Documents required for a Texas ID card

To get a Texas ID card from the Department of Public Safety (DPS), you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The exact documents accepted depend on whether you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or here on a visa. Texas does not accept all documents equally — some count as primary proof, others as secondary, and some do not count at all.

The fastest path is to bring one document from each category: one that proves who you are, one that proves where you live, and one that proves your Social Security number. If you do not have documents in all three categories, you will need to bring more documents or different ones, which can delay your appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a document proving your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), a document showing your current Texas address (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2).
  • If you were born outside the United States, you must also bring documents proving your immigration status, such as a green card, visa, or I-94 arrival record.
  • DPS accepts some documents as primary proof and others as secondary proof; bringing one primary document from each category is faster than bringing multiple secondary documents.
  • You must explore in person at a DPS office; you cannot mail in your documents or use an online service to obtain a Texas ID card.
  • Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are not accepted.

Proof of identity documents

A primary identity document is one that DPS will accept on its own to prove who you are. These include a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate issued by the state or county where you were born, a valid driver's license from another state, a military ID card, or a tribal ID card. If you bring any of these, you do not need to bring additional identity documents.

If you do not have a primary identity document, you can bring two secondary identity documents instead. Secondary documents include a Social Security card, a school ID, a work ID, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, a military discharge paper (DD-214), or a document showing your name and date of birth. You must bring originals or certified copies — DPS will not accept photocopies.

If you were born outside the United States and do not have a U.S. birth certificate, a passport is the strongest proof of identity. If you do not have a passport, bring a certified copy of your foreign birth certificate along with a secondary document that shows your name and date of birth.

Proof of residency in Texas

You must show that you live in Texas. DPS accepts a current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a homeowners insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement showing your name and current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days.

If you recently moved to Texas and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can bring a letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead stating your name, your Texas address, and the move-in date. Some DPS offices will also accept an affidavit of residency signed by another person who lives at your address, though this varies by office.

Documents that do not count as proof of residency include a driver's license from another state (even if it shows a Texas address), a mail piece with your name and address, or a document older than 30 days. If you are homeless or living in a shelter, ask the DPS office what documents they will accept — some offices have different rules for people without a permanent address.

Proof of Social Security number

Bring your original Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a Social Security statement, or a document issued by the Social Security Administration. DPS will accept a photograph of your Social Security card if you do not have the original, but a physical card is faster.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. This applies to some visa holders and permanent residents. If you fall into this category, contact your local DPS office before your appointment to confirm what documents they need.

Documents for non-citizens

If you were not born in the United States, you must bring proof of your immigration status along with your identity and residency documents. A valid U.S. passport counts as both identity and citizenship proof, so you only need to bring that and a residency document.

If you have a green card (Permanent Resident Card), bring the original card. If you have a visa, bring your passport showing the visa stamp and your I-94 arrival record (which you can print from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website if you do not have the paper copy). If you have a work permit (Employment Authorization Document or EAD), bring the original card. If you are a refugee or asylee, bring your I-94 or your approval letter from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Temporary visa holders and people on work permits must renew their Texas ID before their visa or permit expires. DPS will not issue an ID that is valid longer than your immigration status.

What to bring to your DPS appointment

Gather all your documents before you go to the DPS office. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies will not be accepted. If a document is in a language other than English, bring the original and a certified English translation. Bring your Social Security number written down if you do not have your card, though having the card itself is faster.

You will also need to fill out an process form (DL-43 for a Texas ID card) when you arrive. DPS offices have these forms available, but you can also read and fill one out before your appointment to save time. Bring a pen in case you need to make corrections.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and bring their own ID. If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant Texas ID (which you can use for domestic air travel), the process is the same, but DPS will note this on your card.

Common mistakes that delay your appointment

The most common reason a DPS appointment takes longer than expected is bringing photocopies instead of originals. DPS will not accept them, and you will have to go home and come back. The second most common mistake is bringing a residency document older than 30 days — even if it shows your correct address, it does not count.

Another frequent problem is bringing a secondary identity document without a second one. If you bring only a Social Security card and no other identity document, DPS will ask you to come back with another document. If you are not sure whether your documents are acceptable, call your local DPS office before your appointment — they can tell you what you need in five minutes.

Do not assume that a document you have counts as proof of residency just because it has your name and address on it. Mail pieces, insurance cards, and old bills do not count. Bring a document dated within the last 30 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo of my documents instead of bringing the originals?

No. DPS requires original documents or certified copies. A photograph of your Social Security card is acceptable only if you do not have the original card, but for everything else you must bring the actual document. Photocopies are not accepted.

What if my name on my documents does not match?

If your name differs across documents (for example, your birth certificate says "Mary Jane Smith" but your Social Security card says "Mary J. Smith"), bring all the documents showing the different versions. Bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order if your name changed due to marriage or legal action. DPS will use the name on your primary identity document unless you provide proof of a legal name change.

Do I need a certified copy of my birth certificate or will a regular copy work?

You need a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. A photocopy or a copy you printed yourself will not be accepted. You can order a certified birth certificate online or by mail from your state's vital records office, though it usually takes one to two weeks.

What if I do not have a current utility bill or lease?

If you recently moved, a letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead stating your name, address, and move-in date may work. Some DPS offices also accept an affidavit of residency signed by another person living at your address. Call your local DPS office to ask what they will accept before your appointment.

Can someone else pick up my Texas ID card for me?

No. You must come to the DPS office in person to explore for a Texas ID card. You cannot mail in your documents or have someone else explore on your behalf. Once your card is issued, you can pick it up yourself or authorize someone else to pick it up for you by signing a form at the DPS office.