Identification Requirements

The state of Texas requires individuals to verify their identification in order to reduce identity theft when applying for a driver license. Applicants may choose one of three options for proving their identity:

• Bring onePrimary Identity Document;
• Bring twoSecondary Identity Documents; or
• Bring oneSecondary Identity Document and twoSupporting Identity Documents.

The information provided on all identity verification documents must match. When using a name other than what is on your birth certificate (such as a married name), you must show legal documentation of the name change (i.e. a marriage certificate, divorce decree, certified revised birth certificate, etc.).

Primary Identity Documents

Only one primary document is required to prove identity.

• Texas driver license or Texas identification card not expired more than 2 years (proof of citizenship will be required if not previously established)
• Unexpired U.S. passport book or card
• U.S. Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization with identifiable photograph (N-560, N-561, N-645, N-550, N-55G, N-570 or N-578)
• Unexpired Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services document with verifiable data and identifiable photo, such as one of the following:
  • U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-179 or I-197)
  • Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
  • Foreign passport with attached temporary I-551 (immigrant visa endorsed with ADIT stamp)
  • Temporary Resident Identification Card (I-688)
  • Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
  • U.S. Travel Document (I-327 or I-571)
  • Advance Parole Document (I-512 or I-512L)
  • I-94 stamped Sec. 208 Asylee with photo
  • I-94 stamped Sec. 207 Refugee with photo
  • Refugee Travel Letter with photo, stamped by Customs and Border Protection
  • American Indian Card (I-872)
  • Northern Mariana card (I-873)

  Secondary Identity Documents

  Two secondary documents are required to prove identity.

  • 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*
  • For U.S. citizens born abroad—Certificate of Report of Birth (DS-1350 or FS-545) or Consular Report of Birth (FS-240) issued by the U.S. Department of State
  • Original or certified copy of a court order with name and date of birth indicating a name and/or gender change from a U.S. state, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia or a Canadian province

  *NOTE: The Texas Department of Safety no longer recognizes Puerto Rican birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010 as a valid proof of identification.

  Supporting Identity Documents

  One secondary document (center column) and two supporting documents are required to prove identity.

  • Social security card
  • Form W-2 or 1099
  • Driver license or ID card issued by another U.S. state, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia or Canadian province (unexpired or expired less than two years)
  • Texas driver license or ID card that has been expired more than two years
  • Temporary Texas driver license or ID card
  • School records (e.g., report cards, photo ID cards)
  • Unexpired U.S. military dependent identification card
  • Original or certified copy of marriage license or divorce decree (if the document is not in English, a certified translation must accompany it)
  • Voter registration card
  • Pilot license
  • Concealed handgun license or License to Carry
  • Professional license issued by a Texas state agency
  • ID card issued by a government agency
  • Consular document issued by a state or national government
  • Texas Inmate ID card or similar form of ID issued by Texas Department of Criminal Justice
  • Texas Department of Criminal Justice parole or mandatory release certificate
  • Federal inmate identification card
  • Federal parole or release certificate
  • Medicare or Medicaid card
  • Selective Service card
  • Immunization records
  • Tribal membership card from federally-recognized tribe
  • Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood
  • Unexpired foreign passport
  • Unexpired insurance policy valid for the past two years (e.g., auto, home or life insurance)
  • Current Texas vehicle registration or title
  • Current Texas boat registration or title
  • Veteran's ID card issued by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
  • Abstract (shortened) birth certificate
  • Hospital-issued birth record*
  • Military records (e.g., Form DD-214, DD-215, NGB-22)

  Quick Links

  Downloadable Forms

  • Application for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (DL-14A)
  • Application for Texas Hardship Driver License (DL-77)
  • Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE)
  • Behind-the-Wheel Instruction Log
  • Printable accident report to keep in your glovebox

  Actionable Resources

  • Read the Texas Driver Handbook
  • Take a practice driver license test
  • The Ultimate Guide for Drivers! DMV & More | DrivingGuide.com
  • Visit the Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) website
  • See a list of Texas post-accident resources
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