Students who will be in the U.S. for longer than 30 days and plan to drive a car should obtain a Texas Driver’s License at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Access to a car, knowledge of Texas driving regulations, as well as testable driving skills are basic requirements for a driver’s license. The student must provide their own vehicle when taking the driving test.

Resources

• How to Obtain a Driver’s License handout
• Applying for a driver license
• Texas Driver Handbook
• Driver license fees
• SAVE System (to verify immigration status)

Appointment

Everyone that visits the driver’s license office must have an appointment. Applicants can go on the website to set up an appointment . Walk-in appointments are available if there is availability. The walk-in appointment set does not guarantee the appointment will be for the same day. 

The closest DPS is located at:

1070 Westinghouse Rd

Georgetown, TX 78626

Apply for a Texas Driver License

Applicants must provide evidence of completion of:

• Impact Texas Driver (ITD) if you will be taking a driving test for the issuance of your driver license
•  6-hour Adult Driver Education course online or at a driving school (age 18-24) or the 6-hour Adult Driver Education course or take the computer test at the DPS office (age 25 and older).

Applicants will need the following documents in order to complete the application:

• • Passport
  • I-20 or DS-2019
  • Form I-94
  • Current enrollment letter (from the SU Registrar’s Office)
  • Completed application
  • Social Security card or completed application for a Social Security card (if eligible to obtain an SSN). If the student is not eligible for an SSN, he/she will need to sign a “Social Security Affidavit” at the DPS office when applying for their Texas Driver’s License.
  • Two items showing proof of the student’s current address, such as a lease or piece or mail with name and address. For students living on campus, request a letter from Residence Life to verify the student’s Residence Hall and Room number and have the letter notarized.

Reciprocity

Texas also has license issuance reciprocity with Canada, France, Germany, South Korea, and Taiwan. A student who has a valid, unexpired license from one of these countries, does not have to take the knowledge exam if they surrender their out-of-country driver license.

Owning a Vehicle

In Texas it is required to register an owned vehicle through the Williamson County Tax Office and to carry insurance.