Start Free Practice

How to get a driver's license in Texas as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in Texas needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Visitors may drive with a valid foreign license for up to one year or until they become Texas residents, whichever comes first.
Deadline after moving
90 days after moving to Texas
License exchange without tests
5 countries
License without immigration status
No
No SSN?
Provide your SSN on the application; if not eligible for one, sign a Social Security Number Affidavit (Form DL-13) at the office.

Driving on a foreign license

Visitors may drive with a valid foreign license for up to one year or until they become Texas residents, whichever comes first. Deadline after moving: 90 days after moving to Texas.

Exchanging a foreign license

  • France
  • Germany
  • South Korea
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Taiwan

License must be valid and unexpired; you surrender it unless you choose to keep it (then tests apply). Licenses not in English or Spanish must be translated by a translation service or your consulate.

If your country is not on the list

Apply as a new driver: vision exam, written knowledge test and driving skills test; ages 18-24 also need a six-hour adult driver education course.

Texas has license reciprocity with France, Germany, South Korea, United Arab Emirates and Taiwan. www.dps.texas.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
  • Foreign passport and visa with valid I-94
  • Employment Authorization Document (I-766)

License validity: Temporary visitors' license expires when lawful presence expires; 'duration of status' gets one year.

The driver license or ID card will expire when the period of lawful presence expires. www.dps.texas.gov

Social Security number

Provide your SSN on the application; if not eligible for one, sign a Social Security Number Affidavit (Form DL-13) at the office.

must complete a Social Security Number Affidavit (Form DL-13) provided at the driver license office www.dps.texas.gov

Proof of residency

Two printed documents (lease, utility bill, pay stub, insurance, etc.); one must show at least 30 days in Texas.

To verify Texas residency, an individual must present two printed documents from the list below. www.dps.texas.gov

Step by step

  1. If 18-24, complete the six-hour adult driver education course; get the Impact Texas Drivers certificate.
  2. Register your vehicles in Texas and get insurance (or sign a statement that you own no vehicle).
  3. Gather lawful presence, identity, SSN (or DL-13 affidavit) and two Texas residency documents.
  4. Book an appointment at a DPS driver license office and complete the application.
  5. Give thumbprints and signature, take a photo and pay the $33 fee.
  6. Pass the vision exam and the written knowledge test.
  7. Pass the driving skills test (at DPS or a third-party provider).
  8. Receive a temporary license; the card arrives by mail in 2-3 weeks.

Fees

$33 for a new Class C driver license, ages 18 to 84.

Age 18 to 84: new www.dps.texas.gov

Prepare for the knowledge test Exam languages in Texas

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.