Bring these documents to your Texas DPS appointment
You need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to get a Texas driver's license. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts a specific list of documents for each category — bringing something that looks official but is not on that list will delay your appointment. Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies, unless the DPS website specifically says a copy is acceptable.
The documents you bring depend partly on whether you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or here on a visa. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will also need to bring immigration documents. This section covers what citizens and permanent residents need; if your immigration status is different, check the DPS website for your specific category before you go.
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 proof that you live in Texas, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days.
- You must provide your Social Security number; bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
- If you changed your name, bring the original or certified copy of the document that changed it — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
- Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one, even though it is not required.
Proof of identity documents the DPS will accept
The DPS accepts a U.S. passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa as proof of identity. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of two documents from a longer list that includes a Social Security card, a work permit, a school ID, or a bank statement. The DPS website lists all acceptable combinations if you need to use the two-document route.
Your birth certificate must be certified — a photocopy or a document you printed from an online vital records system will not work. You can order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or from the vital records office in the state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks, so order it early if you do not already have one.
If your identity document is in a language other than English, bring the original and a certified English translation. A certified translation is one prepared by a professional translator and stamped or signed as accurate; you cannot translate it yourself.
Proof of Texas residency
Bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and your current Texas address. The DPS accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance documents, or government mail. A utility bill is the easiest option because it is dated automatically and shows your address clearly.
If you recently moved to Texas and do not yet have a document in your name at your new address, you can bring a lease or mortgage agreement that shows your name and the address where you live now. If you are staying with someone else and do not have a document in your name, you can bring an affidavit signed by the person whose name is on the utility bill or lease, stating that you live there. The DPS website has a form you can use for this.
Mail from a government agency — such as a tax notice, voter registration card, or court document — also counts as proof of residency. A credit card statement or insurance bill with your address will work as well.
Social Security number and name change documents
Bring your Social Security card or any document that shows your Social Security number. If you do not have your card, you can bring a W-2 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a bank statement that displays your number. The DPS will not issue a license without your Social Security number.
If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring the original or certified copy of the document that changed it. This could be a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, an adoption decree, or a court order. If you changed your name more than once, bring the documents for each change in the order they happened. Like your birth certificate, these documents must be certified copies, not photocopies.
Your current license and other helpful documents
If you already have a driver's license from another state, bring it with you. The DPS does not require it, but having it speeds up the process because the examiner can see your driving history and any restrictions you already have. If your out-of-state license is expired, bring it anyway — it still shows your history.
If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) from another state, bring that instead of a regular license. If you are renewing a Texas license and have a learner's permit, bring that too.
Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them for driving. You will take a vision test at your appointment, and you must wear the correction you will use while driving.
What you do not need to bring
You do not need to bring proof of insurance, a vehicle registration, or a vehicle title. You do not need to bring a completed process form — the DPS will give you one to fill out at the office. You do not need to bring your vehicle; you will take the driving test in a DPS vehicle or, in some cases, in your own vehicle, but you do not need to have it there when you arrive for your appointment.
You do not need to bring money for the fee if you are paying by card, but bring a card or cash if you prefer to pay that way. Check the DPS website for the current fee, which varies depending on the type of license and how long it is valid.
What to do if you do not have all the documents
If you are missing a document, do not skip your appointment. Call the DPS office where you have your appointment scheduled and ask what alternatives they accept. Some offices are more flexible than others, and the staff can tell you whether you can bring something different or whether you need to reschedule.
If you do not have a birth certificate and cannot get one in time, ask whether you can bring two documents from the alternative list instead. If you do not have proof of residency in your name, ask whether an affidavit from someone else will work at that location. The DPS has some flexibility, but you have to ask before you show up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a photo of my documents instead of the originals?
No. You must bring original documents or certified copies. A photo on your phone will not work. The only exception is if the DPS website specifically says a photocopy is acceptable for that particular document, which is rare.
What if my name on my documents does not match exactly?
Bring all the documents that show the different versions of your name, plus the document that explains why they differ — such as a marriage certificate or court order. The DPS staff will review them and determine whether the differences are acceptable or whether you need to update one of your documents first.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring something else with my number on it?
You can bring any document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2, tax return, pay stub, or bank statement. Your Social Security card itself is not required, though it is the easiest option.
What if I was born outside the United States?
Bring your birth certificate from the country where you were born, certified and translated to English if it is not already in English. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can also bring a U.S. passport instead. If you are a permanent resident or on a visa, bring your immigration documents as well — check the DPS website for the specific documents your status requires.
Can I bring documents that are expired?
Yes, as long as they show your identity or name. An expired passport, expired out-of-state license, or expired birth certificate is still acceptable. The only exception is proof of residency, which must be dated within the last 30 days.