New to Texas, Out-of-State License for 90 Days, Car First
After moving to Texas, you can drive on your out-of-state license for up to 90 days: the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) says a valid, unexpired license from another US state is good for up to 90 days after you move. Before you apply for a Texas license, DPS advises making sure all your vehicles are registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).
If you trade in a valid out-of-state license, you surrender it and don’t have to take the knowledge or skills tests. This DPS page is dated 2020-09-22.
Before and after switching your license
DPS explains (DPS moving to Texas):
- Up to 90 days of driving: a valid, unexpired out-of-state license works for up to 90 days after moving to Texas.
- Make sure your car is registered: before applying for a Texas license, make sure all your vehicles are registered with TxDMV.
- Surrender your old license: with a valid license from another state, a US territory or Canada, you surrender it and skip the knowledge and skills tests.
- Foreign licenses need translation: a foreign license that isn’t in English or Spanish must be translated by a translation service, or by your consulate.
- Foreign marriage certificates: if not in English, submit them with a certified English translation.
Only getting a Texas ID card
New residents who don’t drive and only want a Texas ID card must meet all requirements, including proof of Texas residency and identification.
For California’s deadlines, see New California Residents, License in 10 Days, Car in 20; for a comparison of license deadlines by state, see License Switch Deadlines Vary, California 10 Days, Texas 90. Vehicle registration deadlines are left to our moving site’s cross-state moving checklist.
What this article did not check
- Which documents to bring: this DPS page doesn’t list lawful presence, SSN or insurance documents, and this article did not check.
- Whether you need an appointment: the page doesn’t say, and this article did not check.
- Vehicle registration and inspection deadlines: those are with TxDMV, not on this page, and this article did not check.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I drive on my out-of-state license after moving to Texas?
Up to 90 days, if it’s valid and unexpired.
Do I have to retake the tests for a Texas license?
With a valid license from another state, a US territory or Canada, you don’t take the knowledge or skills tests, but you surrender your old license.
Should I register my car or get my license first?
DPS advises making sure your vehicles are registered with TxDMV before you apply for a Texas license.
Can I use my Taiwan driver’s license directly?
This DPS page only says foreign licenses not in English or Spanish must be translated by a translation service; this article did not check whether you can trade one in directly.
This item on the checklist
“Get a state ID or driver's license” is a free item in the My USA Plan checklist . The first 30 items are free, and the full 91 items cost US$9.90 once, not a subscription.
Sources and dates checked
All checked on 2026-10-30. This article is not legal advice.
- Texas DPS, Moving to Texas: A Guide to Driver Licenses and IDs (page dated 2020-09-22):https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/moving-texas