Texas License Transfers: Rules to Remember
- You must transfer your driver license within 90 days of moving to Texas.
- Vehicle owners must register them in Texas within 30 days and before applying for a license.
- The written knowledge and road driving tests are waived for adults exchanging a valid out-of-state license.
- You must apply in person at a Texas DPS office—transfers cannot be completed online.
Texas Pro-Tip: It’s the DPS, Not the DMV
In many states, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is a one-stop shop for your driver’s license and your car’s license plates. However, Texas splits these responsibilities between two completely separate state agencies. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues drivers’ licenses. The TxDMV (usually located in your local county tax office) handles vehicle titles and registration.
Who Must Transfer Their License?
Most people who establish residency in Texas must apply for a driver’s license transfer within 90 days. After 90 days, you can no longer rely on that license to continue driving legally.
Note: For new residents, the DPS waives a standard requirement to prove you have lived in Texas for 30 days. You can schedule your DPS appointment and complete your transfer as soon as you have two documents showing your new Texas address.
Transfer Rules by Age and License Type
Texas waives testing requirements for most drivers moving from another state, but the exact rules depend on age, license status, and license type.
Adult License Transfers (Ages 18+)
Transitioning an adult license is fairly simple, as long as it is current and in good standing.
If you surrender a valid, unexpired driver license, or one that expired less than 2 years ago:
- You do not need to take the written test or road test.
- You do not need to take driver education or the Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) course.
- You must pass a vision test, submit identity/residency documents, and surrender your physical out-of-state license card.
Long-Expired License Rules (2+ Years)
If your license expired more than 2 years ago, you cannot transfer it to Texas and must apply for a new license.
This means:
- You must pass the written knowledge test and the road test.
- You must watch the ITAD video before taking your road test.
While repeating driver education is not formally required, the DPS recommends it. A state-approved adult course also allows you to take the written test online rather than at the DPS office—and helps you learn Texas traffic laws.
Adult Learner’s Permit
If you are 18 or older and hold a valid learner’s permit (rather than a full driver’s license) from another state, Texas treats you as a Phase 1 driver seeking to advance to a full license. You must complete a few more steps before receiving an unrestricted Texas driver’s license.
Adult learner’s permit transfer rules include:
- The written test is waived.
- You may exchange your permit for a B-restricted license, the Texas version of an adult permit.
- Driver education requirements vary by age:
- Ages 18–24: Must complete a 6-hour Texas Adult Driver Education course.
- Ages 25+: Adult driver education is not required.
- You must watch the ITAD video before taking the road test.
- You must pass the road skills test.
For adults, there is no mandatory permit holding period. You can schedule your road test as soon as your driver’s ed (if required) and ITAD video are completed.
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Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) Program
Before taking a Texas road skills test, all drivers must complete a free, state-mandated video course on distracted driving. There are separate ITD tracks: Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) for minors (under 18) and Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) for adults.
ITD timing rule: If you are required to take driver education, you must complete it before taking the ITTD/ITTD course.
ITD certificate rule: The ITTD/ITAD certificate is free, valid for 90 days, and must be printed out and presented at the road test. Digital copies on a phone are not accepted.
Minor License Transfers (Under 18)
All driver license transfers for applicants under 18 fall under the Texas Graduated Driver License (GDL) program, which grants driving privileges in stages as teens gain experience.
A teen’s specific license type determines their testing, driver education, and restrictions. However, Texas state law enforces its GDL safety restrictions on all minor drivers, even a teen who earned an unrestricted, “adult” license in their previous state.
Teen Driver License
If you are 16 or 17 and hold a driver license from another state or qualifying territory, the following rules apply:
- You do not need to take the Texas written knowledge test.
- You must pass the driving skills test.
- You must complete the ITTD program before the road test.
After meeting these requirements, you will receive a Texas Provisional License and must follow its restrictions until your 18th birthday.
Teen Learner’s Permit
Out-of-state permits do not convert into driver licenses.
Teen permit transfer rules include:
- You may exchange your permit for a Learner License, our version of the teen learner’s permit.
