What Documents You Need to Get a Texas ID Card

The documents Texas requires before you walk into the DPS office

To get a Texas ID card, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Texas does not accept every document for every category—the Department of Public Safety (DPS) has a specific list of what counts. Bringing the wrong papers means a wasted trip, so knowing exactly what qualifies before you go saves time.

You also need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and you cannot already hold a valid Texas driver's license. If you have a license, you renew it through a different process. The ID card itself costs money, and the fee varies depending on how long you want it to be valid.

Key Takeaways

You must bring one document from the identity list, one from the residency list, and proof of your Social Security number—all three categories are required.
A U.S. passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card all work for identity, but a school ID or work badge do not.
For residency, utility bills, lease agreements, and bank statements all count if they show your current address and are dated within the last 90 days.
You can bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form to prove your number.
The DPS office will take your photo and fingerprints on the day you explore, so you do not need to bring those yourself.

Proof of identity: what documents the DPS accepts

Your primary identity document must be an original or certified copy. A photocopy of your passport or birth certificate will not work. The DPS accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a permanent resident card (green card), a tribal ID card issued by a federally recognized tribe, a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa, or a Certificate of Naturalization.

School IDs, work badges, library cards, and expired documents do not count as proof of identity. If your birth certificate is a short form (the wallet-sized version), bring the long form instead—the short form lacks enough information. If you were born outside the United States, your birth certificate must be issued by the vital records office of the country or state where you were born, not a translation or copy made at home.

Proof of residency: documents that show your current address

You need one document that shows your name and your current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, an insurance policy, a property tax statement, or a government check all work.

The document does not have to be in your name alone—a utility bill with a spouse's name or a roommate's name is acceptable as long as it shows your address. However, a PO box does not count as a residence address. If you live with family and have no document in your name, ask the person whose name is on the bill to bring it with you, or bring a notarized letter from them stating that you live there, along with a document showing their identity and their address.

Proof of your Social Security number

Bring your Social Security card itself, or bring a document that displays your number. A W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a Social Security Administration letter all work. If you do not have your Social Security card and cannot find any of these documents, you can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DPS office.

The DPS will not accept a letter from an employer stating your number, or a photocopy of your card without the original. If you have never had a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration first—the DPS cannot issue an ID card without one.

Age verification and citizenship documents

Your birth certificate serves double duty: it proves both your identity and your age. If you bring a passport instead of a birth certificate, the passport covers both. You do not need to bring a separate age document.

For citizenship, your birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card all prove that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card. If you are a citizen who was born outside the United States, your naturalization certificate or passport is what you need. The DPS will not issue an ID card to someone who cannot prove citizenship or permanent residency status.

What to bring on the day of your appointment

Gather all your documents before you leave home and put them in a folder so nothing gets lost. Bring the originals—photocopies are not accepted for any of the required documents. If any document is in a language other than English, bring the original and a certified English translation.

Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in, because the DPS will take your photo at the office. Bring your glasses or contacts if you normally wear them, since your ID photo should match how you look day to day. You will also have your fingerprints taken, so there is nothing special you need to do to prepare for that.

Documents you do not need to bring

You do not need to bring a completed process form—the DPS office will give you one to fill out when you arrive. You do not need to bring proof of a Social Security number if you have your actual Social Security card. You do not need to bring multiple documents from the same category (one identity document is enough, one residency document is enough).

You do not need to bring a parent or guardian unless you are under 18, in which case a parent or legal guardian must be present. You do not need to bring your current driver's license if you have one, though it can help speed up the process. You do not need to bring a certified copy of your birth certificate if you have your passport—either one works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a school ID or work badge as my proof of identity?

No. School IDs and work badges do not count as proof of identity for a Texas ID card. You need a passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, tribal ID, or similar government-issued document. The DPS requires documents that are harder to forge and that verify your legal status.

What if my residency document is older than 90 days?

You will need a different document. The DPS requires proof of residency dated within the last 90 days to confirm you currently live at that address. If your utility bill is older, bring a more recent one, or bring a different type of document like a bank statement or lease agreement that is current.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?

No. A W-2, 1099, tax return, pay stub, or Social Security Administration letter all work as proof of your number. You do not need the card itself if you have one of these documents. However, if you have your card, bringing it is simpler and faster than finding other paperwork.

Can someone else bring my documents if I cannot go in person?

No. You must be present at the DPS office to have your photo taken and fingerprints recorded. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you, but you still have to be there. There is no way to get a Texas ID card without appearing in person.

What if I was born outside the United States and do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card instead. If you have none of these, contact the vital records office in the country where you were born to request a certified copy of your birth certificate. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead if you need your ID card by a certain date.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.