Documents the Texas Department of Public Safety requires at the DPS office

Texas requires you to bring specific documents when you visit a DPS office to get a new license or renew an existing one. The exact documents depend on whether you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or a temporary resident, and whether you are renewing by mail or in person. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip and a delayed license.

The state groups required documents into three categories: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You must bring at least one document from each category. If you do not have a document from one category, you can substitute certain other documents, but the substitution rules are strict and vary by category.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card or a W-2 form).
  • If you are renewing by mail, you do not need proof of residency or Social Security number, only your current license and the renewal form.
  • Proof of residency must show your current address and be dated within 90 days of your visit, or it will not be accepted.
  • If you are a non-citizen, you must bring your passport and a document showing your immigration status, such as a green card or visa.
  • Bring your Social Security card itself if you have it; a tax return or W-2 is accepted only if your card is lost or stolen.

Proof of identity documents accepted by Texas DPS

Texas DPS accepts a limited list of documents as proof of identity. Your document must show your name, date of birth, and a photograph (except for birth certificates, which do not require a photo). The most common documents are a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa.

If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of two documents from a secondary list: a high school diploma, a college transcript, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order. However, these secondary documents do not have a photograph, so you will also need to bring a photo ID from a different source — such as a school ID, employee ID, or tribal ID — even if it is expired. The photo ID does not have to be on the primary list; it only needs to show your face clearly enough for the DPS officer to match it to you in person.

Proof of residency: address and timing requirements

Texas DPS requires proof that you live at the address you are listing on your license. The document must show your name and your current address, and it must be dated within 90 days of the day you visit the office. Documents older than 90 days will be rejected, even if they are otherwise valid.

Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, a bank or credit card statement, or a government document such as a voter registration card or tax return. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, you can bring a notarized letter from them stating that you live there, along with the bill. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can bring a letter from a shelter, transitional housing program, or social services agency on official letterhead, dated within 90 days.

Proof of Social Security number and acceptable substitutes

The easiest way to prove your Social Security number is to bring your Social Security card. If you do not have the card, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your Social Security number. If you have never worked and do not have any of these documents, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating your number, which you can request by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting ssa.gov.

If you lost your Social Security card and do not have a W-2 or tax return, you must get a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before you can get a Texas driver's license. This process takes one to two weeks by mail. You cannot substitute a different document for proof of Social Security number; the state does not accept bank statements, insurance policies, or other financial documents for this purpose.

Additional documents for non-citizens and temporary residents

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must bring your passport and a document showing your immigration status. This can be a green card (permanent resident card), a valid visa, an employment authorization document (EAD), a refugee travel document, or a notice of action from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) showing your status. The document must be unexpired or have an expiration date in the future.

If you are a temporary resident with a visa, you can get a Texas driver's license, but it will expire on the same date as your visa or in six years, whichever comes first. If you are a permanent resident, your license will be valid for eight years, the same as a U.S. citizen's license. Bring the original immigration document; a copy will not be accepted.

What to bring if you are renewing by mail

If you are renewing your license by mail, the document requirements are much simpler. You need only your current Texas driver's license and the renewal form (Form DL-43), which you can read from the Texas DPS website or request by mail. You do not need to bring proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, or proof of identity, because the state already has this information on file from your previous license.

Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no medical conditions that require a vision test, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person at a DPS office and bring the full set of documents listed above.

Documents to bring for a name change or address update

If you are changing your name on your license, you must bring proof of the name change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, a court order, or an adoption decree. The document must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy. Bring this document along with all the other documents required for a new license (proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number).

If you are only updating your address and your license is not expired, you can change your address by mail, online through the Texas DPS website, or in person. If you change your address online or by mail, you do not need to bring any documents. If you change it in person, bring your current license and proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a photo from my phone or a printed copy of a document instead of the original?

No. Texas DPS requires original documents or certified copies. A certified copy is a document stamped and signed by the issuing agency (such as a certified birth certificate from the vital records office). Photocopies, printed documents from a website, and photos on your phone will not be accepted.

What if my proof of residency is older than 90 days?

You will need to bring a different document that is dated within 90 days. If you do not have one, you can ask your utility company, landlord, or bank to issue a new statement. Some companies issue statements for free; others charge a small fee. You cannot use an old document even if you still live at that address.

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

No. A W-2 form is an acceptable substitute for your Social Security card. Bring either the card or the W-2, not both. If you have neither, you will need to request a letter from the Social Security Administration or get a replacement card before you can get a Texas driver's license.

Can I renew my license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Non-citizens can get a Texas driver's license if they have a valid visa, green card, employment authorization document, or other immigration status document. Your license will expire when your immigration document expires or in six years, whichever comes first. Bring your passport and immigration document along with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.

What happens if I bring the wrong documents to the DPS office?

The DPS officer will tell you which documents are missing or incorrect and will not issue or renew your license. You will need to go home, gather the correct documents, and return to the office. This can add several days to the process, especially if you need to request documents from other agencies.