The documents Texas requires depend on whether you're a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or here on a visa

Texas requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. The exact documents that satisfy each requirement vary by immigration status. A U.S. citizen needs different paperwork than someone with a green card or a work visa, and Texas is strict about which documents it accepts — a document that works in another state may not work in Texas.

You cannot use a document for more than one requirement. For example, your passport counts as proof of identity and citizenship, but it does not also count as proof of residency. You need separate documents for each category.

Key Takeaways

  • U.S. citizens need a birth certificate or passport for identity and citizenship, a Social Security card or tax document for your SSN, and a utility bill or lease for residency.
  • Permanent residents (green card holders) need their green card plus a birth certificate or passport, the same SSN proof as citizens, and residency proof.
  • Visa holders need their passport, visa, I-94 arrival record, and residency proof; not all visa types may have access to for a standard license.
  • Texas does not accept expired documents, documents with your old name without a court order, or documents issued outside the U.S. unless they are a passport or visa.
  • You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies and digital images do not count, even if notarized.

What U.S. citizens need to bring

For proof of identity and citizenship, bring one of these: a U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy), a U.S. passport (current or expired), a military discharge papers (DD-214), or a Certificate of Naturalization. A birth certificate is the most common choice. It must show your full name and date of birth. If your name has changed since the birth certificate was issued, you also need a court order showing the name change, a marriage certificate, or a divorce decree.

For proof of Social Security number, bring one of these: your Social Security card (original), a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a paystub with your full SSN printed on it. The document must show your full nine-digit number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request one from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DPS office.

For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 30 days showing your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a government check. The document must show your name and full address. A PO box does not count as a residence address.

What permanent residents and green card holders need

Permanent residents follow the same rules as citizens for Social Security proof and residency proof, but identity proof is different. Bring your Permanent Resident Card (green card) plus one of these: a birth certificate (original or certified copy), a passport from any country, or a military discharge papers. The green card alone is not enough for identity proof in Texas.

If your green card is expired, you can still use it as long as you bring it with your current passport or birth certificate. Texas does not require the green card itself to be current, only that you have it and can prove your identity another way.

What visa holders and temporary residents need

If you are in the U.S. on a visa, you need your passport, your visa, and your I-94 arrival/departure record. The I-94 is a document issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection when you enter the country; you can print it free from the CBP website using your passport number. You also need the same Social Security proof and residency proof as citizens.

Not all visa types may have access to for a standard Texas driver's license. F-1 student visas, J-1 exchange visas, and some work visas may have access to. Tourist visas (B-1/B-2) and visitor visas do not. If you are unsure whether your visa type qualifies, call the Texas Department of Public Safety at 1-888-589-6556 before you go to the office.

Your visa must be current and valid. If your visa has expired but you are in the U.S. legally under a different status (such as Temporary Protected Status or pending asylum), bring documentation of that status instead of the visa.

Documents you cannot use and why

Texas does not accept expired documents for any requirement. An expired passport, an expired green card, or an expired utility bill will not work, even if you have other documents. The only exception is an expired passport used alongside a current visa and I-94.

Texas does not accept photocopies, faxes, or digital images, even if they are notarized. You must bring originals or certified copies. A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed by the issuing agency (such as the county clerk or vital records office). You can order certified copies of your birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or the vital records office in the state where you were born.

Documents issued outside the U.S. are not accepted unless they are a passport, visa, or military discharge papers. For example, a birth certificate from another country does not count, even if it is in English. A utility bill from your previous address in another country does not count either.

What to do if your name has changed

If your name on your identity document does not match your current legal name, you need proof of the name change. Acceptable documents are a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order for name change. These must be originals or certified copies. If you were married and took your spouse's name, the marriage certificate is enough. If you were divorced and changed your name back, the divorce decree must show your new name.

If you were married in another country, bring the original marriage certificate and an English translation certified by a translator. Texas will accept it if the translation is certified, even if the original is not in English.

What to bring to the DPS office

Bring all original documents or certified copies. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, even though other documents can substitute for it — it is the fastest proof. Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. Bring your current address written down if you are not sure how to spell your street name or if your address is new.

You do not need to make copies ahead of time. The DPS office will copy what they need. You do not need to fill out forms before you arrive; staff will give you the forms to complete in the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my passport as both identity proof and residency proof?

No. Your passport counts only as proof of identity and citizenship. You still need a separate document for residency, such as a utility bill or lease. Texas does not allow one document to satisfy two requirements.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You can use a U.S. passport, military discharge papers, or a Certificate of Naturalization instead. If you do not have any of these, you can order a birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born. The process takes one to four weeks depending on the state.

Do I need a certified copy or can I bring the original?

Either works. An original birth certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce decree is fine. A certified copy (stamped by the issuing agency) also works. Photocopies and notarized copies do not count.

Can I use a lease that is not in my name?

No. The residency document must show your name and your current address. If you live with a roommate or family member and are not on the lease, you can use a utility bill, insurance policy, or bank statement instead, as long as it shows your name and address.

What if my visa expires before my driver's license expires?

Your driver's license will expire when your visa expires. Texas does not issue licenses that are valid longer than your legal status in the U.S. You will need to renew your license when you renew your visa, or your license will become invalid.