The documents Texas requires depend on whether you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or temporary resident
Texas groups its document requirements into three categories based on immigration status. Every applicant must bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency — but the specific documents that satisfy each category differ. A U.S. citizen can use a passport or birth certificate for identity; a permanent resident must use a green card or I-797 approval notice; a temporary resident must use a visa or I-94 arrival/departure record.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will not accept expired documents for identity or residency, though Social Security proof can be expired. You cannot use a document that has been altered, and you must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. If you do not have a document in the required category, DPS has a list of acceptable alternatives for each one.
Key Takeaways
- Every applicant needs three things: proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or green card depending on status), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
- U.S. citizens can bring a birth certificate or passport; permanent residents must bring a green card or I-797 approval notice; temporary residents must bring a visa or I-94 record.
- Residency documents must be dated within 90 days of your DPS visit and show your current name and address.
- You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies and faxes are not accepted — and documents cannot be expired or altered.
Proof of identity: what Texas accepts and what it does not
A U.S. passport or passport card satisfies identity for any citizen. A certified birth certificate (the long-form version with raised seal, not a hospital copy) also works. If you do not have either, you can bring a consular report of birth abroad, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship. Military ID, tribal ID, and school ID do not count as primary identity documents.
If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card (Permanent Resident Card) or I-797 approval notice showing permanent resident status. A temporary resident must bring the actual visa in their passport plus an I-94 arrival/departure record (available at cbp.gov if you need a replacement). Visa stamps alone are not enough.
Texas will not accept documents that are expired, have been altered, or lack a raised seal (for birth certificates). If your birth certificate is a photocopy, it must be certified by the vital records office that issued it — a notarized copy does not count.
Proof of Social Security number: card, tax forms, or employment records
The easiest route is your Social Security card itself. If you do not have it or cannot find it, you can bring a W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return from the past two years showing your full Social Security number. A Social Security Administration (SSA) letter confirming your number also works.
Unlike identity and residency documents, your Social Security proof can be expired. However, it must show your full nine-digit number — a document that shows only the last four digits will not be accepted. If you have never had a Social Security number, you will need to obtain one from the SSA before you can get a Texas driver's license.
Proof of Texas residency: utility bills, leases, and bank statements
Your residency document must be dated within 90 days of the date you visit the DPS office, must show your current name and address, and must be an original or certified copy. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill also works. Bank statements, credit card statements, and insurance documents are acceptable if they show your name and current address.
Documents that do not count include mail from government agencies (such as tax notices or court documents), school records, or anything addressed to "Resident" or "Current Occupant." If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, you can bring a notarized affidavit of residency signed by the person whose name is on the bill, plus that bill itself. The affidavit must state that you live at that address and have lived there for at least 10 days.
If you are homeless or do not have a fixed address, you can use a homeless services provider letter on letterhead, dated within 90 days, confirming your use of their services. Some DPS offices also accept a letter from a shelter or transitional housing program.
What to bring if you are renewing or replacing a license
If you already have a Texas driver's license and are renewing it, you may not need to bring all three document categories again. A standard renewal by mail or online requires only your current license number and does not require new documents. An in-person renewal at a DPS office typically requires proof of residency only, unless your license has been expired for more than two years or your name has changed.
If you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license, bring your proof of identity and residency as if you were getting a new license. You do not need to bring Social Security proof again if you already have a valid Texas license on file.
Documents you will need at the DPS office: the full checklist
| Document Category | What to Bring | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity | U.S. citizen: passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate. Permanent resident: green card or I-797. Temporary resident: visa in passport plus I-94 record. | Must be original or certified copy. Cannot be expired or altered. Birth certificates must have raised seal. |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Social Security card, W-2, 1099, tax return, or SSA letter. | Can be expired. Must show full nine-digit number. |
| Proof of Texas Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, bank statement, or credit card statement. | Must be dated within 90 days. Must show current name and address. Original or certified copy only. |
| If living with someone else | Notarized affidavit of residency plus the bill in the other person's name. | Affidavit must confirm you have lived there at least 10 days. |
Common mistakes that delay your visit
Bringing a photocopy of your birth certificate instead of a certified copy is the most frequent error. A certified copy has a raised seal and comes directly from the vital records office; a photocopy, even if notarized, will not work. You can order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or the county where you were born.
Bringing a residency document dated more than 90 days ago is another common problem. If your utility bill is from four months ago, it will not be accepted. Bring something dated within the past three months. Similarly, if the bill is in someone else's name and you do not have a notarized affidavit, DPS will ask you to come back with one.
Temporary residents often forget to bring the I-94 record along with their visa. The visa stamp in your passport alone is not enough — you must have both documents. If you lost your I-94, you can print a replacement from cbp.gov using your passport number and date of birth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a hospital birth certificate instead of a certified one?
No. A hospital birth certificate is a photocopy and does not have the raised seal that DPS requires. You must order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit (if you were born in Texas) or from the vital records office in the state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks by mail.
What if my name on my documents does not match my current legal name?
You will need to bring a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will use the name on your identity document as your legal name on the license, so make sure that document reflects your current name. If it does not, update it first before visiting DPS.
Can I use a digital or mobile version of my utility bill?
No. DPS requires an original printed bill or a certified copy. A screenshot or PDF on your phone will not be accepted. If you receive bills only online, contact your utility company and request a printed copy or a certified statement showing your name and address.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?
No. A W-2, 1099, tax return, or SSA letter is sufficient proof of your Social Security number. You do not need to bring the card itself. However, the document must show your full nine-digit number.
What if I do not have any of the residency documents listed?
Contact your DPS office before your visit. Some offices accept alternative documents such as a letter from an employer on letterhead, a school enrollment letter, or a government agency letter. Homeless individuals can use a letter from a shelter or services provider. DPS offices vary slightly in what they accept, so calling ahead can save you a wasted trip.