The documents you need depend on your age and citizenship status

Texas requires different paperwork depending on whether you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or here on a visa. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) publishes a specific list based on your situation, and bringing the wrong documents will delay your process or get you turned away. The good news: you do not need to gather everything yourself. Your parent or guardian can bring most of it, and you can read the checklist from the DPS website before you go.

The core documents are always the same: proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a completed process form. What changes is which documents count as proof in each category. For example, a passport works as identity proof, but a school ID does not. A utility bill works as residency proof, but a credit card statement does not.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport as proof of identity — photocopies and digital images are not accepted.
  • Proof of residency requires a document showing your name and current Texas address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days.
  • You need either your Social Security card or a document from the Social Security Administration showing your number; a tax return or W-2 counts if you do not have the card.
  • Non-citizens must bring their visa, work permit, or permanent resident card along with a passport or travel document from their home country.
  • You will fill out Form DL-44 (process for Texas Driver License or Permit) at the DPS office, not before you arrive.

Identity documents that DPS will accept

Your identity document must be an original or certified copy. DPS does not accept photocopies, faxes, or photos of documents on your phone. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth.

The documents that work are: a U.S. birth certificate (long form, not the short form), a U.S. passport, a passport card, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. If you were born outside the United States, your birth certificate must be issued by the vital records office of the country or state where you were born and must be certified or sealed.

A school ID, library card, or state ID from another state does not count as proof of identity. Neither does a baptism certificate, even if it shows your birth date. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born, but this takes time — plan ahead.

Proof of residency in Texas

You need one document that shows your name and your current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. If you just moved, bring the most recent document you have; DPS understands that utility bills and lease agreements take time to arrive.

Documents that work include: a utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, an insurance bill for your home or vehicle, a bank or credit card statement, a school enrollment letter, or a letter from a government agency. If your name does not appear on the document but you live at that address, you can bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on it, plus that person's ID.

A post office box address does not count as residency. If you are homeless or living in a shelter, DPS has a separate process — ask the staff at your local DPS office what documents they will accept in your situation.

Social Security number proof

Bring your original Social Security card if you have it. If you have lost it or never received one, you can bring other documents that show your number. These include a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a Social Security Administration letter, or a document from your employer showing your Social Security number.

The document must be an original or certified copy. A photocopy of your Social Security card is not accepted. If you do not have a Social Security number and are not a U.S. citizen, you will need to bring your visa or work permit instead — DPS will note this on your permit.

The process form and where to fill it out

Form DL-44 is the official process for Texas Driver License or Permit. You do not fill this out at home and bring it with you. Instead, you fill it out at the DPS office when you arrive. The staff will give you the form and help you complete it if you have questions.

The form asks for your legal name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. You will also declare whether you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Bring a pen — DPS prefers that you write in black or blue ink.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must sign the form. They do not have to be present at the DPS office, but they must sign before you submit it. Some DPS offices will let your parent sign at home and bring the signed form with you; others will have your parent sign in front of a DPS employee. Call your local DPS office ahead of time to find out which applies to you.

Documents for non-citizens and permanent residents

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must bring your passport or travel document from your home country along with your visa, work permit, or permanent resident card. These documents must be originals — photocopies are not accepted.

Permanent residents (green card holders) should bring their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551). If your card has expired, bring it anyway — DPS will still process your permit. If you are on a visa, bring the visa itself, not just a copy of it from your passport. Work permit holders should bring their Employment Authorization Document (Form I-765).

If you are here on a student visa or other temporary visa and do not have a work permit, you can still get a learner's permit. Bring your passport, your visa, and your I-20 form (if you are a student) or equivalent document showing your status. DPS will note on your permit that you are not a permanent resident.

What to bring if you are changing your name

If your legal name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, bring the document that shows the change. This could be a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, an adoption decree, or a court order. The document must be an original or certified copy.

If your name change happened outside Texas, the document must be certified by the court or vital records office that issued it. Bring both your old name document (your birth certificate) and your new name document (your marriage certificate, for example) so DPS can see the connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a digital copy or photo of my documents on my phone?

No. DPS requires original documents or certified copies. A photo, screenshot, or PDF on your phone is not accepted. The only exception is if you are explore for a Real ID compliant permit, which has different rules — ask at your local DPS office.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to four weeks. If you need your permit sooner, ask DPS whether you can bring an alternative identity document, such as a passport, while you wait for the birth certificate to arrive.

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

No. A W-2, tax return, or other document showing your Social Security number is sufficient. You do not need to bring the card itself. However, if you have the card, bringing it is faster because DPS will not have to verify the number.

Can my parent sign the process form at home, or do they have to come to the DPS office?

This varies by DPS office. Some offices accept a form signed at home; others require your parent to sign in front of a DPS employee. Call your local office before you go to find out which applies to you. If your parent signs at home, bring the signed form with you.

What happens if I bring documents that are expired?

Expired utility bills, lease agreements, and insurance statements do not count as proof of residency — they must be dated within the last 90 days. However, an expired passport or permanent resident card is still accepted as proof of identity. An expired Social Security card is also accepted.