LICENSURE
We understand that the licensing process can be overwhelming. It is our goal to ensure that we make the process as seamless as possible. We are equipped to assist you from the time you enter one of our vehicles through the entire licensing process.
The Identification Requirements detailed below are required for ALL students requiring testing through the Department of Public Safety. Please be aware that re-testing or failure to comply with providing required documents on the day of your appointment may result in additional fees.
It is important to note that proof of all required documents are required to be shown to your instructor PRIOR to scheduling your DPS appointment. A detailed brochure listing all of the following documents is available for download below:
NOTE: In the case of a minor or dependent in our care, a primary guardian must be present with valid TX Drivers License, Proof of Residency in Texas and Texas Vehicle Registration with Proof of Insurance on day of licensure.
DPS Identification Requirements
Document Checklist
Proof of Identity
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence
Proof of Social Security Number
Proof of Residency in Texas
Texas Vehicle Registration and Proof of Insurance
Proof Of Identity
There are three ways an individual can verify his/her identity:
1. Bring ONE item listed in the "Primary Identity Documents" category -or-
2. Bring TWO items listed in the "Secondary Identity Documents" category -or-
3. Bring ONE item listed in the "Secondary Identity Documents" category and TWO documents listed in the "Supporting Identity Documents" category
The information on the documents, such as name and date of birth, must all match. If the name is different on each document, then the individual must provide documents that verify a legal name change. If other information on the document is different, speak with a License and Permit Specialist for assistance.
If you are using a name other than what is on your birth certificate, (example: married name), you will be required to show legal documentation of name change.
Documents must be original or certified copy. Certified documents should not be laminated. No photocopies can be accepted.
Acceptable documents:
• Marriage license
• Divorce decree
• Original or certified copy of a revised birth certificate
• Court ordered name change
• Department of State Health Services marriage verification letter
Primary Identity Documents
Photo IDs issued by government agencies with the applicants full name and date of birth are considered primary documents. Simply show ONE document from the list below to prove your identity. All Primary Identification documents must be verifiable.
• Texas driver license or Texas identification card not expired more than 2 years
• Proof of citizenship will be required if not previously established
• Valid, unexpired U.S. passport book or U.S. passport card
• U.S. Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization with identifiable photograph (N-550, N-560, N-561, N-570 or N-578) Unexpired
• Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services document with verifiable data and identifiable photo
• Valid, unexpired foreign passport with attache visa (visa may be expired but passport must be valid)
(the visa requirement may be waived in the case of Parolees, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, The Federated States of Micronesia and certain Canadian non-immigrants) an valid Form I-94
• Unexpired U.S. military ID card for active duty, reserve or retired personnel with identifiable photo
Secondary Identity Documents
Individuals who do not have a primary document can present TWO secondary documents. No other documents are required to verify identity if two secondary documents are provided.
• Original or certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a State Bureau of Vital Statistics or equivalent agency from a U.S. state, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia or a Canadian province.
• Original or certified copy of a U.S. Department of State issued Consular Report of Birth Abroad (DS‐1350, FS‐240 or FS‐545)
• Original or certified copy of the court order with name and date of birth indicating an official change of name and/or gender change from a U.S. state, a U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia
Supporting Identity Documents
Individuals who do not have ONE primary document or TWO secondary documents can provide ONE secondary document (from the list above) and TWO supporting documents.
• Temporary receipt for a Texas DL or ID (actual receipt)
• Expired Texas DL or ID (expired more than two years—actual card)
• DL or ID issued by another U.S. state, U.S. territory,
• District of Columbia, or Canadian province (unexpired or within two years of the expiration date ‐ actual card)
• ID card issued by government agency (actual card)
• Pilot’s license (actual card)
• Concealed handgun license or License To Carry card (actual card)
• Voter Registration Card (actual card)
• Professional license issued by a Texas state agency
• W‐2 or 1099 form
• School records (e.g. report cards, photo ID cards, etc.)
• Military records (e.g., Form DD‐214, DD‐215, NGC‐22)
• Unexpired U.S. military dependent ID Card (actual card)
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC—actual card)
• Selective Service card (actual card)
• Original or certified copy of a marriage certificate or divorce decree. If not in English, a certified translation in English must be provided.
