New Texas Residents
Individuals who hold a valid, unexpired ID card from another U.S. state, U.S. territory or foreign country, do not need to replace it with a Texas ID card until it expires.
Three ways an applicant can verify his/her identity:
Information on the documents, such as name and date of birth, must all match. If the name is different on each document, then the applicant must provide documents that verify a legal name change. If other information on the document is different, speak with a Customer Service Representative 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:
Because the state of Texas does not recognize same-sex marriage, DPS cannot accept same-sex marriage licenses. Documents listed in any of the following categories may be expired unless otherwise noted.
Note: You may download a brochure listing all of the following documents LINK
Primary Identity Documents
An applicant can present one primary document. No other documents are required to verify identity if ONE primary document is provided.
Secondary Identity Documents
Applicants 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.
Supporting Identity Documents
Applicants who do not have a primary document or two secondary documents can provide ONE secondary document (from the list above) and TWO supporting documents.
Note *: The document must be issued by an institution, entity or government from a U.S. state, a U.S. territory, the District of Columbia or a Canadian province.
To enhance security, reduce the risk of identity theft or fraud, and to protect the integrity of the issuance process, an applicant for a driver license must present his or her Social Security card or other acceptable documentation. Such documentation must be unaltered originals, not copies. Verification of a SSN is mandatory for a driver license but voluntary for an ID card.
Any of the following documents will be accepted to verify a SSN. The document presented can be expired or unexpired but must have the applicants full SSN printed on it. Documentation must be unaltered originals, not copies.
For Applicants Who Dont Have a SSN
To apply for a SSN, visit the Social Security Administration website.
Individuals who do not have a SSN, have never been issued a SSN, or are not eligible for a SSN can visit any driver license office and complete an affidavit attesting to such. Providing a false statement in connection with this affidavit will result in the cancellation of the driver license and may result in criminal charges. An affidavit is not acceptable for the issuance of a CDL.
Note: If you are not eligible for a SSN, then you are not eligible for a commercial driver license (CDL).
To prove Texas residency, an applicant must present two documents from the list below. Both documents must contain the individuals name and residential address. One of the documents must verify that the individual has lived in Texas for at least 30 days. This 30 day requirement is waived for individuals who are surrendering a valid, unexpired driver license from another state.
Any of the following documents will be accepted to verify an individuals Texas residency. The two documents provided must be issued by different companies or agencies. For example, an individual may not use a water bill and an electricity bill from the same company.
NOTE: Remember, all documents presented must contain the individuals name and Texas residential address.
Anyone who is an individual of a state or country
New Texas Residents
Individuals who hold a valid, unexpired ID card from another U.S. state, U.S. territory or foreign country, do not need to replace it with a Texas ID card until it expires.
Having some form of ID is critical in our world today; you need to be able to prove you are who you say you are in many situations. You'll need ID to board an airplane, get a job, set up bank accounts, and in order to make certain purchases.
Following is a procedure on how you can apply for an Identification Card (ID) Card in Texas.