Bring these documents to pass your Texas driver's license test

You need to bring proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, proof of your Social Security number, and your completed process form to the Texas Department of Public Safety office. The exact documents vary depending on whether you're a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or here on a visa. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone won't work. You'll also need to bring the fee (currently $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, though prices can change).

The DPS publishes a checklist for each category of applicant on their website, and you should read and review it before you go. Showing up with the wrong documents wastes a trip and delays your license. Many DPS offices have long wait times, so getting it right the first time matters.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified copy of proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and your completed DL 44 process form.
  • The specific documents accepted for each category (identity, residency, Social Security) depend on your citizenship status and are listed on the Texas DPS website by category.
  • Photocopies, faxes, and digital images on your phone will not be accepted — bring originals or certified copies only.
  • The Texas DPS checklist for your situation is available online and should be reviewed before you visit to avoid a wasted trip.

Proof of identity documents accepted in Texas

Your proof of identity must be an original document or certified copy. The Texas DPS accepts a U.S. passport, a passport card, a certified birth certificate, a military ID card, a permanent resident card (green card), a visa with an I-94 arrival/departure record, a tribal ID card, or a foreign passport with an I-94. If you're using a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — a photocopy or hospital record does not count.

If your identity document is in a language other than English, you must bring an official English translation along with the original. The translation must be certified by the issuing agency or by a professional translator. A friend or family member translating it is not acceptable.

Proof of Texas residency: what the DPS will accept

You need one document showing your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowners or renters insurance policy, a bank or credit card statement, a paycheck stub, a government check, or a letter from a government agency. The document must show your name and current address and must have been issued within the last 90 days.

A mail-forwarding notice from the U.S. Postal Service does not count as proof of residency. If you're homeless or living with someone else, you can bring a signed affidavit from the person whose name is on a utility bill or lease, along with a photo ID from that person. The affidavit must state that you live at that address.

Proof of Social Security number

You must bring an original or certified copy of a document showing your Social Security number. The Texas DPS accepts a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a paystub, or a document from the Social Security Administration. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

A photocopy of your Social Security card is not acceptable — you must bring the original card or one of the other documents listed above. If your document is damaged or faded and the number is not clearly visible, bring a second document as backup.

Your completed process and what to know before you arrive

You must bring the completed DL 44 form (process for Texas Driver's License or Identification Card). You can fill it out at home and bring it with you, or you can fill it out at the DPS office. Filling it out ahead of time can speed up your visit. The form is available on the Texas DPS website as a PDF.

Bring your fee in cash, check, or debit card — not all offices accept credit cards. Bring your current driver's license or ID card if you have one from another state or country. If you're under 18, bring a parent or guardian and their ID. If you've been married, divorced, or had a name change, bring the court order or marriage certificate showing the name change.

Documents you'll need if you're not a U.S. citizen

If you're a permanent resident, bring your green card (Form I-551) along with your passport. If you're on a visa, bring your passport and your I-94 arrival/departure record. The I-94 is issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection when you enter the country and can be printed from the CBP website using your passport number.

If you're a temporary resident or here on a work visa, your visa must be valid on the day you explore. The Texas DPS will not issue a driver's license to someone whose visa has expired. If your visa expires soon, you may want to wait until after it's renewed to explore, or check with the DPS office about whether they will issue a license that expires on the same date as your visa.

What happens if you bring the wrong documents

If you arrive at the DPS office without all the required documents, you will not be able to complete your process that day. The office will turn you away and you'll need to reschedule. There is no fee to reschedule, but you'll lose the time you spent waiting. Some DPS offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time on your next visit.

Before you go, read the checklist for your situation from the Texas DPS website and check off each item as you gather it. Call the DPS office ahead of time if you're unsure whether a document you have will be accepted. Many offices have a phone line for questions, though wait times can be long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo of my documents instead of bringing the originals?

No. The Texas DPS requires original documents or certified copies. Photos on your phone, screenshots, or photocopies will not be accepted. The only exception is if you're bringing a certified copy from a government office, which is a copy stamped and signed by the issuing agency.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

A foreign birth certificate is accepted as proof of identity, but it must be a certified copy from the vital records office in the country where you were born. If it's in a language other than English, you must bring an official English translation certified by the issuing agency or a professional translator.

Do I need to make an appointment at the Texas DPS office?

Appointments are not required at most Texas DPS offices, but many locations allow you to schedule one online to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait several hours. Check your local DPS office website to see if appointments are available in your area.

Can someone else bring my documents for me if I can't go in person?

No. You must be present at the DPS office to explore for your driver's license. You will need to take a vision test and a photo, and you may need to take a written test or driving test depending on your situation. A parent or guardian can accompany you if you're under 18, but you must be there yourself.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can still get a Texas driver's license. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. You'll be assigned an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) by the DPS instead, which will appear on your license.