What You Need to Get a Texas Driver License in 2024

What documents Texas requires for a new driver license

Texas requires you to bring six categories of documents to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) office when you get a new driver license. You need proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, proof of legal presence, a completed process form, and payment for the license fee. The state does not accept all documents equally — some documents satisfy multiple requirements at once, while others work only for one category.

The most common path is to bring your Social Security card (or a document showing your number), a birth certificate or passport for identity, a recent utility bill or lease for residency, and your completed DL 44 form. If you were born outside the United States, you will also need to show your visa, green card, or other immigration document proving you can legally be in Texas. The fee is currently $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, though the state may adjust these amounts.

Key Takeaways

You must bring proof of identity, Social Security number, Texas residency, legal presence, a signed DL 44 form, and payment to a DPS office.
A birth certificate or passport works for identity; a Social Security card or tax return works for your number; a utility bill or lease works for residency.
If you were born outside the United States, bring your visa, green card, or other document showing you are legally allowed to live in Texas.
DPS offices do not accept all documents — bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies, and check the DPS website for your specific office's hours before you go.

Identity documents the DPS will accept

For proof of identity, Texas accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a foreign passport with a visa, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. The document must show your full name and date of birth. If you bring a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born — a photocopy or hospital-issued copy will not work.

A U.S. passport is the easiest option because it satisfies both identity and legal presence at once, which saves you from bringing a second document. If you do not have a passport yet, order one from the State Department before your DPS appointment, since the process takes several weeks. A certified birth certificate is the next fastest option and costs less than a passport.

Proof of Social Security number and residency

For your Social Security number, bring your actual Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. The DPS will not accept a photocopy of your card — you must show the original. If you have lost your card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration online or by mail before your DPS visit.

For Texas residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days showing your name and a Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If you recently moved to Texas and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord stating your move-in date is acceptable. A driver license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

Legal presence requirements for people born outside the United States

If you were born outside the United States, you must show a document proving you are legally allowed to live in Texas. This means a valid U.S. passport, a green card, a visa, an employment authorization document (EAD), a temporary protected status (TPS) document, or a deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) approval notice. The document must be unexpired or, in some cases, expired for no more than two years.

If you are a permanent resident (green card holder) or have DACA status, bring the original card or notice. If you have a visa, bring your passport showing the visa stamp. If you have an EAD or TPS document, bring the original card. The DPS will make a copy and return the original to you. If your legal status document is about to expire, renew it before your DPS appointment, because an expired document may delay or prevent you from getting your license.

The DL 44 form and where to find it

The DL 44 is the official process form for a Texas driver license. You can read it from the DPS website, fill it out at home, and bring it signed to your appointment. You can also pick up a blank form at any DPS office and fill it out there, though this adds time to your visit. The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and whether you want to donate organs or register as a voter.

Sign the form in front of the DPS employee — do not sign it at home. If you sign it before you arrive, the office may ask you to fill out a new form. The DPS will also take your photograph and your fingerprints during your visit, so plan for the appointment to take 30 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

How to schedule a DPS appointment and what to expect

You can schedule an appointment online through the DPS website or by calling your local DPS office directly. Many offices now require appointments, though some still accept walk-ins during certain hours. The DPS website shows which offices in your area take appointments and which accept walk-ins. If you schedule online, you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment time and a list of documents to bring.

Bring all your documents in originals or certified copies — the DPS will not accept photocopies for any document except your Social Security card, which you must show as the original. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The DPS employee will review your documents, take your photograph, scan your fingerprints, and give you a receipt. Your physical license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. You can check the status of your license online using your confirmation number.

Fees and what type of license you can get

A five-year driver license costs $33, and an eight-year license costs $66. You can also get a Real ID-compliant license, which costs an additional $16 and allows you to use your license as identification for domestic flights and federal buildings. If you are 18 or older and getting your first Texas license, you must pass a written test and a driving test before the DPS issues your license. The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; the driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner.

If you are renewing a license you already held in Texas, you may not need to take the tests again, depending on how long ago it expired. If you are moving to Texas from another state and have a valid out-of-state license, you can transfer it without taking the tests. Bring your out-of-state license to your DPS appointment along with the other documents listed above.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The DPS takes your photograph during your appointment as part of the license issuance process. You cannot bring a photo from home. The photograph must be taken at the DPS office to meet state and federal standards.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must have a Social Security number to get a Texas driver license. If you do not have one, contact the Social Security Administration to explore. The process takes several weeks. If you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number, you may be able to get an identification card from the DPS instead of a driver license.

Do I need to bring my birth certificate if I have a U.S. passport?

No. A U.S. passport satisfies both the identity requirement and the legal presence requirement, so you do not need to bring your birth certificate. You still need to bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of Texas residency.

What happens if I bring documents and the DPS says one is not acceptable?

The DPS employee will tell you which document does not meet their requirements and what document you can bring instead. You will need to reschedule your appointment and return with the correct document. This is why checking the DPS website before your visit is important — it lists exactly which documents work for each requirement.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my permanent license to arrive?

Yes. The DPS gives you a receipt at the end of your appointment that serves as a temporary license valid for 45 days. You can use this receipt to drive legally while your permanent license is in the mail. Once your license arrives, the receipt is no longer valid.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.