Texas accepts multiple documents as proof of residency, and you only need one
When you explore for a Texas driver's license, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires you to prove you live in Texas. You do not need to bring every document you own — one current document from the DPS list is enough. The document must show your name and a Texas address, and it must be dated within the last 90 days.
The most common proof documents are a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank or credit card statement. If you do not have any of those, Texas also accepts a property tax receipt, an insurance policy, a government check, or a letter from a government agency. The full list is longer, and DPS updates it occasionally, so if you are unsure whether a specific document will work, you can call your local DPS office before you go in.
Key Takeaways
- You need only one document that shows your name and a current Texas address dated within 90 days.
- Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements are the easiest documents to use because most people have them.
- If your document is older than 90 days, it will not work, even if it is otherwise valid.
- If you have no permanent address, DPS allows you to use a shelter address, a hotel address, or a relative's address with a signed affidavit.
Documents that work without any extra paperwork
A utility bill is the fastest route. It must show your name and a Texas address, and it must be dated within 90 days. Electric, gas, water, internet, and phone bills all count. If the bill is in someone else's name but lists your address, you will need to bring a signed statement from that person saying you live there — but if the bill is in your name, you need nothing else.
A lease or rental agreement works the same way. It must be signed, show your name and a Texas address, and be dated within 90 days. A mortgage statement or property deed also works. Bank statements, credit card statements, and brokerage statements all count as long as they show your name, a Texas address, and a date within 90 days.
A property tax receipt, homeowner's insurance policy, renter's insurance policy, or vehicle registration also work. Government checks — such as Social Security, unemployment, or tax refund checks — count if they show your name and address. A letter from a government agency, such as a court, a school district, or a social services office, counts if it is dated within 90 days and shows your name and address.
What to do if your document is too old or in someone else's name
If your only document is older than 90 days, you have two options. The first is to get a newer document. If you rent, you can ask your landlord for a new lease or a letter on their letterhead confirming your address. If you own, you can print a recent mortgage statement from your bank's website or call and ask them to mail one. If you have a utility account, you can print your most recent bill online or call the utility and ask for a current bill.
The second option is to bring the old document anyway and explain to DPS why you do not have a newer one. DPS has discretion to accept documents older than 90 days in some cases — for example, if you just moved to Texas or if you are homeless and have only an old shelter letter. Bring any supporting documents that explain your situation, such as a moving company receipt, a lease with a recent start date, or a letter from a shelter.
If your document is in someone else's name — such as a utility bill in your spouse's name or a lease in your roommate's name — you will need a signed, notarized affidavit from that person stating that you live at that address. Some DPS offices will accept an unnotarized statement, but notarization is safer. You can get a document notarized at most banks, UPS stores, or online notary services.
Proof of residency for people without a permanent address
If you are homeless or do not have a lease, you can use a shelter address, a hotel address, or a relative's address. For a shelter or hotel, bring a letter from the facility on their letterhead dated within 90 days, stating your name and the address where you are staying. The letter should be signed by a staff member or manager.
If you use a relative's address, you will need a signed affidavit from that relative stating that you live there. The affidavit does not have to be notarized, but it should include the relative's name, address, phone number, and signature. Some DPS offices provide a form for this; others will accept a straightforward signed letter. Call your local office ahead of time to ask what form they prefer.
If you have no address at all, DPS may issue you a license without proof of residency while you work on finding housing. Bring a letter from a social services agency, a homeless services provider, or a court showing that you are homeless. This is not a permanent solution — you will need to renew with proof of residency later — but it allows you to get a license now.
How to find your local DPS office and what to bring
You can find your nearest DPS driver license office on the Texas DPS website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, and some are open on Saturday. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system. Check the office's page before you go to see if reservations are required or recommended.
Bring your proof of residency document, your Social Security number or an ITIN, proof of your date of birth (such as a birth certificate or passport), and proof of your legal name (such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or court order if your name has changed). If you are renewing a license, bring your current license. If you are explore for the first time, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
Bring the original documents, not copies. DPS staff will examine them and may make copies for your file. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original and an official English translation.
Proof of residency for online and mail renewals
If you are renewing your license by mail or online, you do not need to bring proof of residency if your address has not changed. If your address has changed, you will need to renew in person and bring proof of residency.
Some people renew online through the Texas DPS website. If your address is the same as on your current license, you can renew online without proof of residency. If your address has changed, the online system will tell you that you must renew in person instead.
Common reasons proof of residency documents are rejected
The most common reason a document is rejected is that it is older than 90 days. DPS staff check the date carefully, and a document dated 91 days ago will not work. If you are unsure whether your document is within the window, bring a newer one if you can.
The second most common reason is that the address on the document does not match the address you are claiming. If you moved recently, make sure your new address is on your proof document. If you have not updated your address with the utility company or your bank yet, get a document that shows your new address before you go to DPS.
A third reason is that the document does not clearly show your name or address. If the print is faded or the document is damaged, bring a replacement. If the document is a bill or statement and your name appears only in small print or in a barcode, it may still work, but bring a second document just in case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a printed utility bill from my online account instead of a paper bill?
Yes. Print the bill directly from your utility company's website or app. It must show your name, address, and a date within 90 days. Make sure the print is clear and legible. If the printed version does not show all the required information, call the utility and ask them to mail a paper bill or provide a certified statement.
What if I just moved to Texas and my old state's documents are all I have?
Bring your out-of-state documents along with proof that you recently moved to Texas, such as a moving company receipt, a new lease dated within 90 days, or a utility bill in your name at your new Texas address. DPS staff have discretion to accept older documents or out-of-state documents if you can show you are a new resident. Call your local office ahead of time to ask what documents they recommend.
Do I need a notarized affidavit if the utility bill is in my spouse's name?
Not always. If the bill clearly shows both your name and your spouse's name, or if it shows your spouse's name and your address, you can bring a straightforward signed statement from your spouse saying you live there. Notarization is safer but not always required. Call your local DPS office to ask whether they will accept an unnotarized statement.
Can I use a post office box address as proof of residency?
No. DPS requires a physical residential address, not a mailing address. If you use a post office box, you must bring a document showing your actual home address. If you do not have a home address, use a shelter, hotel, or relative's address as described above.
What happens if I bring the wrong document and get turned away?
You will not be issued a license that day, but you can come back once you have the correct document. There is no penalty for bringing the wrong thing. Bring your other required documents (birth certificate, Social Security card, etc.) so you do not have to gather them again on your next visit.