- You must hold the Texas permit for at least 6 months before taking a road test. If you turn 18, the 6-month hold rule drops away.
- You must complete a Texas teen 24-hour driver education course.
- You must complete 14 hours of in-car instruction through a Texas-approved parent-taught driving program or with a driving school. You will then complete an additional 30 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night).
- You must complete the ITTD video course after driver’s ed and before the road test.
Need Texas teen driver education? NextDoorDriving offers Texas-certified, 100% online driver’s ed courses (avaialble in English and Spanish). Complete classroom hours at home on your schedule and take your official Texas written exam online.
Choose between our parent-taught driving option to have an approved parent oversee your in-car training, or choose the instructor-led course to do your driving lessons with a professional instructor. Our Texas teen courses are also available in Spanish, if you prefer.
- Texas Teen Drivers Ed (Instructor-Led) (Ages 14–17)
- Texas Parent-Taught Driver Education (Ages 14–17)
Mandatory School Enrollment (VOE Form)
For minors to get a license or permit, the DPS requires a signed Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form from the teen’s high school (or a diploma or GED, if applicable). The VOE form is obtained through the school’s registrar. The form is valid for 30 days during the school year and 90 days during summer. If you do not have a summer VOE, a final spring report card showing passing grades and 90%+ attendance is accepted.
Texas GDL Restrictions
Texas divides teen driving into two main phases: the Learner License (permit) and the Provisional License. These licenses restrict who a teen can drive with, when they can drive, and wireless device use.
Phase 1: Learner License
- A licensed adult age 21 or older must sit in the front passenger seat.
- Handheld and hands-free wireless device use is prohibited.
Phase 2: Provisional License (Ages 16–17)
- Solo driving is allowed.
- No more than one nonfamily passenger under age 21.
- No driving between midnight and 5:00 a.m., except for work, school activities, or medical emergencies.
- Handheld and hands-free wireless device use is prohibited.
All GDL restrictions automatically expire on your 18th birthday.
Foreign License Transfers
Texas generally waives testing for transferring valid licenses from a Canadian province and for licenses from France, Germany, South Korea, Taiwan, or the United Arab Emirates. All other international license holders must pass the written and road tests for a Texas license. Applicants who choose to keep a reciprocity-country license may be required to take the DPS tests.
How to Transfer a License to Texas: Step by Step
Texas requires applicants to complete the licensing process in a specific order. To successfully transfer your license, do the following.
Step 1: Obtain Texas Auto Insurance
Before registering your car, you must obtain Texas liability insurance that meets or exceeds state minimum coverage limits ($30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage).
Step 2: Get an Emissions Inspection (Select Counties)
General safety inspections (checking brakes, lights, windshield wipers, etc.) were abolished for non-commercial vehicles under House Bill 3297 as of January 1, 2025. However, if you live in one of 17 major urban counties, you must still take your car to an official station and pass an emissions test before registering it in Texas. You can find a list of these counties and inspection criteria on the DPS Emission Inspection page.
Step 3: Register Your Vehicle in Texas
Texas law states that if you own a vehicle, it must be registered in Texas before you apply for a driver license. Failing to do this is the top reason why new residents are turned away at the DPS counter.
To register your vehicle, take your vehicle title, proof of Texas insurance, vehicle emissions report (if applicable), and completed Form 130-U to your local county tax assessor-collector office. Pay the registration fees, which are typically around $51.75 base plus county fees and new resident tax. You will be issued a Texas vehicle registration receipt, which you must bring to your DPS driver license appointment.
If you do not own a vehicle, you don’t need to worry about this step, but you will be asked to sign an affidavit at the DPS stating you do not own a motor vehicle.
Step 4: Schedule Your Texas DPS Appointment Online
All in-person DPS services require an appointment, and scheduling is done online through the official Texas DPS - Appointment Scheduler. Booking 2–4 weeks in advance is highly recommended, especially in larger cities.
Step 5: Get Your Application and Documents
Print and fill out a Form DL-14A, the Application for Texas Driver License or Identification Card. Wait to sign your application in front of the agent. Then, gather the documents you will need to provide at the DPS.
