The documents you'll need for a Texas ID

To get a Texas ID card, the Texas Department of Public Safety requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need all of these from a single source — you can mix and match from different documents as long as each one covers one of those three categories. The exact documents accepted vary slightly depending on whether you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or here on a visa.

The fastest path is to bring one document that covers identity and residency together (like a utility bill with your name and address), plus your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If you do not have a Social Security card, you can bring a W-2, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You need three things: proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate), proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (like your Social Security card or a W-2).
  • One document can count toward two categories — for example, a utility bill counts as both identity and residency proof if your name and address are on it.
  • If you were born outside the U.S., you will need to bring your passport, visa, or permanent resident card along with your other documents.
  • You must bring the original documents or certified copies; photocopies alone will not be accepted.
  • Bring your Social Security card if you have one, because it is the fastest way to prove your number — other documents take longer to verify.

Proof of identity documents Texas accepts

Texas will accept a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a passport card, a military ID, a driver's license from another state, or a permanent resident card as proof of identity. If you were born outside the U.S., your passport or visa counts as identity proof. The document must show your name and date of birth, and it must not be expired (or if it is expired, it can be no more than two years past expiration).

If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents that together prove who you are — for example, a school ID plus a bank statement with your name on it. The Texas Department of Public Safety website lists all accepted combinations, and the staff at your local DPS office can tell you whether a specific document will work before you make a second trip.

Proof of residency documents Texas accepts

Texas counts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or insurance policy as proof that you live where you say you do. The document must show your name and your current Texas address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill is usually the easiest because most people have one, it is recent, and it clearly shows both name and address.

If you have just moved to Texas or do not have a utility bill in your name yet, you can bring a lease signed by you and your landlord, a mortgage statement from your lender, or a property tax bill from the county. If none of these are available, you can bring a notarized letter from someone who lives with you stating that you live at that address — this is slower because you have to find a notary, but it works.

Proof of Social Security number documents Texas accepts

Your Social Security card is the document Texas prefers because it is fast to verify. If you do not have your card, you can bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. Any of these will work, but the Social Security Administration letter is the most reliable if your other documents are old or if you have not worked recently.

You can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration if you have lost yours — this takes about two weeks by mail. However, you do not have to wait for the card to arrive before you get your Texas ID; you can bring any of the other documents listed above instead.

Documents for people born outside the U.S.

If you were born outside the United States, you must bring your passport or visa along with your other identity, residency, and Social Security documents. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card (Permanent Resident Card) instead of a passport. The card or passport must be valid or expired no more than two years ago.

If you are in Texas on a temporary visa (for work, school, or another reason), bring your visa and your passport. The visa alone does not count as proof of identity — you need both documents together. If your visa has expired but you are still in the U.S. legally (for example, because you have filed to extend it), bring the expired visa plus a letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services showing your current status.

What to bring to the DPS office

Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies will not be accepted. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original plus an English translation certified by a translator. You will also need to fill out Form DL-44 (the Texas ID process) at the office, so you do not need to print it ahead of time, but you can if you want to save a few minutes.

Bring your Social Security card if you have it, because it speeds up the verification process. If you do not have it, bring whichever other Social Security document you have — a W-2 or pay stub is usually fastest. You will also need to pay the fee for a Texas ID, which varies depending on how long you want the card to be valid (four years or six years). Check the Texas Department of Public Safety website for the current fee before you go.

What happens if you do not have a document

If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to four weeks depending on where you were born. While you wait, you can bring other identity documents like a passport, military ID, or school records plus a bank statement to prove your identity.

If you do not have proof of residency because you just moved or are living with someone else, bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the utility bill or lease, stating that you live there. You can find a notary at most banks, UPS stores, or through your county clerk's office. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining your situation — call them at 1-800-772-1213 to request one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone or a printed photo instead of a document with my picture?

No. Texas requires an official document like a passport, military ID, or driver's license from another state. A photo by itself does not count as proof of identity.

Do I need to bring my original Social Security card or can I bring a copy?

You can bring a copy of your Social Security card, but the original is faster because the DPS office can verify it right away. If you bring a copy, they will verify your number through the Social Security Administration, which takes longer.

What if my name on my birth certificate is different from my name now?

Bring both your birth certificate and a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. This shows the DPS office that the name change was legal.

Can I use a bank statement as proof of residency if it does not show my address?

No. The document must show both your name and your current Texas address. A bank statement without an address does not count. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement will work instead.

How long do I have to bring my documents after I fill out the process?

You bring your documents to the DPS office at the same time you fill out the process. You cannot submit the process first and bring documents later. Everything happens in one visit.