Documents you must bring to the Texas DMV

Texas requires you to bring five categories of documents to get a driver's license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, proof of legal presence, and a completed process form. You do not need to bring originals of everything — some documents can be copies — but the DMV staff will tell you on the spot if what you brought does not meet their requirements. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip.

The specific documents that work in each category depend on your citizenship status and whether you are a first-time applicant or renewing. Texas also accepts documents from other states and countries, so if you moved to Texas recently, you may be able to use what you already have.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return), proof of Texas residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of legal presence (birth certificate for U.S. citizens, visa or passport for non-citizens).
  • The DMV accepts documents from other states and countries, so you do not need to get Texas-specific versions of everything before your appointment.
  • You must complete form DL-44 (first-time license) or form DL-43 (renewal) before you arrive, though the DMV can provide blank forms if you ask.
  • Bring originals of documents that prove legal presence and identity; copies are usually acceptable for residency and Social Security proof.
  • If your name has changed since your documents were issued, bring proof of the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your other documents.

Proof of identity documents Texas accepts

Texas will accept a U.S. passport, a passport card, a birth certificate (original or certified copy), a state ID from another state, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a consular ID from your country of origin. If you are explore for your first Texas license and you have a valid driver's license from another state, you can bring that as proof of identity instead of a birth certificate.

The birth certificate must be a certified copy — a photocopy of your own copy will not work. If you were born outside the United States, the birth certificate must be translated into English by a certified translator, and you must bring both the original and the translation. A passport does not need to be certified and does not need translation.

Proof of Social Security number

Bring your Social Security card, or bring a document that shows your Social Security number and was issued by a government agency. A tax return (federal or state), a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement all work. The document does not have to be current — a tax return from several years ago is acceptable.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a Texas driver's license, but you will need to complete an additional form (DL-90) stating that you do not have one. You will also need to bring proof of legal presence, which has stricter requirements for people without a Social Security number.

Proof of Texas residency

Bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and a Texas address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank statement all work. If you live with someone else and the document is in their name, you can bring a signed letter from them confirming that you live there, along with the utility bill or lease.

If you just moved to Texas and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a lease or rental agreement is usually the fastest option. If you have neither, some DMV offices will accept a notarized affidavit of residency, though this varies by location — call your local DMV office before you go.

Proof of legal presence in the United States

If you are a U.S. citizen, bring your birth certificate (original or certified copy) or your U.S. passport. If you were born outside the United States, the birth certificate must be certified and translated into English if it is in another language.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must bring your passport and a visa or other document showing you are lawfully present in the United States. This could be an employment authorization document (EAD), a green card, a temporary protected status (TPS) document, a deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) approval notice, or a visa. The document must not be expired. If you have a visa, it must show that you are authorized to be in the United States; a tourist visa alone is not enough.

The process form and what to fill in

You must complete form DL-44 if this is your first Texas driver's license, or form DL-43 if you are renewing an existing license. Both forms are available on the Texas Department of Public Safety website, and you can print and fill them out at home before you go to the DMV. You can also fill out a blank form at the DMV office, though this adds time to your visit.

The form asks for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and whether you want to be an organ donor. You will also declare whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely. If you answer yes to any medical questions, the DMV may ask you to provide a medical report from your doctor before they issue your license.

What to do if your name has changed

If your name on your identity documents does not match your current legal name, bring proof of the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for a name change, or adoption papers all work. The document must be an original or certified copy. If the document is in another language, bring an English translation certified by a professional translator.

If you have changed your name multiple times, bring documents showing each change in order. For example, if you were married, divorced, and then married again, bring the marriage certificate, the divorce decree, and the second marriage certificate. The DMV will not issue a license until the chain of name changes is clear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a copy of my birth certificate instead of the original?

Yes, a certified copy works. A photocopy of your own copy does not. If you need a certified copy, you can order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — this usually takes one to two weeks.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still get a driver's license. Bring form DL-90 (available at the DMV or online) stating that you do not have a Social Security number, along with your other documents. Your proof of legal presence requirements are stricter if you do not have a Social Security number.

Do I need to bring my old driver's license from another state?

You do not have to, but it can help. If you bring it, the DMV can use it as proof of identity instead of requiring a birth certificate. If you do not bring it, you will need to bring a birth certificate or passport instead.

What if my documents are in another language?

Birth certificates and name-change documents must be translated into English by a certified translator. You must bring both the original and the English translation. Passports and visas do not need to be translated.

How long does it take to get a Texas driver's license after I turn in my documents?

If everything is in order, you can get a temporary paper license the same day and your plastic license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If the DMV needs more information or finds a problem with your documents, they will contact you and the process takes longer.