Texas Temporary Driving Permit

While driving in Texas, as in all other states, you must have a valid driver's license. If your license is about to expire, you can apply for a new one in person, by phone, or online. It takes about three weeks for the new license to arrive. Meanwhile, the state's Department of Public Safety (DPS) will issue a 45-day temporary license. There is also an official temporary license available for those in the state for a short period, or until their legal residency status expires, and require a license in the meantime.

Requirements For Temporary Permit

  • Request for a Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-14A)
  • Proof of identity, Social Security number, proof of lawful presence in the United States, and Texas residency are required.
  • Proof of Texas vehicle registration and insurance OR a signed affidavit that you do not own a vehicle
  • Out-of-state driver's license (if applicable)
  • Permit to Learn (if under age 18 or receiving your license for the first time and wish to practice driving before the road test)
  • A certificate of completion from a qualifying driver's education course as well as proof of completion of the Impact Texas Young Drivers program is required (if between 18 and 24 years old)
  • The fee for a Class C driver's license is $25.

For Learner's Permit:

  • Texas Driver Education Certificate (Form DE-964)
  • Classroom Instructor Driver Education Affidavit (Form DL-90A)
  • Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE Form), GED, or diploma
  • $16 for Learner's Permit fee

Temporary Registration Permit

Temporary registration for a vehicle in Texas may be required in certain circumstances. You can obtain a temporary registration permit for 72 hours, 144 hours, 30 days, or one trip if you meet the following criteria:
  • Your car is not registered.
  • Your vehicle is registered in a state or country that does not have a reciprocity agreement with Texas.
  • Your vehicle's maximum weight is not registered.
Further eligibility restrictions apply to each type of permit, so carefully read the instructions to determine which type of permit is best for you. Here are the prices for each type of permit, excluding the $4.75 processing fee:
  • 72-hour: $25
  • 144-hour: $50
  • 30-day: $25
  • One-trip: $5

Temporary License Plate

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles allows licensed dealers to issue buyers temporary license plates, also known as temporary tags or paper tags. These temporary paper license plates allow buyers to legally drive a vehicle for 45 days while the dealer completes the title and registration process. Of course, there are times when temporary license plates are required for legitimate reasons. If this is the case, keep in mind that only a licensed Texas dealer can provide you with valid temporary plates. Ideally, you won't need temporary plates at all, but if you do, only get them from the dealer where you purchased your vehicle. If the title and registration process isn't completed by your 45-day temporary plates expire, you can file a complaint with the DMV.