The Documents You Need to Get Your Texas Driver's License

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is strict about documentation. If anything is missing, in the wrong format, or shows a name mismatch, you will be turned away and need to reschedule. This checklist covers every document you need based on your age and situation so you arrive prepared and leave with your permit or license in hand.

Documents Every Texas Applicant Needs

Regardless of your age, you must provide the following at any DPS office:

1. Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence. U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, permanent resident card, or certificate of citizenship.
2. Proof of identity. Original birth certificate (state-issued, not hospital), valid passport, or military ID. Copies and photocopies are not accepted.
3. Two proofs of Texas residency. Each must be from a different source, show your name and Texas address, and be dated within the last 90 days. Examples: utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, mortgage statement, W-2, or insurance policy. Both documents cannot come from the same company.
4. Social Security number. The DPS verifies electronically, but bring your card, W-2, or SSA-1099 as backup.
5. Proof of vehicle insurance and registration for every vehicle you own (or a statement that you do not own a vehicle).

All documents must show the same name and date of birth. If your name has changed (due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring supporting documents showing the progression.

Additional Documents for Teens Under 18

Document	For Learner's Permit	For Provisional License
Application form	DL-14B, signed by parent/guardian	DL-14B, signed by parent/guardian
Drivers ed certificate (DE-964 or DE-964E)	Required (classroom portion completed)	Required (full course completed)
Verification of Enrollment (VOE)	Required (valid 30 days, or 90 days June through August)	Required
Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) certificate	Not required	Required (valid 90 days)
Parent/guardian present with valid ID	Required	Required
Proof of insurance for test vehicle	If you own a vehicle	Required for road test vehicle
Fee	$16	$16

If your DE-964E certificate has a green background, it must be printed in color. Do not sign the certificate until the DPS tells you to. The VOE must be signed by a school official, and a current report card should accompany it. If you have graduated, a high school diploma or GED satisfies this requirement.

Additional Documents for Adults 18 to 24

Adults in this age range must complete a 6-hour adult drivers ed course before applying. After passing the online course and exam, you receive an ADE-1317 certificate of completion. This certificate also proves you passed the written knowledge exam, so you do not need to take the written test again at the DPS.

If you are 18 to 24, you also need to complete the free 1-hour Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) course from the DPS website. The certificate is valid for 90 days, so time it close to your DPS appointment.

Use application Form DL-14A (not DL-14B, which is for minors). No parental signature is required. The license fee for adults 18 to 84 is $33 for an eight-year license.

Documents for Adults 25 and Older

If you are 25 or older, drivers ed is not required. However, if you choose not to take a course, you must pass the written knowledge test at the DPS. You will still need all the standard documents (identity, citizenship, residency, SSN, insurance/registration) plus the DL-14A application form. If you have a valid license from another U.S. state, Canada, France, South Korea, or Germany, both the written and road tests may be waived.

What About New Texas Residents?

If you just moved to Texas with a valid out-of-state license, you have 90 days to apply for a Texas license. Surrendering your valid, unexpired out-of-state license exempts you from the written knowledge exam (and the road test for adults). You will still need to provide all standard identity and residency documents, pass a vision screening, and pay the fee. Bring proof of Texas vehicle registration and insurance for any vehicles you own, as Texas requires registration within 30 days of moving.

How to Avoid Getting Turned Away at the DPS

1. Use the official DPS checklist. Form DL-67 (for learner's permits) and Form DL-68 (for provisional licenses) list every acceptable document by category. Download and check off each item before you leave the house.
2. Verify name consistency. Every document must show the same name and date of birth. A mismatch between your birth certificate and Social Security card will halt your application.
3. Check expiration dates. The VOE is valid for 30 days (90 days in summer). The ITTD/ITAD certificate is valid for 90 days. Expired certificates require new ones.
4. Print in color. If your DE-964E certificate has a green background, a black-and-white printout will be rejected.
5. Schedule an appointment. Walk-in waits can be hours long. Book your DPS appointment online to secure a specific time.