Bring These Documents to the DPS Office

To get a Texas learner's permit, you will need to bring five categories of documents to your local Department of Public Safety (DPS) office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, a completed process form, and proof of passing your written test. The DPS will not issue a permit without all of these, so checking your list before you go saves a trip back home.

You cannot mail these documents in or submit them online. You must appear in person at a DPS office with originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. Bring more than one document from each category if you can, because some documents satisfy multiple requirements at once.

Key Takeaways

  • Your birth certificate, passport, or state ID counts as proof of identity, and you must bring the original or a certified copy.
  • A Social Security card is the easiest proof of your Social Security number, but a W-2 form or tax return also works if you do not have the card.
  • Proof of Texas residency can be a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days, and it must show your current address.
  • You must pass the written test before you go to the DPS office; bring your passing test score or the receipt the testing location gave you.
  • Fill out Form DL-44 (process for Texas Learner License or Permit) before you arrive, or the DPS office will provide one for you to complete there.

Proof of Identity: What the DPS Accepts

The DPS will accept a U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a state ID card, a military ID, or a tribal ID as proof of identity. If you were born outside the United States, a passport is the strongest document. If you were born in Texas, your birth certificate is usually the fastest option.

You must bring the original document or a certified copy — a photocopy of your birth certificate will not work. If you are ordering a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit, allow two to three weeks for delivery. You can order online at vitalstatistics.dshs.texas.gov or by mail, and the cost is around $20 to $30 depending on how many copies you order.

If you already have a valid state ID or passport, bring that instead. It is faster and counts as both identity and residency proof in some cases.

Proof of Social Security Number

Your Social Security card is the document the DPS prefers. If you have lost it or never received one, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration instead. Any of these will work as long as it shows your full name and complete Social Security number.

If you do not have any of these documents, you will need to request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DPS. You can explore online at ssa.gov if you have a my Social Security account, or visit a local Social Security office in person. Getting a replacement card takes one to two weeks.

Proof of Texas Residency: Documents Dated Within 30 Days

The DPS requires a document showing your current address and dated within the last 30 days. A utility bill (electric, water, gas, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government document with your address all work. The document must show your full name and the address where you currently live.

If you live with a parent or guardian and are not on the utility bill or lease, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there. The letter must include their signature, the address, and the date. A notary public can notarize this letter at most banks, UPS stores, or legal offices for $5 to $15.

If you are homeless or living in temporary housing, ask the DPS office what documents they will accept — some offices have flexibility for students in dorms or people in shelters.

Your Completed process Form

You will need to fill out Form DL-44, the process for Texas Learner License or Permit. You can read it from the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov before you go, or the DPS office will give you one to complete when you arrive. If you read it, print it and fill it out by hand — do not submit it electronically.

The form asks for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and information about any medical conditions that might affect your driving. You will also declare whether you have ever been convicted of certain crimes or had a license suspended. Answer honestly; the DPS will verify this information.

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the form. Bring them with you to the DPS office, or have them sign the form before you go and bring their signed copy.

Proof of Passing the Written Test

You must pass the Texas learner's permit written test before you go to the DPS office to get your permit. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can take it at a licensed testing location — many are private driving schools, but some are run by school districts or community centers.

When you pass, the testing location will give you a receipt or score sheet. Bring this document to the DPS office. If you fail the test, you can retake it after waiting one day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but each attempt costs money (usually $10 to $25 depending on the testing location).

Some DPS offices offer the written test on-site, but not all. Call your local DPS office before you go to ask whether they administer the test there, or plan to take it at a private testing location first.

What Happens at the DPS Office

When you arrive at the DPS office with all your documents, you will check in and wait for a clerk. The clerk will review your documents, take your photograph for the permit, and collect a fee (currently $16 for a learner's permit, though this may change). You will also take a vision test at the office.

If any of your documents are missing or do not meet the requirements, the clerk will tell you what you need to bring back. You cannot get your permit that day if documents are incomplete. If everything is in order, you will receive your learner's permit before you leave, usually within an hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a school ID or work ID as proof of identity?

No. The DPS only accepts a passport, birth certificate, state ID, military ID, or tribal ID as proof of identity. A school ID or work ID does not count, even if it has your photo and address.

What if I do not have a birth certificate and cannot order one in time?

A valid U.S. passport works just as well as a birth certificate. If you have a passport, bring that instead. If you do not have either, you will need to order a birth certificate before you can get your learner's permit.

Can my parent bring my documents if I cannot go to the DPS office?

No. You must appear in person at the DPS office. The clerk will take your photograph and you will take a vision test, so someone else cannot complete the process for you.

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

No. Either one works as proof of your Social Security number. If you have a W-2, you do not need the card. Bring whichever document you have.

What if my address on my birth certificate is different from where I live now?

That is fine. Your birth certificate proves your identity, and your utility bill or lease proves your current residency. You can use documents with different addresses.