Bring these documents to the Texas Department of Public Safety office

You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Texas DPS will not issue a license without all three. The exact documents that work vary slightly depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost card — but the core categories stay the same.

You must bring originals or certified copies. Photocopies, photos of documents, or digital images on your phone will not work. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an official English translation.

Key Takeaways

  • Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, birth certificate, consular report of birth, or military ID — originals only, not copies.
  • Proof of residency must show your current Texas address and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days.
  • Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full SSN.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letter from the IRS instead.
  • Bring your completed DL 44 form (process for Texas driver's license) to the office, or fill it out there.

Proof of identity documents that DPS accepts

Your identity document must be an original or certified copy. A U.S. passport is the strongest option — bring the actual passport book. A birth certificate works if it is a certified copy with the state seal, not a photocopy from a hospital or a printed version from an online service.

If you were born outside the United States, a consular report of birth abroad (Form FS-545 or DS-1350) counts as identity proof. A military ID or military dependent ID also works. A tribal ID from a federally recognized tribe is accepted. If you are a permanent resident, your green card (I-551) serves as both identity and immigration status proof.

Documents that do not work for identity: driver's licenses from other states, school IDs, work IDs, or expired passports. If your birth certificate is not certified, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born.

Proof of residency — what shows your current Texas address

Your residency document must show your name and your current Texas address, and must be dated within the last 30 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) is the most common choice. A lease or rental agreement works if it is signed and shows your current address. A mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowners insurance policy all count.

Bank statements, credit card statements, and paycheck stubs also work if they show your name and address. A letter from your employer on company letterhead counts if it includes your address. If you live with family or a roommate and the bill is in their name, bring a notarized affidavit from the person whose name is on the bill, plus that person's ID.

Documents that do not work: cell phone bills, insurance bills that do not show your address, letters from government agencies, or documents older than 30 days. If you just moved and do not have a 30-day-old document yet, bring what you have (lease, mortgage paperwork, utility account confirmation) and explain the situation to the DPS officer — they may accept recent move-in documentation.

Proof of Social Security number

Your Social Security card itself is the simplest proof. If you do not have the card, a W-2 form or 1099 form from your employer or a client shows your full SSN. A recent pay stub with your full SSN printed on it works. A tax return (Form 1040) also counts.

If you do not have a Social Security number because you are not a U.S. citizen, you can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS. Once you have an ITIN, bring the IRS letter that assigned it to you. The process takes several weeks, so plan ahead if this applies to you.

The DL 44 process form

You need to complete Form DL 44 (process for Texas Driver's License). You can read and print it from the Texas DPS website before you go, or you can fill it out at the office. If you fill it out ahead of time, bring it completed and signed.

The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. You will also declare whether you want to be an organ donor. Bring a pen — the office will not provide one.

Additional documents for specific situations

If you are under 18, you must bring a completed Parental Consent form (Form DL 43) signed by a parent or guardian, plus that parent's ID. If you are renewing a license that expired more than two years ago, bring your expired license plus all the standard documents. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a police report number or case number if you filed one.

If you have changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are a non-citizen with a visa, bring your passport and visa. If you have a medical condition that requires you to take a driving test, bring documentation from your doctor.

What to expect at the DPS office

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated. Arrive early — many offices have long waits, especially on Fridays and at the end of the month. You will be called to a window, where an officer will review your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee (the cost varies by license type and validity period).

You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, then a driving test in most cases. If you pass, your temporary license will be printed on the spot, and your permanent card will arrive by mail within two weeks. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it at a later appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a digital copy of my documents on my phone?

No. DPS requires original documents or certified copies. Photos, screenshots, or PDF files on your phone will not be accepted. Bring the physical documents with you.

What if my birth certificate does not have a state seal?

It will not work for identity proof. Order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born. Most states mail certified copies within one to two weeks and charge $10 to $25.

My lease is in my roommate's name — can I still use it for residency?

Not on its own. Bring the lease plus a notarized affidavit from your roommate stating you live there, and bring your roommate's ID. Some offices also accept a utility bill in your name as an alternative.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a recent pay stub?

No. A pay stub showing your full SSN is sufficient proof. You do not need to bring the card itself.

What happens if I forget a document and go to the DPS office anyway?

You will not be able to complete your process that day. You will need to return with all required documents. It is worth calling your local DPS office ahead of time to confirm they have everything you plan to bring.