Impact Certificate must be presented before the road test.
Appointments:
Everyone that visits the driver's license office must have an appointment. Applicants can go on the website to set up an appointment or visits the DPS office to set an appointment. Walk-in appointments are available if there is availability. The walk-in appointment set for you does not guarantee the appointment will be for the same day. You may have to return later in the day or another day.When setting up the appointment yourself, ensure the correct office is selected; some locations have a Commercial Driver's License Office on the premises. Select the reason you are coming to the office (i.e., first time applying for a driver's license or identification card).
https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/driver-license-services-appointments
SAVE Case Check
Agencies may need to verify your immigration status to process your application. To verify your status, they use the SAVE Program. CaseCheck, a free and fast service, lets you follow the progress of your SAVE verification case online as often as you like.If you are having trouble with verifying your immigration status with the Department of Public Safety, check the SAVE System to see the status of your immigration verification with DHS.
Additional Info
- Additional information about applying for a driver's license
- The Texas Driver Handbook is available at https://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-7.pdf
- The driver license fees are located at https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license