Getting a Texas Driver’s License: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Residents

For many newcomers in the USA, obtaining a Texas driver’s license can seem daunting, especially when navigating through the regulations around international driving permits. In our case, my parents moved to the US on a B2 visa and wanted to apply for a Texas driver’s license, but their Chinese driver’s license was not recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Here’s how we successfully went through the process of getting them a Texas driver’s license!

Step 1: Obtain the Texas Adult Driver Education Certificate

The first step involves completing a six-hour online course from an accredited third-party driving school. We chose a school that fit our needs, paying $36 for the course. If you require immediate electronic certification, it costs an additional $9.95. For $6.95, the school can mail your certification, or you can opt for the free method, which takes about a week for email delivery.

Tip: Make sure to print out your certification in a way that shows the red Control No. at the top right corner!

Step 2: Schedule an Appointment with the DPS

Once you have your certificate, it’s time to schedule an appointment. Log onto the DPS website and enter your name, birthdate, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN). If you don’t have an SSN, you can use 9999 as a placeholder.

Select “New Appointment” and then “Apply for first time Texas DL/Permit.” You will be prompted to enter your contact information and ZIP code, followed by choosing your preferred appointment time and location.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents for the DPS Appointment

Ensure you bring all the necessary documents to your appointment:

• Parents’ passports (with valid U.S. visa)
• I-94 form
• DL-14A application form
• Social Security Affidavit for parents without an SSN
• Two documents proving your address (such as a utility bill or bank statement dated between 30 and 90 days)
• DL-5 Texas Residency Affidavit signed by you as a guarantor
• Texas Adult Driver Education Certificate
• Your own driver’s license

Step 4: Visit the DPS

Arrive at least 30 minutes early for your appointment. However, be prepared for longer wait times, as we waited over an hour and a half to be called. The staff at DPS were friendly, albeit a bit slow, reminiscent of Flash from Zootopia!

If you realize you are missing any electronic documents, DPS allows you to email them to a specified address during your appointment, and they will print them for you. If you need to complete an affidavit, they provide blank forms to fill out while waiting.

Step 5: Complete the Application Process

After all your documents are verified, you’ll be asked to provide signatures, thumbprints, and have your photo taken. A quick vision test follows (you can wear corrective lenses if needed). You must be able to recognize the 26 letters of the English alphabet and name the colors red, green, and yellow.

Once you’ve passed the vision test, you’ll pay a fee of $33 and receive a signed paper permit. The actual permit card will be mailed to your home address within two weeks.

Conclusion

Securing a Texas driver’s license can be a straightforward process if you follow the steps carefully and prepare the necessary documents. With a little patience and preparation, you too can navigate through the process successfully. Now, my parents are ready to explore all that Texas has to offer! 🚗