• Any insurance policy (valid continuously for the past two years)
• Current Texas motor vehicle registration or title (TRC 521.144)
• Current Texas boat registration or title
• Hospital‐issued birth record
• Medicare or Medicaid card (actual card)
• Immunization records
• Unexpired foreign passport
• A valid Consular document issued by a state or national government
• Federal parole or release certificate
• Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) parole or mandatory release certificate
• Texas inmate ID card or similar form of ID issued by TDCJ
• Federal inmate ID card
• Tribal Membership card from a federally recognized tribe
• Social Security card (actual card)
*Document must be issued by an institution, entity or government agency from a U.S. state, a U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or a Canadian province.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence
If you are a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (immigrant), refugee, asylee, or non‐immigrant, you must provide proof of your lawful presence in the United States. Most documents will be verified through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's SAVE Program. Verification is often instantaneous, but when it is not, receipt of the DL/ ID may be delayed for up to 45 days. Examples of documents to verify lawful presence include:
• Original or certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a State Bureau of Vital Statistics or equivalent agency from a U.S. state, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia
• Valid, unexpired U.S. passport book or U.S. passport card
• U.S.Citizenship Certificate or Certificate of Naturalization (N‐550, N‐560, N‐561, N‐570, or N‐578)
• U.S.Citizen ID card (Form I‐197or I‐179)
• Original or certified copy of a U.S. Department of State issued Consular Report of Birth Abroad (DS‐1350, FS‐240, or FS‐545)
• Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident card (I‐551)
• Valid, unexpired U.S. passport book or U.S. passport card stating, ‘The Bearer is a U.S. National and not a U.S. Citizen’
• Unexpired employment authorization document (EAD) (I‐766)
• Machine Readable Immigrant Visa with temporary I‐551 language and an Alien Documentation, Identification and Telecommunications System (ADIT) stamp.
Proof of Social Security Number
If you are applying for a DL or ID card, you must provide your complete Social Security Number (SSN). Examples of documents to verify your San include:
• Social Security Card (signed or with signature)
• W‐2
• SSA‐1099 Form
• A non‐SSA‐1099 form, or
• Paystub with the applicant’s name and SSN pre‐printed on document
If you are unable to provide one of the above documents, the following may be accepted:
• Military identification (active, reserve, and dependent status)
• Certificate of Release or Discharge of Active Duty (DD‐214)
• Certified high school, college/university transcript designating number as SSN
• Documents such as health insurance cards, Veteran's Administration cards, and pilot's license with identifiable SSN may be accepted.
Proof of Residency in Texas
When applying for your first Texas driver license (DL) or identification card (ID), you must provide documents to prove you have lived in Texas for at least 30 days. If you are surrendering a valid, unexpired driver license or ID from another state, you must still prove your Texas residency, but the 30‐day requirement is waived. Simply provide two documents from the following list that contain the same name and Texas residential/physical address.
• Current deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet or a residential rental/lease agreement
• Current homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, statement or card
• Utility or residential service bill dated within 180 days of the applicaon date. Examples include: electric, water, gas, Internet, cable, streaming service, lawn service and cellular telephone bills
• Valid, unexpired registration: Texas voter registration card, motor vehicle registration or title, boat registration or title
• Current automobile insurance policy, statement or card
• Current automobile payment booklet or statement
• Texas high school, college or university report card or transcript for the current school year with preprinted address
• Preprinted paycheck or payment stub dated within 180 days of the date of application
• Pre‐printed W‐2 , 1099 or 1098 tax form from an employer, government or financial enty for the most recent year
• Mail or printed electronic statement from financial institutions: including checking, savings, investment accounts and credit card statements dated within 180 days of the date of application
• Mail or printed electronic statement from a federal, state, county or city government agency dated within 180 days of the date of application
• Current documents issued by the U.S. military or Veterans Administration indicating residential address
• Selective Service card
• Valid, unexpired concealed handgun license or license to carry
• TDCJ document indicating recent release or parole
• Current Form DS2019 or a document issued by U.S.
• Citizenship and Immigration Services (non‐commercial and ID only)
• Valid, unexpired Texas fishing or hunting license
• Letter of medical Explanation of Benefits or medical bills dated within 180 days of date of application
*Both documents may be from the same source if the source is a local government entity or service provider that provides multiple residential services. You cannot show mail that is addressed to you with a forwarding address label or an adhesive address label on the envelope. If you are unable to provide two documents from the list, you may submit a Texas residency affidavit from someone who resides at the same address along with their proper identification and two documents for their proof of residency.
Note: ONLY proof of residency documents may be photocopies.
Texas Vehicle Registration and Proof of Insurance
• Proof of Insurance for each vehicle you own
• Evidence of Texas Vehicle Registration for each vehicle you own* (New residents who are surrendering and out-of-state driver license only.)
• Letter of medical Explanation of Benefits or medical bills dated within 180 days of date of application
*If you do not own a vehicle, you will sign a statement affirming this.