What Documents Do You Need for a Texas Driver’s License?
Quick answer: To get a Texas driver’s license as an adult, bring proof of identity, proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, your Social Security number, two documents proving Texas residency, proof of insurance (and Texas registration) for each vehicle you own, and a completed DL-14A application. Adults 18 to 24 also need an adult driver education certificate, and anyone taking the driving test needs an Impact Texas Drivers certificate dated within 90 days. The fee is $33.
Missing one document is the most common reason people get turned away at the driver license office, often after waiting weeks for an appointment. Use the checklist below, then read the details for the documents that trip people up most: identity and residency.
Texas driver’s license document checklist for adults
| What you need | Examples and notes |
|---|---|
| Proof of identity | One primary document, such as a U.S. passport, or a combination of other documents (see below) |
| Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence | U.S. passport or birth certificate for citizens; immigration documents for non-citizens |
| Social Security number | You must provide your SSN |
| Proof of Texas residency | Two printed documents with your name and Texas address |
| Vehicle registration | Current Texas registration for each vehicle you own (mainly applies to new residents) |
| Proof of insurance | For each vehicle you own, or a signed statement that you do not own a vehicle |
| Application | Form DL-14A, completed online or at the office |
| Adult driver education certificate | Required if you are 18 to 24; not required at 25 and older |
| Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) certificate | Required for the driving test; must be dated within 90 days of the test |
| Fee | $33 for an original Class C license, ages 18 to 84 (valid eight years) |
Driver license offices work by appointment, so book ahead. DPS also has an online document check tool that builds a personalized list based on your situation.
What counts as proof of identity?
DPS accepts identity documents in three groups. You need one of these combinations:
- One primary document, or
- Two secondary documents, or
- One secondary document plus two supporting documents.
Primary documents (one is enough):
- Valid, unexpired U.S. passport book or passport card
- Texas driver’s license or ID card expired no more than two years
- U.S. Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization with photo
- Unexpired Department of Homeland Security or USCIS document with photo, such as a Permanent Resident Card (I-551) or Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- Valid, unexpired foreign passport with an attached visa and a valid I-94
- Unexpired U.S. military ID with photo (active duty, reserve or retired)
Secondary documents:
- Original or certified copy of a U.S. or Canadian birth certificate from a state vital statistics office
- Original or certified court order showing an official name change
- For U.S. citizens born abroad, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240) or Certificate of Report of Birth
Supporting documents (you need two, with a secondary document) include your actual Social Security card, a W-2 or 1099, an out-of-state license, school records, a marriage license or divorce decree, a Medicare or Medicaid card, a Texas vehicle registration or title, military records such as a DD-214, and more. The full list is on the DPS identification requirements page.
All documents must be originals or certified copies. DPS does not accept photocopies or laminated certified documents.
What if the name on your documents doesn’t match?
Your name and date of birth need to match across documents. If your name changed through marriage, divorce or a court order, bring the legal proof that links the names, such as a marriage license, divorce decree or court order. This is one of the most common reasons adults are sent home, so check every document before your appointment.
What counts as proof of Texas residency?
You need two printed documents, and both must show your name and Texas residential address. Accepted examples include:
- A current deed, mortgage, or residential lease
- A utility bill (electric, water, gas, internet, cable or cell phone)
- Homeowner’s, renter’s or auto insurance documents
- Texas voter registration card
- Texas vehicle registration or title
- Bank or government agency statements
- A paycheck stub or W-2
- A current Texas school transcript or report card
Three rules catch people out. Bills, statements and pay stubs must be dated within 180 days. One of the two documents must show you have lived in Texas for at least 30 days. And two statements for the same service from different months only count as one. Printed copies of electronic statements are accepted.
Do adults need driver’s ed in Texas?
It depends on your age:
- 18 to 24: You must complete a six-hour adult driver education course and bring the certificate.
- 25 and older: No driver education is required, though many adults take the course anyway to prepare for the tests.
Everyone who takes the driving test also needs the free Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) program certificate, dated within 90 days of the test. For the full step-by-step process for younger adults, see how to get a driver’s license in Texas at 18. To get ready for the driving test itself, see how to practice driving.
What happens at the driver license office?
- Check in for your appointment with your documents and DL-14A application.
- Give your thumbprints and signature, and have your photo taken.
- Pay the $33 fee.
- Pass the vision exam.
- Take the written knowledge test (unless your driver education course included it) and the driving test. The driving test can also be taken with an approved third-party provider.
- Leave with a temporary license. Your permanent card usually arrives by mail in two to three weeks.
Moving to Texas with a license from another state? The process is different; see how to transfer your driver’s license to Texas. Wondering about REAL ID? See REAL ID vs. driver’s license.
Need the six-hour course? Easy Drivers Ed’s adult driver education course is online and TDLR-approved.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do adults need for a Texas driver’s license?
Proof of identity, proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, your Social Security number, two documents proving Texas residency, proof of insurance for each vehicle you own, and a completed DL-14A application. Adults 18 to 24 also need an adult driver education certificate, and everyone taking the driving test needs an Impact Texas Drivers certificate.
What do I need to bring to DPS for my license?
Bring original or certified identity documents, two printed proof-of-residency documents, your Social Security number, proof of vehicle insurance, your DL-14A application, any required driver education and ITD certificates, and payment for the $33 fee.
How many proofs of residency do you need in Texas?
Two printed documents showing your name and Texas address. Bills and statements must be dated within 180 days, and one document must show at least 30 days of Texas residency.
Do you need a birth certificate to get a Texas driver’s license?
Not if you have a primary identity document such as a U.S. passport. Without one, a certified birth certificate is the usual secondary document, combined with another secondary document or two supporting documents.
How much does a Texas driver’s license cost for adults?
An original Class C license costs $33 for applicants 18 to 84 and is valid for eight years.