Identification Documents

Identity Verification Documents for the DPS

When the student is ready for the Texas Learner License (permit), your local Texas Department of Public Safety or Motor Vehicles office will ask you to provide documents that verify your:

Personal Identity,  U.S. Citizenship,  Social Security Number and Texas Residency.

For each of these four items there are multiple documents that may be used as verification. We have listed the most commonly used documents for each of these items to help you be prepared when you go to the DPS to get your learner's license. If you do not have some of the documents we have listed, you can find the full list of approved documents on the DPS website.

All original applicants for a Texas driver license (including a Learner License or permit) must present proof of identity to the DPS. To prove your identity, you will be asked for one of the following primary documents, or a combination of secondary and supporting documents.

Every applicant must present:

• ONE piece of PRIMARY identification   OR
• TWO pieces of SECONDARY identification  OR
• ONE piece of SECONDARY identification and TWO pieces of SUPPORTING identification.

You will need to provide documentation establishing your U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the United States. The document being used as verification must be an original document or certified copy. No photocopies will be accepted.

Citizenship documents include:

• Birth Certificate
• Passport or Passport Card
• US Citizenship Certificate
• Permanent Resident Card (I-551)

You will also need to verify your Social Security Number. The documentation being used must have the Social Security number on the actual document. Individuals who have not applied for, been issued, or do not have a social security number may obtain a Social Security Affidavit at the DPS office.

Social Security Number verification documents include:

• Social Security Card (Original)
• Health Insurance Card with SSN
• W-2 or 1099
• State ID (from another state)
• U.S. Military Dependent ID

You must be a Texas resident in order to obtain a Driver's or Learner's License. To prove you have been a resident for at least 30 days, you will need to provide two documents from different sources. The Texas Residency Affidavit (found in your PTDE packet) may be used if you cannot provide two forms of residency.

Proof of Texas Residency from two different sources includes:

• Mortgage or Lease statement
• Homeowners Insurance policy or statement
• Electric, water, gas, etc.. statement
• Auto Insurance policy or statement
• Current high school report card or transcript

All the documents above are to verify your identity and that you lawfully live in Texas. There are multiple documents to choose from in each section and some of the documents may be used to to fulfill more than one item. In simple terms, if you have the following documents you will satisfy the state's identification requirements.

• Birth Certificate
• Social Security Card
• Two Utility Statements
• VOE - Verification of Enrollment from school

Note: For individuals enrolled in a parent taught drivers eduction course there will be more documentation needed at the DPS office, such as: Classroom Log Sheet (DL-91A), and Course Completion Certificate (DE-964). We will give the list multiple times during the process.

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