Bring These Documents to the DPS Office

When you go to a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office to get your driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The DPS will not issue a license without all three. Bring the actual documents — photocopies alone will not work, though the DPS will make copies for their file.

You also need to bring your completed process. Fill out Form DL-44 before you arrive, or you can fill it out at the office, but arriving with it completed saves time. Bring a pen in case you need to make corrections or sign anything on the spot.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or tax return) — all three are required.
  • Bring your completed Form DL-44 and a pen so you are ready to sign and submit without delay.
  • Bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one, because the DPS will take it when they issue your Texas license.
  • Bring cash or a debit card for the license fee, which varies by license type and age but typically ranges from $16 to $48.
  • If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian and their ID, because a minor cannot get a license without parental consent.

Proof of Identity: What the DPS Accepts

The DPS accepts a limited list of identity documents. A U.S. passport, passport card, or passport book all work. So do a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. An expired document is fine as long as it shows your name and date of birth clearly.

A regular state ID from another state does not count as proof of identity for this purpose — it counts as your current license, which you will surrender. If you do not have any of the accepted documents, you will need to get one before the DPS can issue your license. A birth certificate is usually the fastest to obtain; you can request one from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or from the state where you were born.

Proof of Residency: Documents That Show Your Texas Address

Proof of residency means a document that shows your current Texas address and was issued within the last 90 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) works. So do a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank statement. The document must have your name and your current address on it.

If you have recently moved and your utility bill or lease still shows an old address, bring a second document — a bank statement or credit card statement dated within the last 90 days — along with a written statement explaining the move. Some people use a letter from their employer or a school enrollment letter if they cannot get a utility bill. Call your local DPS office before you go to confirm whether a specific document will work, because rules can vary slightly by location.

Proof of Social Security Number

Bring your Social Security card if you have it. If you do not, bring a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a Social Security statement. The document must show your full nine-digit number.

If you do not have your Social Security number and cannot get proof of it, you can explore for a Social Security number through the Social Security Administration before you go to the DPS. This takes longer but is necessary — the DPS will not issue a license without it.

Your Current License and Payment Method

If you already have a driver's license from another state, bring it. The DPS will take it when they issue your Texas license. If you have a Texas ID card (not a driver's license), bring that too — you cannot hold both at the same time.

Bring a way to pay the license fee. The DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. The fee depends on your age and the type of license you are getting. A standard five-year license for someone 18 or older costs $16. A Real ID-compliant license costs $32. Licenses for people under 18 cost more because they expire sooner. Ask at the office or check the DPS website for the exact fee for your situation.

If You Are Under 18: Parental Consent and ID

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you to the DPS office. The parent or guardian must bring their own ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID. They will need to sign the process and be present when you take your photo and vision test.

If only one parent has custody, bring the custody papers. If both parents are deceased or unavailable, bring documentation of guardianship. The DPS will not issue a license to a minor without this documentation and the guardian's presence.

What Not to Bring (and Why It Matters)

Do not bring original documents you cannot afford to lose unless they are on the required list. The DPS will not keep your birth certificate or passport — they will return it — but bring only what you need. Do not bring multiple copies of the same document; one original is enough.

Do not assume a document will work without checking first. Rules change, and what worked for a friend may not work for you if your situation is different. If you are unsure whether a document qualifies, call your local DPS office the day before you go. A five-minute phone call saves a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone instead of getting a new one at the DPS?

No. The DPS takes your photo at the office using their camera and lighting. They have specific requirements for the photo — a plain background, no sunglasses, and your face clearly visible. You cannot bring a photo from home.

What if my birth certificate is from another country?

A foreign birth certificate works as proof of identity if it is certified and shows your name and date of birth. If it is not in English, bring a certified English translation along with the original. The DPS office can tell you whether yours meets their standards before you explore.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a tax return?

No. A tax return that shows your full Social Security number is acceptable proof. You do not need to bring the card itself. Bring whichever document you have that clearly shows the number.

What happens if I forget to bring one of the three required documents?

The DPS will not issue a license that day. You will need to go home, get the missing document, and return. There is no fee for the second visit, but you will lose the time you spent waiting. Bring all three categories before you go to the office.

Can my spouse bring my documents if I cannot go in person?

No. You must be present at the DPS office to take your photo, sign the process, and pass the vision test. Your spouse or anyone else cannot do this for you. You have to go yourself.