Download the Affidavit
Get the official DL-5 form from the Texas DPS
Who Needs a Residency Affidavit?
Texas requires two forms of residency proof. If you don't have documents in your own name, the residency affidavit lets another adult you live with vouch for your address.
You Need This If:
- You don't have utility bills in your name
- You don't have a lease or mortgage in your name
- You live with someone else and need to prove you reside at their Texas address
You May NOT Need This If:
- • You have your own utility bill or bank statement with your address
- • You have a Texas vehicle registration in your name
- • You have other official documents showing your Texas address
What Can I Use as Proof of Residency If I Live With My Parents or Roommates?
Living with your parents or roommates does not change the rule: DPS requires two printed documents showing your name and Texas residential address. The only question is whether two of them are in your name at that address. Work through it in this order:
- Check what is already in your name. The household bills may be in a parent's or roommate's name, but documents addressed to you at that address can still count when they fall into one of DPS's accepted residency categories — for example, statements from a financial institution, or mail from a federal, state, county, or city government agency. DPS publishes the full list; compare each item against it and the categories on this page. Two timing rules apply: one of your two documents must show 30 days of Texas residency, and utility/residential-service bills and bank/financial statements used as residency proof must be dated within 180 days.
- Short by one or two? Use the DL-5. If you cannot provide two acceptable residency documents, you may be eligible to complete a Texas Residency Affidavit (DPS form DL-5). It lets a person who lives at your address certify that you live there too — and per the form, that person provides two acceptable proof-of-residency documents of their own, so the affidavit alone is not enough.
- Confirm who may sign with DPS, not with a summary. DPS sets who can complete the affidavit and what that person must bring. Read the DL-5 form and the DPS residency requirement page before your appointment.
Just moved from another state? If you surrender a valid, unexpired license or ID from another U.S. state, DPS waives the 30-day requirement — you still show proof of Texas residency. Track every document on the DPS document checklist.
How the Affidavit Works
The Affiant Completes the Form
An adult you live with fills out the DL-5 affidavit, stating that you live at their Texas address.
The Affiant Signs the Affidavit
They sign the form, certifying the information is true under penalty of perjury.
Bring Supporting Documents
They must bring their own proof of residency (utility bills, deed, etc.) to support the affidavit.
Present at DPS
Bring the completed affidavit and supporting documents to your DPS appointment.
Supporting Documents You'll Need
The Affidavit Alone Isn't Enough
You must bring the affiant's proof of residency to support the affidavit. The DPS needs to verify they actually live at the stated address.
The person signing the affidavit should bring two of the following documents showing their name and the Texas address:
Property Documents
- Property deed with your name and Texas address
- Mortgage statement showing Texas property
- Property tax receipt for current year
Utility Bills
- Electric bill (current, in your name)
- Water bill
- Gas bill
- Internet/cable bill
Financial Documents
- Bank statement with Texas address
- Credit card statement
- Texas vehicle registration
Government Documents
- Texas voter registration card
- Texas vehicle title
- Selective Service registration (if applicable)
Do I Need to Get It Notarized?
Usually not. DPS employees can witness your signature at the office. However, arriving with a notarized affidavit can speed things up and avoid any issues.
Pro Tip: Many banks, UPS stores, and shipping centers offer notary services for a small fee ($5-15). If you want to be extra prepared, get it notarized before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can sign the affidavit?
The affidavit should be signed by an adult who lives at the same address as you and can prove their own Texas residency—for example, a family member, spouse, or roommate.
What if I live with relatives?
The relative you live with can sign the affidavit as long as they can prove their own Texas residency and that you live with them.
I just moved to Texas. What if my documents still show my old state?
You'll need at least two current documents showing your new Texas address. Utility bills and bank statements usually update quickly. You may need to wait a billing cycle after your move.
Can I use the same affidavit for the optional permit and the license visit?
Yes, as long as the information is still accurate (same address, etc.). But make sure you have current supporting documents for each visit.
What if I rent and don't have a deed?
That's fine! Use utility bills, bank statements, or other documents instead. A lease agreement can also work as one of your documents.
Bring More Than You Need
When in doubt, bring extra documents. It's better to have too much proof than not enough. The DPS clerk will select which documents to use, but having options prevents you from being turned away.