The Documents Texas Requires for a First-Time ID

Texas requires you to bring one document that proves your identity, one that proves your Social Security number, and one that proves your current address. You do not need all three to be the same document — in fact, Texas expects you to bring separate pieces. The state calls these three categories proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.

You must bring originals or certified copies. Photocopies, even notarized ones, are not accepted. If a document is not in English, you must bring a certified English translation along with the original. You will also need to complete the process for Texas Identification (Form DL-14), which you can fill out before you arrive at the DPS office or fill out there.

Key Takeaways

  • You need three separate documents: one for identity, one for your Social Security number, and one showing your current address.
  • A U.S. passport, birth certificate, or driver's license from another state all work as proof of identity, but you must bring the original.
  • A Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return can prove your Social Security number; a utility bill or lease can prove your address.
  • Texas charges $16 for a standard ID card valid for five years, and you must be present in person at a DPS office to complete the transaction.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get an ID by bringing an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) document instead.

Proof of Identity Documents Accepted in Texas

Texas accepts a narrow list of documents as proof of identity. The most common are a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a driver's license or ID card from another U.S. state or territory, a military ID, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. Each must be current or expired no more than two years (with the exception of military IDs, which can be expired).

If you were born outside the United States, a birth certificate from your country of origin is acceptable only if it has been certified by the vital records office that issued it. A photocopy of a birth certificate, even if notarized, will not work. If your birth certificate is in another language, bring both the original and a certified English translation.

If you do not have any of these documents, Texas allows you to bring two documents from a secondary list: a school ID, a work ID, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a document showing a name change. However, using secondary documents takes longer and may require additional verification, so having a primary document is much faster.

Proof of Social Security Number Documents

The easiest proof of your Social Security number is your actual Social Security card. If you have it, bring it. If you do not, Texas accepts a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a Social Security statement, or a document from the Social Security Administration showing your number.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a Texas ID. Instead, bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) document, such as an ITIN letter from the IRS or a tax return filed with an ITIN. The ID you receive will be marked as non-driver, and you cannot use it to drive.

All documents must be originals or certified copies. A photocopy of your Social Security card will not be accepted, even if you sign it or have it notarized. If the document is in another language, bring a certified English translation.

Proof of Residency Documents Accepted

Texas requires proof that you live at the address you list on your process. The state accepts utility bills (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowners insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 90 days.

If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can bring two documents together: one showing your old address and one showing your new address, both dated within the last 90 days. Alternatively, you can bring a lease or rental agreement signed by your landlord along with a utility bill in a roommate's name if both show your current address.

Documents that do not work as proof of residency include a driver's license from another state (that is proof of identity, not residency), a post office box, a cell phone bill, or a document that shows only a P.O. box. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, ask the DPS office about alternatives — some offices can accept a letter from a shelter or social services agency.

What to Bring to the DPS Office

Gather your three documents before you go. Bring the originals — do not rely on the DPS office having a copy machine. If any document is not in English, bring the original and a certified English translation. You will also need to bring the completed process for Texas Identification (Form DL-14), though you can fill this out at the office if you prefer.

Bring your Social Security number written down if you do not have your card with you. You will also need to pay the fee: $16 for a standard five-year ID card, or $32 for a Real ID-compliant card that can be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight. Payment is cash, check, or card, depending on the office.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present with you. If you are explore for a Real ID card, you will need to bring an additional document proving your current address (a second proof of residency document) because Real ID has stricter verification rules.

Common Mistakes That Delay Your process

The most common mistake is bringing a photocopy instead of an original. Even if the photocopy is notarized, Texas will not accept it. The second most common mistake is bringing a document that is too old — a utility bill from six months ago, for example, or a birth certificate that expired more than two years ago. Check the dates on everything before you leave home.

Another frequent problem is bringing documents that do not match the name on your process. If you have changed your name, bring the legal document that proves the change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If your documents show different versions of your name (a middle initial on one, the full middle name on another), bring all of them and be ready to explain the discrepancy.

Do not assume that a document works just because it has your name and address on it. A cell phone bill, for example, looks like it should work as proof of residency, but Texas does not accept it. A student ID looks like it should work as proof of identity, but it only works if you also bring a second document from the secondary list. Read the accepted lists carefully before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card instead of a full passport as proof of identity?

Yes. A U.S. passport card is accepted as proof of identity and works exactly the same way as a full passport. It must be current or expired no more than two years. Bring the original card.

What if my birth certificate does not show my current legal name?

Bring the birth certificate along with the legal document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Texas will use both documents together to verify your identity. All documents must be originals or certified copies.

Do I need a Real ID card or a standard ID card?

A standard ID card costs $16 and works for most purposes. A Real ID card costs $32 and is required only if you want to use it to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you are not sure, a standard card is sufficient for most people.

Can I use a lease that is not yet signed by my landlord as proof of residency?

No. Your lease must be signed by both you and your landlord. If you have just moved and do not yet have a signed lease, bring a utility bill or other document showing your new address, along with a document showing your old address if needed.

What happens if I do not have any of the accepted identity documents?

You can bring two documents from the secondary list (school ID, work ID, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or name change document). This will take longer and may require additional verification steps, but you can still get an ID. Call your local DPS office first to ask what they will need.