The documents Texas requires depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing, or replacing one

Texas groups its document requirements into three categories: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will not accept expired documents for identity or residency, with one exception: a U.S. passport is valid even if expired.

If you are explore for your first Texas license, you will need documents from all three categories. If you are renewing or replacing a license you already hold, the requirements are lighter. This guide covers first-time applicants; if you are renewing or replacing, check the DPS website for your specific situation.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document proving identity, one proving Texas residency, and one proving your Social Security number — all originals or certified copies.
  • A U.S. passport counts as both identity and residency proof and is the fastest single document to bring.
  • A birth certificate alone is not enough for identity; it must be paired with a secondary ID like a school photo ID or work badge.
  • Residency documents must show your current address and cannot be older than 90 days, except for property deeds or mortgage statements.
  • If your name has changed, bring the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that documents the change.

Proof of Identity: Primary and Secondary Documents

Texas accepts one primary identity document or a combination of a birth certificate plus one secondary document. A primary document is a government-issued ID with a photo. The most common primary documents are a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a foreign national ID with a visa or I-94 stamp.

If you do not have a primary document, bring your original or certified birth certificate plus one secondary document with your photo. Secondary documents include a school photo ID, a work badge, a library card with a photo, or a tribal ID. The secondary document does not need to be current.

If your name on your identity document does not match the name you want on your license, bring the legal document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or adoption papers. DPS will not accept a document that shows a name change unless it is a certified copy or original.

Proof of Residency: Current Address Documentation

You must show that you live in Texas and provide your current street address. DPS accepts documents dated within the last 90 days, with two exceptions: property deeds and mortgage statements are valid regardless of date.

Common residency documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or trash), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property deed, a homeowners insurance policy, an auto insurance policy, a bank or credit card statement, a government check or benefit statement, or a letter from a government agency. The document must show your name and current street address — a P.O. box does not count.

If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your new address, bring two documents from your old address plus a document showing your new address (such as a change-of-address letter from the post office or a lease signed but not yet dated). This combination satisfies the residency requirement.

Proof of Social Security Number

You must bring an original or certified copy of one document that shows your Social Security number. The most common document is your Social Security card itself. If you do not have your card, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a bank statement, a mortgage statement, or a letter from the Social Security Administration.

If the document you bring shows a different name than the one on your identity document, bring the legal document that explains the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). DPS will not process your process without this.

Name Changes and Legal Documentation

If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, you must bring the original or certified copy of the document that caused the change. For marriage, bring your marriage certificate. For divorce, bring your divorce decree. For a court-ordered name change, bring the court order. For adoption, bring the adoption decree.

DPS will not accept a document that shows a name change unless it is certified by the issuing agency or court. A photocopy or a document marked "informational copy" will not work. If you do not have a certified copy, you can order one from the county clerk's office or the vital records office in the state where the event occurred.

Documents You Cannot Use and Common Mistakes

DPS will reject expired documents for identity and residency, even if they are only expired by a few days. The only exception is a U.S. passport, which is valid even if expired. School IDs, work badges, and library cards do not need to be current if you are using them as secondary identity documents, but they must have a photo.

A birth certificate alone is not enough for identity — you must pair it with a secondary document that has your photo. A P.O. box address does not count as residency, even if it is on a utility bill or bank statement. If your residency document is older than 90 days, DPS will ask for a second document or proof that you have moved recently. Do not bring photocopies, faxes, or documents marked "informational copy" — DPS will not accept them.

What to Bring to the DPS Office

Bring your original documents or certified copies in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. Arrive with all three categories of documents: identity, residency, and Social Security proof. If you are missing any one of them, DPS will not process your process and you will have to return another day.

Bring your documents in the order listed above so the DPS clerk can process them quickly. If you have changed your name, place the legal document (marriage certificate, court order, etc.) on top of your identity document. If you have questions about whether a specific document will work, call the DPS Driver License Division at 1-844-DL-TEXAS (1-844-358-3927) before you go to the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone or a printed photo instead of a physical ID?

No. DPS requires a physical secondary document with your photo, such as a school ID, work badge, or library card. A printed photo or a photo on your phone will not work. If you do not have a physical photo ID, you must bring your birth certificate and a secondary document that has your photo.

What if my residency document is older than 90 days?

Bring a second residency document dated within the last 90 days. If you cannot find two documents, bring a property deed or mortgage statement (which have no date limit) plus a recent document with your new address, such as a lease or utility bill. If you have just moved, bring a change-of-address letter from the post office.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2 or tax return?

No. A W-2, 1099, tax return, bank statement, or letter from the Social Security Administration all count as proof of your Social Security number. You do not need to bring your card if you have one of these documents. If you bring a document that shows a different name, also bring the legal document that explains the change.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy from the vital records office in the country where you were born. If your birth certificate is in another language, bring a certified English translation along with the original. You will also need a valid passport, visa, or I-94 stamp to prove you are lawfully in the United States.

Can I use a lease that is not yet signed by the landlord?

No. DPS requires a signed lease or rental agreement. If you have just moved and do not yet have a signed lease, bring two documents from your old address plus a document showing your new address, such as a change-of-address letter from the post office or a utility bill in your name at the new address.