Required Document Checklist
Make sure you have all the documents you need before heading to the DPS. Texas requires original or certified documents, and photocopies or digital images are not accepted.
To transfer a license, you will generally need to provide the following documents.
| Category | What to Bring |
| Current License | Valid out-of-state license to surrender |
| Identity | DPS-accepted identity documents |
| Citizenship or Lawful Presence | U.S. citizenship or current immigration documents |
| Social Security Number | SSN for verification; supporting proof if requested |
| Texas Residency | Two printed documents showing the Texas address |
| Vehicle Records | Texas registration and insurance for vehicles owned |
| School Enrollment (Under 18) | VOE form, high school diploma, or GED |
| Name Change | Certified supporting documents (if applicable) |
Step 6: Attend Your DPS Appointment
Arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time with your required documents in hand. At the counter, a DPS agent will:
- Review your identity, residency, and vehicle documents.
- Administer a basic vision test; bring corrective lenses if needed.
- Take your digital photo, provide thumbprints, and capture your electronic signature.
- Collect your current driver license card.
Step 7: Pay and Receive a Temporary License
After you pay the driver license fee, the DPS will issue you a temporary paper driver license, which is legally valid for 60 days. Your permanent license card will arrive in the mail within 2 to 3 weeks.
Driver License Fees
Current Texas driver license fees and validity periods are:
- Adult License (Ages 18–84): $33.00 — Valid for 8 years
- Learner License / Provisional License: $16.00 — Valid until your 18th birthday
- Senior License (Ages 85+): $9.00 — Valid for 2 years
Fees can be paid using credit card, debit card, cash, check, or money order.
License Transfer Exemptions
Everyone who drives in Texas with an out-of-state license is not required to complete an immediate transfer. The following exemptions may apply:
- Temporary visitors may drive under applicable nonresident or international reciprocity rules. The 90-day transfer deadline applies only after establishing residency.
- Out-of-state college students enrolled full-time in an accredited school do not need to transfer their license, provided they maintain their official legal home of record in their home state/country.
- Active-duty military and dependents do not have to transfer their license, provided they maintain a valid, unexpired license from their legal state of residence.
- Honorably discharged veterans have 90 days after separation to apply for a Texas license without taking the written or road tests.
FAQs
Can I transfer my driver education or practice hours when I move?
For both teens and adults, out-of-state driver education classroom or behind-the-wheel training hours do not transfer to Texas if you have not yet obtained a driver license (provisional or full). If you are under the age of 25, you must complete a Texas-certified driver education course. Drivers ages 18–24 must complete 6 hours of driver education, while minors (under 18) must complete 24 hours of classroom driver education and 44 hours of supervised driving.
What should I do if I lose my driver license before moving?
If you cannot physically surrender your out-of-state license, the DPS will not automatically grant testing waivers. You must request a replacement card from your previous state, or obtain a certified driving record or clearance letter from that state’s licensing agency proving your license is current and in good standing.
How do I transfer an out-of-state Commercial Driver License (CDL)?
Under federal law, you cannot hold a CDL from multiple states simultaneously. To transfer a CDL to Texas, apply in person within 30 days of establishing residency. You must provide proof of Texas residency, pass a vision test, provide a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (if non-excepted), and self-certify your driving type. Knowledge/road tests are generally waived, except for the Hazardous Materials (HazMat) endorsement, which requires passing the written exam and a TSA background check.
Can I transfer my out-of-state license if it is currently suspended or revoked?
Texas checks all applicants through the National Driver Register (NDR) and the Commercial Driver License Information System (CDLIS). If your driving privilege is suspended, revoked, or canceled in any U.S. jurisdiction, your Texas application will be automatically denied until you clear the hold and provide proof of license reinstatement.
Can I keep my old out-of-state driver license as a keepsake or ID?
Texas strictly adheres to federal REAL ID and state credentialing rules. You are legally required to surrender your physical out-of-state license card at the DPS counter when your temporary Texas license is issued.
