Step-by-Step: What Documents Do You Need to Get a Texas Driver License?

Getting your Texas driver license is a major milestone. Whether you’re a teen applying for your first license or a newcomer to the Lone Star State, the process can feel a little overwhelming. The good news? With the right documents in hand and a clear plan, you’ll be ready to roll through the DPS with confidence.

At SafeWay Driving, we help Texans become smart, safe drivers every day. But before you can hit the road on your own, you need to make sure you’ve got all the documents for a Texas driver license lined up. In this blog, we’ll walk you through every step, so nothing slows you down at the counter.

Step 1: Understand the Type of License You Need

Before gathering your paperwork, you’ll need to know what type of license you’re applying for. This affects which documents you’ll need to bring.

Teen Drivers (Under 18)

If you’re a teen applying for your learner license or provisional license, you’ll need to show proof of driver education, a verification of enrollment from school, and a few extra documents your parents will help you gather.

Adults (18 and Up)

First-time adult drivers or new Texas residents applying for a Class C license need to provide documents proving their identity, residency, and lawful status in the U.S. 

The DPS follows a checklist format, so once you know your situation, you can follow the steps below to be fully prepared.

Step 2: Gather Your Proof of Identity

Every applicant must provide proof of identity. This is the most important document, and you can’t get a license without it.

What Counts as Proof of Identity?

Texas uses a point-based identity verification system. The simplest option is to bring:

• An unexpired U.S. passport, or

• A certified U.S. birth certificate

If you don’t have either of those, you can use a combination of:

• State-issued ID cards

• Military ID

• Court-issued documents like name change records

You can review the full identity documentation checklist on the Texas DPS website.

Step 3: Show Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence

The state of Texas requires you prove your legal presence in the United States.

Acceptable Documents:

• U.S. birth certificate

• U.S. passport (valid and unexpired)

• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

• Naturalization or citizenship certificate

• Valid visa with supporting I-94 documentation

If you’re a non-citizen, make sure your documentation is current and clearly shows your legal status.

Step 4: Provide Your Social Security Number

Your SSN is another must-have item. Texas law requires every applicant to present proof of a Social Security number.

Documents that Work:

• Social Security card

• W-2 or 1099 form with full SSN

• Pay stub with full name and SSN

If you’ve never been issued an SSN, you’ll need a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining why. This is usually the case for non-citizens who aren’t eligible for an SSN.

Step 5: Prove Texas Residency

You must show that you live in Texas. The DPS asks for two documents with your name and a Texas address.

Acceptable Documents Include:

• Utility bill (electric, water, gas)

• Bank statement

• Rental agreement

• Insurance policy (auto, health, or home)

• Texas high school or college transcript

For teens, these documents can be in a parent or guardian’s name, but you’ll also need to bring a Residency Affidavit signed by them.

Pro Tip: Don’t bring junk mail. The DPS doesn’t accept envelopes with just your name and address.

Step 6: Bring Proof of Texas Vehicle Registration and Insurance (If You Own a Car)

If you’re applying for a license and own a vehicle, you’ll need to show:

• Current Texas vehicle registration

• Proof of at least liability insurance

If you don’t own a car, you’ll be asked to sign a statement at the DPS that says so.

Step 7: Additional Requirements for Teens

Teens under 18 need a few extra items before they can get their learner or provisional license.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• DE-964 Certificate from a Texas-approved driver education course (SafeWay Driving provides)

• Verification of Enrollment (VOE) form from your high school

• Parent or guardian to sign your paperwork in person

• 30-hour driving log, signed by a parent (for provisional license)

• Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) Certificate (required before taking the road test)

SafeWay Driving provides the DE-964 certificate and helps walk you through all these steps as part of our teen driver program.

Step 8: Complete the Application and Take Your Photo

Now that you’ve gathered your documents, it’s time to visit the DPS! Here’s what happens next:

At the DPS Office:

• Complete the Driver License Application (DL-14A or DL-14B)

• Take a vision test

• Get your photo, signature, and thumbprint taken

• Pay the application fee (usually $33 for adults, $16 for teens)

You can save time by completing the DL-14A or DL-14B application online before your visit through the Texas DPS website.

Step 9: Pass the Required Test

Depending on your situation, you may need to take some or all of the following:

Written Knowledge Test

Covers traffic laws, signs, and safe driving. If you’re doing parent-taught or a driving school course, this might be part of the program. These are included in both teen and adult programs at SafeWay.

Road Test

This is your behind-the-wheel exam. SafeWay Driving offers both teen and adult DPS Authorized Road Tests. Teens must complete the Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) course within 90 days of the test. Adults must complete the Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) version.

Step 10: Get Your Temporary Paper License

After you’ve passed your tests and submitted all your documents for your Texas driver’s license, you’ll get a temporary paper license that’s valid for 45 days. Your official plastic license will arrive by mail within 2-3 weeks.

Don’t Forget: Double-Check Your Documents Before You Go

We’ve seen it happen before. Someone forgets one item and has to go back to the DPS. Don’t let that be you; before you head to the DPS, lay everything out and check it against this list:

• Proof of Identity

• Proof of Lawful Presence (can be the same as proof of identity)

• Social Security Number

• Two Proofs of Texas Residency

• Vehicle Registration and Insurance (if applicable)

• Driver Education Certificate (if under 25)

• VOE Form (if under 18)

• Impact Texas Drivers Certificate

• DL-14A or DL-14B Application (printed or ready online)

SafeWay Driving Can Help You Every Step of the Way

At SafeWay Driving, we know the Texas licensing processes inside and out. Whether you’re a teen getting your first license or an adult new to Texas, we help you check every box and feel confident behind the wheel.

Need help with your driver education for the DPS test? Contact us to enroll in our state-approved courses!