What to bring when you go to the DPS office

You need six things in your hands when you walk into a Texas Department of Public Safety office: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, proof of legal presence, a completed process form, and payment. The state does not accept originals and copies interchangeably — some documents must be originals, some must be certified copies, and some can be either. Bringing the wrong version wastes a trip.

The DPS publishes a checklist on its website, but it lists every possible document for every possible situation. This section tells you the actual documents most people bring, in the order the DPS asks for them on the form.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or military ID — the DPS will not accept a photocopy or a photo of it on your phone.
  • Your Social Security card, tax return, or W-2 can be original or copy, but a birth certificate proving your number does not exist as a standalone document.
  • Proof of residency must show your current name and address and be dated within the last 30 days — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works; a credit card statement does not.
  • You must complete form DL-44 in person at the DPS office; you cannot fill it out ahead of time or submit it online.
  • Bring a check or money order for the fee, as not all DPS offices accept card payments.

Proof of identity: birth certificate, passport, or military ID

The DPS needs one document that proves who you are. A birth certificate is the most common choice. It must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy, a photo on your phone, or a certified copy from a hospital does not count. You can order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or from the county clerk in the county where you were born. If you were born outside Texas, order from that state's vital records office. The process takes one to three weeks by mail.

If you have a U.S. passport or a military ID card, either one works instead of a birth certificate. Both must be unexpired or expired no more than five years ago. A passport card counts; a passport book counts; a military dependent ID does not.

Proof of Social Security number

Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your number. Any of these can be an original or a copy. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one first through the Social Security Administration — the DPS cannot issue a license without it.

Do not bring a birth certificate as proof of your Social Security number. The DPS does not accept it for this purpose, even though your number may be printed on it.

Proof of Texas residency

You need a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your current name and your current Texas address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a property tax bill all work. Some DPS offices also accept a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government check.

A credit card statement does not count, even if it shows your address. A document with an old address does not count. If your name on the document does not match the name you are using for the license, bring a second document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Proof of legal presence in the United States

If you are a U.S. citizen, your birth certificate or passport already serves this purpose — you do not need anything else. If you are a permanent resident or have a visa, bring your green card, your I-94 arrival/departure record, your employment authorization document (EAD), or your visa. These can be original or copy.

If you are in the country on a visa but do not yet have a green card, the DPS will issue you a license valid only until your visa expires. Bring your passport and the visa page showing your status.

The process form and payment

You must complete form DL-44 in person at the DPS office. You cannot fill it out at home or online. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. Bring a pen — the DPS prefers black or blue ink.

The fee for a standard five-year license is $40 as of 2024, though this amount can change. A ten-year license costs more. The DPS accepts cash, check, money order, and debit card at most offices, but not all offices accept credit cards. Call ahead if you are unsure what your local office takes.

What happens if a document is missing or wrong

If you arrive without one of the six required documents, the DPS will not issue a license that day. You will need to return with the missing document. If a document is the wrong version — for example, a photocopy instead of an original — the office will ask you to come back with the correct version.

If your name on one document does not match your name on another, bring a certified copy of the document showing the legal change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order of name change all work. The DPS will not accept a letter from an employer or a school saying you go by a different name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a hospital birth certificate instead of one from the vital records office?

No. A hospital birth certificate is not certified and the DPS will not accept it. You must order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or the county clerk where you were born. This takes one to three weeks by mail.

What if my residency document is older than 30 days?

The DPS will not accept it. You will need to bring a newer document showing your current address — a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. If you just moved and do not have a dated document yet, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on letterhead confirming your address and move-in date.

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

No. A W-2, 1099, or tax return showing your Social Security number works on its own. You do not need the card itself. Any of these documents can be a copy.

Can I bring a photo of my birth certificate on my phone instead of the paper copy?

No. The DPS requires the original or a certified copy in your hands. A photo on your phone will not be accepted. If you do not have the physical document, order a certified copy from the vital records office before your appointment.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You can still get a Texas license. Bring your passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate from the country where you were born, plus proof of legal presence (green card, visa, or work authorization). The DPS will issue a license valid for as long as your immigration status allows.