Documents you must bring to the Texas DPS office

To get a Texas driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will not issue a license without all three, so gathering these documents before you go to the office saves you a trip back home.

You do not need to bring originals of everything — some documents can be copies — but DPS staff will tell you on the spot if something is not acceptable. Bring the physical documents themselves; you cannot submit them online or by mail for a standard license.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving who you are, one proving where you live in Texas, and one proving your Social Security number.
  • A U.S. passport or birth certificate works for identity; a utility bill or lease works for residency; a Social Security card or W-2 works for your SSN.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, you can get a driver's license using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
  • DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and you can find your nearest location and current wait times on the Texas DPS website.
  • Bring your documents in person; there is no online or mail-in option for a first-time license.

Proof of identity documents DPS will accept

For identity, bring one document from this list: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card from another state, a military ID, a consular ID card, or a tribal ID. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth. If your birth certificate is not certified (meaning it does not have an official seal or raised impression), DPS will not accept it.

If your name has changed since the document was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the document that shows the name change as well. For example, if your birth certificate shows your maiden name, bring your marriage certificate too. DPS needs to see the chain of how your name became what it is now.

Proof of residency in Texas

For residency, bring one document showing your current Texas address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must be dated within the last 30 days and show your name and address.

If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, you can bring a signed letter from that person stating you live there, plus the utility bill or lease in their name. The letter does not need to be notarized, but it does need to be signed and dated.

If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, tell the DPS staff when you arrive. They have a process for this situation and can issue you a license using a shelter address or a care-of address.

Proof of Social Security number

Bring your Social Security card, or a document showing your number such as a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letter from the IRS instead. DPS will issue you a license with an ITIN, though the license will be marked differently than one issued to a U.S. citizen.

If you have lost your Social Security card, you do not need to replace it before getting your license. Any document with your number on it will work.

What to bring if you are under 18

If you are under 18, you must bring a parent or legal guardian with you. That person needs to bring their own ID and sign consent forms at the DPS office. You still need to bring all three types of documents listed above (identity, residency, and Social Security proof) in your own name.

If you are 18 or older, you do not need anyone with you, even if you are still claimed as a dependent on your parents' taxes.

Additional items to bring

Bring your current driver's license or ID card if you have one, even if it is expired or from another state. Bring your visa or immigration documents if you are not a U.S. citizen. Bring glasses or contacts if you need them to see — DPS will test your vision, and you must pass the test wearing the same correction you will wear while driving.

Bring a pen to fill out the process form. Bring cash or a debit card; DPS offices accept both, but some locations may not accept credit cards. The fee for a standard five-year license is $45 for adults 18 and older; the fee for a minor's license is lower and varies by age.

How to find your nearest DPS office and what to expect

Go to the Texas DPS website and use the office locator tool to find the DPS office nearest you. The site shows office hours, phone numbers, and current wait times at many locations. Some offices are busier than others — if your local office has a long wait, you may be able to go to a different one.

Arrive early in the day if you can; wait times tend to be shorter in the morning. Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. The staff will check your documents, take your photo and fingerprints, give you a vision and written test, and collect your fee. The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.

Your license will be mailed to the address you provide at the office. Standard delivery takes about two weeks. If you need it faster, some DPS offices offer a rush service for an additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone instead of having DPS take one?

No. DPS takes your photo at the office as part of the licensing process. You cannot bring a photo from home or use a digital photo. The photo must be taken in person at the DPS office.

What if my residency document is older than 30 days?

DPS will not accept it. If your utility bill or lease is dated more than 30 days ago, bring a more recent one. If you do not have a recent document, call your utility company or landlord and ask them to send you a current statement, or print a recent online bill if that option is available.

Do I need to pass the written test before I come in, or do I take it at the office?

You take the written test at the DPS office on the day you explore. You do not need to study beforehand, but you can read a study guide from the Texas DPS website if you want to prepare. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices.

What happens if I fail the vision or written test?

If you fail the vision test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. If you fail the written test, you can usually retake it the same day at no extra cost, or you can schedule another appointment. Ask the DPS staff what your options are.

Can someone else pick up my license for me, or do I have to be there when it arrives?

Your license is mailed to the address you provide, so you do not need to be there when it arrives. Anyone in your household can receive it. If you want it mailed to a different address, tell the DPS staff at the office.