What documents you need to prove identity and residency
Texas issues driver licenses to immigrants regardless of immigration status. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or have permanent residency. What you do need is proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
For identity, Texas accepts a passport from any country, a consular ID card (like a Mexican matricula consular), a birth certificate paired with another document showing your name, or a foreign driver license. The document must be current or expired no more than two years.
For residency, bring two documents showing your Texas address from the past 90 days. Utility bills, lease agreements, bank statements, or mail from a government agency all work. The documents must show your name and address clearly.
Key Takeaways
- Texas accepts foreign passports and consular ID cards as proof of identity; you do not need a U.S. document.
- You must provide a Social Security number or ITIN, which you can obtain from the IRS even without immigration status.
- Proof of residency requires two documents from the past 90 days showing your name and Texas address.
- You can take the written test in Spanish, Vietnamese, or several other languages at most Texas DPS offices.
- The license itself does not show immigration status and works the same as any other Texas driver license for driving purposes.
How to get an ITIN if you don't have a Social Security number
If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need an ITIN to get a Texas driver license. An ITIN is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for tax purposes. You do not need immigration status or a work permit to get one.
To request an ITIN, fill out IRS Form W-7 and mail it to the IRS with proof of identity and residency. A foreign passport works for identity. For residency, use the same documents you would use for the driver license — utility bills, lease, bank statements. The IRS typically processes ITIN requests in four to six weeks. You can also work with a tax professional or community organization to file the form, and many do this at no cost.
Once you have your ITIN, bring it to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office along with your other documents. The ITIN appears on your driver license process but not on the license itself.
Steps to explore at a Texas DPS office
Go to any Texas DPS driver license office in person. You cannot explore online or by mail. Bring your identity document (passport, consular card, or birth certificate plus another document), two proofs of residency, your Social Security number or ITIN, and proof of your name change if applicable (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order).
At the office, you will fill out an process form (DL-43). A DPS employee will verify your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fingerprints. You will then take a written test on traffic laws and road signs. Texas offers the test in Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, and several other languages — ask the office which languages they have available.
If you pass the written test, you will take a driving test in your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle. After you pass both tests, you pay the fee (currently around $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, though prices vary) and receive your license on the spot or within a few days.
What happens if your passport or ID will expire soon
Your identity document must be current or expired no more than two years. If your passport or consular card is about to expire, you have two options: renew it before you explore for the driver license, or explore now and renew your passport later.
If you explore now with a document that is still valid, your driver license will be issued. You do not have to renew your driver license when your passport expires — the two documents are separate. However, if your identity document expires before you explore, DPS will not accept it, and you will need to bring a different valid identity document or renew the expired one first.
Contact your country's consulate in Texas to renew a passport or consular card. Processing times vary by country, so start early if you know your document is expiring soon.
Differences between a standard license and a Real ID compliant license
Texas offers two types of driver licenses: a standard license and a Real ID compliant license. Both allow you to drive. The Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights.
To get a Real ID license, you must provide the same identity and residency documents as a standard license, plus proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. You also need to provide proof of your legal name — a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or court order. If your name on your identity document does not match your current legal name, bring the document that shows the change.
A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license. If you do not need to enter federal buildings or fly domestically, a standard license is sufficient for driving. If you travel by air or enter federal offices, a Real ID license is more convenient because you will not need a passport.
Whether your Texas license works in other states
Your Texas driver license is valid for driving in all other U.S. states and most countries. The license itself does not show immigration status — it looks the same as any other Texas license. When you drive in another state, you follow that state's traffic laws, but your Texas license proves you are licensed to drive.
Some states have different rules about who can get a license, but once you have a Texas license, you can use it to drive in those states. You do not need a separate license for each state. If you move to another state, you will eventually need to get that state's license, but you can drive on your Texas license for a grace period (usually 30 to 90 days) while you transition.
Renewing your license before it expires
Your Texas driver license is valid for four or eight years depending on which type you chose. You can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, but only if your identity document (passport or consular card) is still valid or expired no more than two years.
If your identity document has expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DPS office in person and bring a current identity document. If your passport or consular card has expired, renew it through your country's consulate before you renew your driver license.
To renew online, visit the Texas DPS website and follow the steps. You will need your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number or ITIN. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Texas driver license if I am undocumented?
Yes. Texas does not require proof of legal immigration status to get a driver license. You need a valid identity document (such as a foreign passport), proof of residency, and a Social Security number or ITIN. Your immigration status does not appear on the license.
What if my passport is from a country that is not widely recognized?
Texas accepts passports from any country as long as the document is current or expired no more than two years. If your passport is damaged or you are unsure whether it will be accepted, call your local DPS office before you go. You can also bring a consular ID card or birth certificate paired with another document showing your name.
Do I need to pass a vision test?
Yes. At the DPS office, you will take a vision screening. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will be required to wear corrective lenses while driving, and your license will note this restriction.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the tests?
You usually receive your license on the spot or within a few days. The DPS office will tell you whether your license will be printed when ready or mailed to your address. If it is mailed, it typically arrives within one week.
What if I don't have a Social Security number and can't get an ITIN?
You cannot get a Texas driver license without a Social Security number or ITIN. The ITIN is available to anyone regardless of immigration status. Contact the IRS, a local tax preparation service, or a community organization that helps immigrants — many offer free ITIN information.