What Texas Accepts as Proof of Residency

Texas requires one document that shows your current name and address to get or renew a driver's license. The document must have been issued within the last 90 days, or it must show an expiration date at least 90 days in the future. You bring the original document — not a copy — to the Texas Department of Public Safety office when you explore.

The state accepts a narrow list of documents. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all work. So do bank statements, insurance policies, and government benefit letters. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, you can bring a notarized affidavit from the person whose name is on the document, plus a copy of that document. The affidavit confirms you live there.

Documents that do not count include mail from a doctor's office, school, or employer — even if it has your address. A cell phone bill does not count. Neither does a credit card statement. The state is specific: the document must be from a source that has a reason to verify your address, like a landlord, utility company, or bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax bills, bank statements, insurance policies, and government benefit letters as proof of residency.
  • The document must show your current name and address and be dated within the last 90 days or expire at least 90 days from the date you explore.
  • If the document is in someone else's name, you can use a notarized affidavit from that person plus a copy of their document.
  • Mail from schools, employers, doctors, and credit card statements do not count, even if they show your address.
  • You must bring the original document to the DPS office — copies are not accepted.

Which Utility and Service Bills Work

A bill from an electric, gas, water, or internet company is the easiest proof of residency to use. The bill must show your name and current address. If you are on a budget billing plan or paperless billing, you can print a recent statement from your online account and bring that. The DPS office will accept it as long as it meets the 90-day rule.

Trash collection bills and phone bills from a landline also count. Cell phone bills do not. If you have a shared utility bill — for example, you and a roommate split the electric bill and only their name is on it — you will need the notarized affidavit route instead of bringing the bill alone.

Rental and Mortgage Documents

A lease agreement or rental agreement with your name and address works. It does not have to be a formal lease; a written agreement signed by you and your landlord is enough. The document must show the current address where you live and your name.

A mortgage statement or property tax bill from the county also counts. These documents typically come from your lender or the county assessor's office and are dated within the 90-day window. If you own your home outright and do not receive a mortgage statement, a property tax bill is your best option.

Bank Statements and Financial Documents

A bank statement showing your name and address counts as proof of residency. It must be from a checking or savings account and dated within the last 90 days. You can bring a statement you print from your online banking portal or one mailed to you by the bank.

Insurance policies — homeowner's, renter's, or auto insurance — also work. The policy must show your current address and be active (not expired). Some people use insurance statements or declarations pages instead of the full policy; the DPS office will accept either as long as it shows your name and address.

Government Benefit Letters and Other Documents

A letter from Social Security, the Veterans Administration, or the Texas Health and Human Services Commission counts if it shows your name and address. These letters are typically sent to you by mail and include an issue date. As long as the letter is dated within 90 days or has an expiration date at least 90 days away, it meets the requirement.

Court documents with your name and address — such as a divorce decree, custody order, or court judgment — also work. A voter registration card does not count, even though it shows your address. Neither does a school transcript or employee ID badge.

Using a Notarized Affidavit When the Document Is Not in Your Name

If you live with a family member, partner, or roommate and the utility bill or lease is only in their name, you have two options. The first is to ask the utility company or landlord to add your name to the account or lease. The second is to use a notarized affidavit.

A notarized affidavit is a statement signed in front of a notary public by the person whose name is on the document. In the statement, they confirm that you live at that address. You bring the notarized affidavit plus a copy of the original document (the utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) to the DPS office. The notary's stamp and signature on the affidavit make it official.

You can find a notary at most banks, UPS stores, and some pharmacies. The cost is usually between $5 and $15. The person whose name is on the document must be present with a photo ID when they sign the affidavit in front of the notary.

What Happens If You Cannot Provide Proof of Residency

If you do not have any of the documents listed above, you have a few paths forward. You can contact your utility company, bank, or landlord and ask them to issue a new statement or letter with your current address. Many will do this within a few days at no cost. You can also open a bank account or get a utility bill in your name if you do not already have one, though this takes longer.

If you are homeless or living in a shelter, Texas allows you to use a letter from the shelter or a social service agency on their letterhead confirming your residence there. If you are living temporarily with family or friends and cannot get a notarized affidavit, contact your local DPS office to ask about alternatives — some offices have flexibility in unusual situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a printed email or text message as proof of residency?

No. Texas requires a physical document from a company or government agency, not a digital message. A utility bill you print from your online account works because it comes from the utility company's system. A screenshot of a text or email does not.

Does my proof of residency document have to match my current address exactly?

Yes. The name and address on the document must match what you are explore for on your driver's license. If you recently moved and your utility bill still shows your old address, it will not work. You need a document dated after your move.

What if my document is dated exactly 90 days ago — will it still work?

Yes. The 90-day rule means the document must be dated within the last 90 days or expire at least 90 days in the future. A document dated exactly 90 days ago meets the requirement. If you are unsure, bring it anyway and let the DPS office staff confirm.

Can I bring a copy of my proof of residency instead of the original?

No. Texas requires the original document. The DPS office will not accept a photocopy, scan, or printed version. Bring the actual bill, statement, or letter issued by the company or agency.

If I share a lease with a roommate, do I both need notarized affidavits?

No. Only the person whose name is not on the lease needs the notarized affidavit. If your name is on the lease, you can bring the lease itself. Your roommate would need the affidavit from the landlord or from you if the lease is in your name.