A citizen of Texas who wants a driver's license must meet different requirements depending on the type of license he needs. The qualifications differ for new licenses, renewals, teen drivers and new residents to the state.
When applying for a new license, the applicant must present documentation in four categories:
The Texas Department of Public Safety issues a brochure outlining examples of accepted documents for each category. Applicants must complete and sign the driver's license application, which is available to download from the department's website or at any driver's license office. Each applicant must show his Texas vehicle registration and proof of auto insurance or sign an affidavit that he does not own a vehicle. Other requirements include passing a vision, written and driving test.
All applicant's under the age of 25 must also take a driver education course.
When renewing a license, the driver does not need to present all the documentation a new driver does. Instead, he need only verify his Social Security number. If that number does not match the one on file, he'll have to provide proof of his number. Certain drivers are eligible to renew online or over the phone. To renew over the phone or online, the driver needs his current license, Social Security number, credit card and a printer to print off his temporary license until his new one comes in the mail.
Before applying for a full license, the teen must follow the steps of Texas' Graduated License Program, including holding a learner's permit for at least six months and then a provisional license for a minimum of six months. A teen driver must present the same documents in the same four categories as applicants for a new license. A parent or guardian must provide consent on the driver's license application for any driver under the age of 18. All drivers under the age of 25 must also take part in the Impact Texas Teen Drivers Program, a two-hour instructional video on the dangers of distracted driving.
A new resident to Texas can use his current driver's license from another state for up to 90 days. After that point, he must apply for a Texas license following the same requirements as a new driver. He does not have to take the written or driving test. New residents under the age of 18 must take the driving skills test to get a Texas license.
The new license and renewal fees run $25 for ages 18 to 84 and $9 for over 85, as of publication. Drivers under the age of 18 pay $16 for a new license and $6 for a renewal.
