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Texas Driver License and ID

University of Houston campus with downtown Houston

What documents do I need to apply for a Texas driver license?

You will need to provide proof of the following to apply for a driver license:

  1. U.S. citizenship or, if you are not a U.S. citizen, evidence of lawful presence, such as a Form I-20
  2. Texas residency. Generally, you must present two documents containing your name and residential address. One of the documents must verify that you have lived in Texas for at least 30 days. This 30-day requirement is waived if you are surrendering a valid, unexpired driver license from another state.
  3. identity, such as your passport with a visa and a Form I-94 entry stamp
  4. Social Security Number if you have one
  5. evidence of Texas Vehicle Registration for each vehicle you own, if you are surrendering an out-of-state driver license
  6. proof of insurance for each vehicle you own. If you do not own a vehicle, you will sign a statement affirming this.

Additionally, you will need to provide evidence of completion of: 

  1. Impact Texas Driver if you will be taking a driving test for the issuance of your driver license
  2. A six-hour adult Driver Education course, if you are between 18 and 25 years of age. The course is not required if you are surrendering an out-of-state driver license.

How do I apply for a Texas driver license?

  1. Complete the driver license application before arriving at your local office.
  2. Visit your local driver license office. You may be able to get in line before arriving.
  3. Provide the required documents (see above).
  4. Pay the application fee
  5. Provide your thumbprints.
  6. Have your picture taken.
  7. Pass Vision Exam.
  8. Take and pass the knowledge and driving tests.  You may complete the testing requirements at the driver license office or through a third party provider. Read about testing in other languages and driving test requirements.  

What do I need to apply for a Texas identification card?

If you do not have a driver license and do not plan to get one soon, you may apply for a Texas identification card at the Texas DPS. You will need to provide proof of the following to apply for the ID card:

  1. U.S. citizenship or, if you are not a U.S. citizen, evidence of lawful presence, such as a Form I-20
  2. Texas residency. Generally, you must present two documents containing your name and residential address. One of the documents must verify that you have lived in Texas for at least 30 days. This 30-day requirement is waived if you are surrendering a valid, unexpired driver license from another state.
  3. identity, such as your passport with a visa and a Form I-94 entry stamp
  4. Social Security Number if you have one

How do I apply for a Texas identification card?

  1. Complete the identification card application before arriving at your local office.
  2. Visit your local driver license office. You may be able to get in line before arriving.
  3. Provide the required documents (see above).
  4. Provide your thumbprints.
  5. Have your picture taken.
  6. Pay the application fee.