The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) states that in general a person 18 to 75 years of age with a valid out-of-country driver license in their possession may drive a private, non-commercial motor vehicle in the State of Texas for up to one year from date of entry into the United States, if their home country has reciprocity with the U.S.

The TX DPS states that in order to check for reciprocity agreement status, you may contact License Issuance at (512) 424-5089. You can also get more specific information about your situation from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and by reading the Subchapter E, of Chapter 15, Part 1 of Title 37 of the TX Administrative Code.

Likely your European driver's license will be accepted until you have a chance to obtain a Texas driver's license. The United States and over 100 other countries are party to an International Convention on Road Traffic. This Convention is intended to establish uniform reciprocal privileges on matters such as drivers' permits. The agreement also requires the US and its states to allow a foreign driver admitted to the US to drive a private motor vehicle for one year on certain conditions. Germany is listed as a country that participates in this international agreement.

If you are just visiting Texas than you can contact the Texas DPS to make certain your foreign licenses will be accepted for the time period that you will be in this state. If you however have moved to Texas and are becoming residents of this state the DPS will likely tell you that you will need to exchange your out-of-country license for a Texas driver's license.

The TX DPS site notes that for those with out-of-country driver's license to obtain a Texas license one must do the following:

• Show proof of Identity (per 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.24).
• Show proof of Social Security Number. (If you do not have a Social Security Number, you will need to complete a Social Security Affidavit (DL-13) form.)This is per 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.42, Texas Transportation Code 521.044.
• Show proof of Texas vehicle registration and liability insurance, if you own a vehicle. Per Texas Transportation Code 521.143.
• Complete required forms available at any Texas Driver License office.
• Pay the required fee. Per 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.40 and Texas Transportation Code 521.421.
• Pass the written, driving* and vision examinations (noted in 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.51, 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.52, 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.56 and Texas Transportation Code 521.161). * Applicant must provide the vehicle for the driving test.
• Driver's license application must include photograph and thumbprints; however, thumbprints are not included on the driver license. Per 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.44, 37 Texas Administrative Code 15.45 and Texas Transportation Code 521.142.

To find out specifics about your particular driver's license situation contact the Texas DPS directly and see what is required of you to drive in TX. The DPS Drivers License Customer Service division can be contacted at 512-424-2600.

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