Moving to Texas: License Transfer Guide 2026
If you've moved to Texas from another state, DL-7 Chapter 1 specifies: "New residents who are exchanging a valid out-of-state license have 90 days to establish residency in Texas in order to secure a Texas driver license." This guide walks through the full transfer process at a Driver License Office, including the DL-7 waiver that lets most adults skip the written and driving tests.
The 90-Day Deadline (DL-7 Chapter 1)
DL-7 says new residents have 90 days from establishing residency to obtain a Texas driver license. Driving on an out-of-state license past 90 days exposes you to citation under Texas law. Most peace officers won't pull you over for this alone, but it can come up at any traffic stop.
DL-7 Test Waiver for Adults
This is the most useful exemption for new residents. DL-7 Chapter 1 says: "The knowledge and driving exams are not required for applicants 18 years of age and older who surrender a valid out-of-state driver license." You will still need:
- The vision exam (DL-7 Chapter 1 — "your vision will be examined when you are at the driver license office")
- Proof of identity, citizenship/lawful presence, residency, and Social Security Number
- Application fee per DL-7 Chapter 1: $32 + $1 administrative fee = $33 for adults
- To surrender your out-of-state license
DL-7 Chapter 1 also notes: "license has been expired for over two years" — confirm at the office whether retesting is required if your prior license is long-expired.
If You're Under 18
DL-7 Chapter 1 Phase 1/Phase 2 GDL rules apply to drivers under 18 regardless of where they came from. You'll typically need to complete a Texas-approved driver education program and meet GDL requirements before issuance. Course details and provider lists are administered by TDLR — confirm at dps.texas.gov.
Documents to Bring
Identity
- Out-of-state driver license (will be surrendered per DL-7 Chapter 1)
- Birth certificate or U.S. passport
- Permanent Resident Card (green card) or visa documentation if non-citizen
Social Security Number
- Original Social Security card, W-2, 1099, or recent pay stub showing SSN
Texas Residency (need 2 from different sources)
- Lease or mortgage statement
- Utility bill (gas, electric, water, internet) with Texas address
- Bank statement
- Texas vehicle registration or title
- Insurance policy with Texas address
- Pay stub with employer's Texas address
- Texas voter registration card
The two residency proofs must be from different sources per dps.texas.gov.
Step-by-Step at the Driver License Office
- Book an appointment per dps.texas.gov — see the DPS appointment guide
- Bring all documents (originals or certified copies — copies and scans aren't accepted)
- Complete the application form per dps.texas.gov
- Surrender your out-of-state license
- Take the vision exam (DL-7 Chapter 1 standard)
- Have your photo taken and provide a thumbprint
- Pay the $33 application fee (DL-7 Chapter 1 fee table)
- Receive a temporary paper license at the counter; the plastic card arrives by mail (per dps.texas.gov)
If You Want REAL ID
You can request a REAL ID-compliant license at the same first-issuance visit. REAL ID is a federal program not covered in DL-7 — confirm document requirements at dps.texas.gov. See our REAL ID guide.
Vehicle Registration Deadline
Separately from the license, DL-7 Chapter 2 references the registration process for new residents: "New residents registering a vehicle must obtain a Texas vehicle inspection report and verification of the vehicle identification number (VIN) by a state-approved vehicle inspection station prior to registration." Registration timelines and fees are administered by your county tax assessor-collector — confirm specific deadlines at your county TAC office or dps.texas.gov.
You'll need:
- Original out-of-state title
- Texas insurance proof (DL-7 Chapter 2 minimum: $30,000 / $60,000 / $25,000)
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection
- Application for Texas Title
- Payment of registration and title transfer fees
Insurance Minimums (DL-7 Chapter 2)
Update your policy with your new Texas address as soon as you arrive. You must have proof of insurance to register a vehicle and to drive.
What Happens to Your Old License
You surrender your out-of-state license at the DPS counter (DL-7 Chapter 1). DPS sends notification to the issuing state, which cancels the prior license. You cannot legally hold two state licenses simultaneously.
If You're Active Military
DL-7 Chapter 1 covers special provisions for military drivers: "Within 90 days of being honorably discharged, military personnel, spouses and dependents returning from active duty must present" their qualifying documents to obtain or renew a Texas license. Active-duty military stationed in Texas may continue driving on a valid home-state license. Confirm specifics at the Driver License Office.