Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office
Texas requires you to bring specific documents in person to a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. You cannot complete a driver's license process by mail or online — you must appear in person with original documents or certified copies. The state will not accept photocopies, faxes, or photos of documents.
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your Texas residency. Your identity document must be current or expired no more than two years. Your residency document must show your current address and be dated within the last 30 days, or within the last two months if it's a utility bill or lease agreement.
You will also need your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or be prepared to provide the number verbally — the DPS can verify it through the Social Security Administration.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID.
- You must bring a document showing your current Texas address dated within the last 30 days, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
- If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must sign your process in person at the DPS office.
- You will take a written test, vision test, and photo at the DPS office, so plan for the visit to take 30 minutes to two hours depending on wait times.
- The fee for a standard five-year driver's license is $33 as of 2024, though this amount may change.
Proof of Identity Documents That Work
A U.S. passport or passport card is the easiest identity document because it proves both citizenship and identity in one document. If you do not have a passport, bring your original birth certificate issued by the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — not a hospital birth certificate. A certified copy from the vital records office counts; a photocopy does not.
Military ID, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a permanent resident card (green card) all work as identity documents. If you are a resident alien without a green card, bring your I-94 arrival/departure record or I-94A. If you were born outside the U.S. and do not have a birth certificate from your country of origin, ask the DPS office which documents they will accept — this varies by situation.
A Texas ID card you already hold counts as identity proof if you are renewing or upgrading to a driver's license. An expired driver's license from any state works if it expired no more than two years ago.
Proof of Texas Residency Documents That Work
A utility bill in your name — electric, gas, water, or internet — dated within the last 30 days is the most straightforward residency proof. A lease agreement or rental agreement signed by you and your landlord, dated within the last two months, also works. A bank or credit union statement showing your name and address, dated within the last two months, is acceptable.
A property tax certificate, mortgage statement, or homeowners insurance policy dated within the last two months will work. If you receive mail from a government agency at your address — such as a tax return, voter registration card, or benefits statement — that counts if dated within the last two months. A phone bill in your name dated within the last 30 days is acceptable.
Do not bring a piece of mail with just your name and address printed on it, such as junk mail or an advertisement. The DPS will not accept it. If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your new name at your new address, bring a signed lease or rental agreement — that is your strongest option.
What Happens If You Cannot Find Your Birth Certificate
Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and request a certified copy. You can usually do this by mail, phone, or online through the state's vital records website. The office will mail you an official birth certificate with a raised seal. This process typically takes one to three weeks, though expedited options may be available for an extra fee.
If you were born outside the United States and cannot obtain a birth certificate, bring whatever identity document you have — a passport, military ID, or naturalization certificate — and ask the DPS office which additional documents they will accept. Some offices can work with you on a case-by-case basis, but you must speak to an employee in person.
Special Requirements If You Are Under 18
If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must appear with you at the DPS office and sign your process in person. Bring a document proving the relationship — a birth certificate showing both names, a court order establishing guardianship, or a custody agreement. The parent or guardian must bring their own ID as well.
Your parent or guardian does not need to bring residency documents if you are living at their address — your residency document will cover both of you. If you live at a different address than your parent or guardian, bring your own residency document showing where you actually live.
Documents You Need If You Are Renewing or Upgrading
If you already have a Texas driver's license and are renewing it, bring your current license. If you are upgrading from a Texas ID card to a driver's license, bring the ID card. You will still need to bring proof of residency if your address has changed since your last document was issued.
If your current license or ID was lost or stolen, you do not need to bring it — just tell the DPS employee. You will still need identity and residency documents as described above. If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
What to Expect at the DPS Office
Arrive with all documents in hand and be prepared to wait. Most DPS offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some locations allow you to reserve a time slot online through the Texas DPS website. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available in your area.
An employee will review your documents, ask you questions to verify the information, and take your photo. You will take a written test covering Texas traffic laws — you can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website. You will also take a vision test. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you will not be issued a license that day and will need to see an eye doctor.
Once you pass the written and vision tests, you will pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photo of my birth certificate instead of bringing the original?
No. The DPS will not accept photocopies, photos, or digital images of any document. You must bring the original document or a certified copy issued by the vital records office or government agency that created it.
What if my residency document has my old address on it?
You need a document showing your current address dated within the last 30 days. If your utility bill or lease still shows an old address, bring a newer bill or statement. If you just moved and have no document yet in your new name, a signed lease agreement is your best option.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card?
You do not have to bring it, but it makes the process faster. If you do not have it, you can provide your Social Security number verbally and the DPS will verify it. You must have a valid Social Security number to get a driver's license.
What if I was born in another country and do not have a U.S. birth certificate?
Bring your passport, military ID, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. If you have an I-94 or I-94A, bring that too. The DPS employee can tell you if additional documents are needed for your specific situation.
Can my parent sign the process for me if I am under 18 but cannot go to the office?
No. You must appear in person at the DPS office. Both you and your parent or guardian must be present, and you must sign the process yourself. There is no way to complete this by mail or proxy.