Documents Required for a Texas Driver License
To get your first driver license in Texas, you need to bring specific documents to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Texas requires proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence. You cannot substitute one document for another — each category has its own list, and you must bring at least one document from each.
The documents you bring must be originals or certified copies. Photocopies, faxes, and photos of documents are not accepted. If a document is not in English, you must bring an official English translation along with the original.
Bring your documents in person to a DPS Driver License office. You cannot mail them in for a first-time license. The office will scan or photograph your documents during your appointment, and you will leave with them — DPS does not keep originals.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring original documents from four separate categories: identity, residency, Social Security number, and lawful presence.
- Photocopies and photos of documents will not be accepted; originals or certified copies are required.
- Non-English documents must come with an official English translation.
- You must appear in person at a DPS Driver License office; documents cannot be mailed in for a first-time license.
- DPS scans your documents during your visit but returns them to you — they do not keep originals on file.
Proof of Identity Documents
Proof of identity must show your name, date of birth, and a photo (except for a few documents). Texas accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID card from another state. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of two documents: a certified birth certificate plus one document with your name and signature, such as a Social Security card, school ID, or employee ID.
A certified birth certificate is a document issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — not a photocopy you print at home. You can order one from the Texas Vital Statistics unit if you were born in Texas, or from the vital records office in the state or country of your birth.
If you bring a military ID, it must be current or expired no more than two years ago. A state ID from another state must be current.
Proof of Residency Documents
Proof of residency must show your name and current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowners insurance policy. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. A bank statement, credit card statement, or insurance bill also works if it shows your current address.
If you live with someone else and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can bring a notarized affidavit from the person whose name is on the bill or lease, plus a document showing your relationship (such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate). The affidavit must state that you live at that address.
Documents that do not work for residency include a driver license from another state, a post office box, a school address, or a homeless shelter address. If you are homeless, contact your local DPS office to learn what documents they will accept.
Proof of Social Security Number
You must bring a document showing your Social Security number. A Social Security card is the most straightforward option. You can also bring a W-2 form, 1099 form, or other tax document that shows your full Social Security number. A pay stub from your employer works if it displays your full nine-digit number.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot get a standard driver license. You may be able to get an ID card without a Social Security number if you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, but this is a different document and has different rules. Ask at your local DPS office about this option.
Proof of Lawful Presence in the United States
Texas requires proof that you are lawfully present in the United States. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID satisfies this requirement. If you do not have one of these, you must bring one document from the following list: a certified birth certificate (showing you were born in the U.S.), a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, a Permanent Resident Card (green card), an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or a visa with your I-94 arrival/departure record.
If you are a citizen of a foreign country and do not have a visa or work authorization, you cannot get a standard Texas driver license. You may be able to get a license under Texas Transportation Code Section 521.142, which allows certain visa holders and people with pending asylum cases to get a license. Contact your local DPS office to learn if you may have access to.
A green card must be current or expired no more than six months ago. An EAD must be current or expired no more than six months ago. A visa must be current.
What to Bring on the Day of Your Appointment
Gather all four categories of documents before you go to the DPS office. Bring the originals — do not leave them at home. Bring your Social Security card even if you also bring a W-2 or pay stub, because it is the fastest way to verify your number. If any document is not in English, bring the original plus an official English translation.
Bring a completed process for a Driver License or ID Card (Form DL-44). You can fill it out at home and bring it, or fill it out at the office. Bring proof of your Texas residency address if it is different from the address on your identity document — for example, if you recently moved.
Bring payment for the license fee. As of 2024, a five-year driver license costs $45, and an eight-year license costs $65. Fees may change; check the Texas DPS website before your appointment. DPS accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
Common Mistakes That Delay Your License
The most common mistake is bringing a photocopy of a birth certificate instead of a certified copy. A certified copy has a raised seal or official stamp from the vital records office. A photocopy printed at home will not be accepted, and you will have to reschedule your appointment.
Another frequent error is bringing a residency document that is older than 90 days. If your utility bill is dated more than three months ago, bring a more recent one. If you have just moved and do not have a new utility bill yet, a lease agreement or mortgage statement dated within 90 days will work.
Do not bring a state ID from another state as your only proof of identity if it is expired. Bring a second document, such as a Social Security card or school ID, to meet the identity requirement.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, DPS will issue the license under your legal name at the time of birth, which may not match what you expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photo of my documents instead of bringing the originals?
No. DPS requires original documents or certified copies. Photos, photocopies, and faxes are not accepted. You must bring the physical documents to your appointment.
What if I was born outside the United States?
You need a certified birth certificate from the country where you were born, plus proof of lawful presence such as a green card, visa, or work authorization. Contact the vital records office in that country to order a certified copy. Processing times vary by country and can take several weeks.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?
A W-2 or other tax document works, but bringing your Social Security card is faster because DPS can verify it when ready. If you bring a W-2, make sure your full nine-digit Social Security number is visible on it.
What happens if I do not have proof of residency in my name?
You can bring a notarized affidavit from the person whose name is on the utility bill or lease, plus a document showing your relationship to them, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate. The affidavit must state that you live at that address and be signed in front of a notary public.
Can I get a driver license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
You can get a standard driver license if you have lawful presence in the United States, such as a green card, visa, or work authorization. If you do not have one of these, you may be able to get a license under Section 521.142 if you have a pending asylum case or certain visa types. Contact your local DPS office to learn what you need.