Bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number

Texas requires three categories of documents when you explore for a driver's license: one form of primary identification, one form of proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a letter from the Social Security Administration if you don't have one. You do not need to bring originals of everything — some documents can be copies — but the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will examine what you bring and may ask for additional proof if something looks incomplete or doesn't match your other documents.

The specific documents that count toward each category vary, and some documents can satisfy more than one requirement at once. Knowing which documents work before you go to the DPS office saves you a trip back home or a delay in processing your process.

Key Takeaways

  • Primary identification must be an original or certified copy — a driver's license from another state, passport, military ID, or birth certificate all work, but a photocopy of your passport does not.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days and showing your current address.
  • You must provide your Social Security number or bring a Social Security Administration letter stating you don't have one.
  • Bring your completed DL 44 form (the process) and your current out-of-state license if you have one, along with payment for the fee.
  • If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — as an original or certified copy.

Primary identification documents that Texas accepts

Your primary ID must be an original document or a certified copy — not a photocopy you made yourself. Texas accepts a current or expired driver's license or ID card from another state, a U.S. passport, a U.S. military ID card, a birth certificate (original or certified copy), a Certificate of Naturalization, a Permanent Resident Card (green card), or a Tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe.

If you have a passport, bring the actual passport book, not a copy. If you have a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — a hospital copy or a photocopy will not work. If you are a U.S. citizen who was born outside the United States, a Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization counts as primary ID.

If you are explore for your first Texas license and your only ID is from another country, you will need to bring additional documents. Contact your local DPS office before you go to confirm what they will accept, because the rules for foreign identification vary by document type and your immigration status.

Proof of residency: what shows you live in Texas

Proof of residency must be dated within the last 30 days and show your current name and address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, or a property tax statement all work. The document must be an original or certified copy — a photocopy is not acceptable.

If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, you can bring a letter from that person on their letterhead stating that you live at that address, along with the utility bill or other proof showing their name and the address. Some DPS offices also accept a notarized affidavit of residency if you cannot obtain a bill or lease in your name, but policies vary by office, so call ahead if you think you will need one.

If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, bring a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or other organization that can verify where you are staying. The DPS has procedures for applicants without a fixed address, but you will need to speak with an officer at the office to determine what documents work in your situation.

Social Security number and what to bring if you don't have one

You must provide your Social Security number when you explore. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one, or a letter stating that you have applied and are waiting for a decision. You can request this letter by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security office.

If you are a noncitizen and do not have a Social Security number, the DPS will ask for your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring the letter from the IRS that was issued with your ITIN, or bring your tax return showing the ITIN.

Name changes and the documents that prove them

If your name has changed since you were born — through marriage, divorce, court order, or any other legal process — bring the document that shows the change as an original or certified copy. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, annulment decree, or court order changing your name all work. If you were married outside the United States, bring the original marriage certificate or a certified copy from the vital records office in the country where you were married.

If you have changed your name more than once, bring documents showing each change in order. For example, if you were married, divorced, and then married again, bring the marriage certificate, the divorce decree, and the second marriage certificate. The DPS uses these documents to verify that all your names belong to the same person and to create a record that matches your legal identity.

What to bring if you are renewing or replacing an out-of-state license

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, bring it with you. The DPS will examine it to verify your identity and check for any suspensions or revocations in other states. If your out-of-state license is expired, you can still bring it — it still serves as proof of identity — but you will also need to bring one of the other primary ID documents listed above.

If you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged Texas license, bring a police report if you have one (for a stolen license), or straightforward tell the DPS officer what happened. You do not need a police report to replace a lost or damaged license, but having one can speed up the process. Bring your proof of residency and Social Security number as you would for any process.

Payment and the completed process form

Bring payment for the license fee. The cost varies depending on the type of license and how long it is valid for — a standard Class C license costs less than a commercial license, and a license valid for eight years costs more than one valid for four years. Check the DPS website or call your local office for the current fee before you go, so you know whether to bring a check, card, or cash.

Bring a completed DL 44 form (the Texas Driver's License process). You can fill it out at home and bring it with you, or you can fill it out at the DPS office. If you fill it out at home, print it from the DPS website and sign it in pen — do not sign it until you are at the office, because the officer may need to watch you sign it. Bring any other documents the DPS has asked you to bring in a letter or email, such as proof of a name change or proof of Texas residency if you recently moved to the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of a certified copy?

No. Texas requires an original birth certificate or a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. A photocopy, even if it is notarized, will not work. You can order a certified copy online or by mail from the vital records office, and most states can mail it within one to two weeks.

What if my utility bill has my old address on it?

You need a bill dated within the last 30 days showing your current address. If you recently moved, contact your utility company and ask them to send you a new bill, or ask if they can provide a letter on company letterhead confirming your new address and account. Some companies can email or print a current statement showing your new address the same day.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card?

No. You only need to provide your Social Security number — you do not need to bring the card itself. You can write the number on your process, or tell the DPS officer and they will enter it into the system. If you don't have a number, bring the letter from the Social Security Administration instead.

What happens if I bring documents that don't match?

If your documents show different names or addresses, the DPS officer will ask you to explain the differences. Bring any documents that show the changes — a marriage certificate if your name changed, a lease if you moved — and the officer can usually resolve it on the spot. If the officer cannot verify your identity, they may ask you to come back with additional documents.

Can I bring a bank statement from my online account instead of a printed one?

Yes, as long as it shows your current name and address and is dated within the last 30 days. Print it from your online account or ask your bank to provide a statement. The DPS will accept a printed statement from your computer or a statement the bank mails to you.