Documents and information you'll bring to the DPS office

To get a Texas driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence in the United States. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts specific documents for each category — you cannot substitute one type for another, and the list varies depending on whether you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or visa holder.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The DPS will not accept documents that are expired, altered, or damaged beyond clear readability. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring the original plus an official English translation.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document proving identity (like a passport or birth certificate), one proving where you live (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
  • Proof of lawful presence is required and depends on your citizenship status — U.S. citizens use a passport or birth certificate, while permanent residents bring a green card.
  • The DPS office will take your photograph and administer a written test on traffic laws, a vision screening, and a driving test in your own vehicle.
  • Bring your Social Security card itself or a document issued by the government that displays your number; a tax return or W-2 is not accepted.
  • You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit and at least 18 to get an unrestricted license without parental consent.

Proof of identity documents the DPS accepts

A valid U.S. passport is the easiest single document because it serves as both identity and proof of citizenship. If you do not have a passport, bring your original birth certificate (long form, not the short form) plus a government-issued photo ID such as a military ID, employee badge, or school ID with your photograph.

Other acceptable identity documents include a certified copy of your birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a certificate of naturalization, or a tribal ID. If you are under 18, a school photo ID counts as identity proof. The document must show your name and date of birth clearly.

Proof of residency in Texas

You need one document showing your current Texas address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name dated within the last 60 days works. So does a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank or credit card statement showing your address.

If you live with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, bring a notarized affidavit from the person whose name is on the bill, plus that person's ID and proof of residency. A notary public can create this affidavit at most banks, UPS stores, or title companies for a small fee. Do not attempt to forge or alter a document — the DPS verifies addresses and will deny your process if something does not match.

Proof of Social Security number

Bring your original Social Security card. If you have lost it, the Social Security Administration will issue a replacement at no cost — you can request one online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The replacement typically arrives in one to two weeks.

If you cannot locate your card before your DPS appointment, you may bring an alternative document that displays your number: a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a paycheck stub, or a document from the Social Security Administration itself. The DPS will not accept a letter from your employer or a document you created yourself.

Proof of lawful presence in the United States

U.S. citizens show a valid passport, birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or certificate of naturalization. Permanent residents (green card holders) bring the green card itself. Visa holders and other non-citizens must bring their passport plus the visa or other immigration document showing their status.

If you are a refugee or asylee, bring your I-94 arrival/departure record plus a letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirming your status. If you are in the country under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), bring your employment authorization document (EAD) or I-797 notice. The DPS will not issue a license to someone without lawful presence, even if they have all other documents.

What happens at the DPS office

After you submit your documents, a DPS employee will verify them and take your photograph. You will then take a written test covering Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 30 questions; you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish.

Next, a DPS officer will check your vision using a machine that measures how well you see at different distances. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during this screening. You will then take a driving test in your own vehicle on public roads near the DPS office. The officer will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. If you fail any part of the test, you can retake it at a later appointment.

Age requirements and parental consent

You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit in Texas. A learner's permit allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your process in person at the DPS office.

You can get an unrestricted license at age 18 without parental permission. If you are 16 or 17 and want an unrestricted license, you must have held a learner's permit for at least six months and completed a driver's education course approved by the Texas Education Agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport card instead of a full passport?

Yes. A passport card is a valid U.S. passport and counts as both identity and proof of citizenship. It is smaller than a full passport but serves the same purpose at the DPS office.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

A foreign birth certificate is acceptable if it is an official document from the country where you were born. Bring the original plus an official English translation. The DPS will verify it through the appropriate government agency before issuing your license.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?

You do not need the card itself if you bring a W-2, 1099, tax return, or paycheck stub showing your Social Security number. However, bringing the card is simpler because the DPS will not have to verify the number through another agency.

What if I do not have a utility bill in my name?

You can use a lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement instead. If none of those are available, a notarized affidavit from someone who lives with you works, but you must also bring that person's ID and their proof of residency.

Can I get a license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have lawful presence in the United States. Permanent residents, visa holders, refugees, asylees, and people with DACA or TPS status can all get a Texas driver's license. You must bring the document showing your immigration status along with your other required documents.