Documents Needed for a Texas Driver License
The exact documents an adult brings to a Texas DPS appointment — ID, Social Security card, two proofs of residency, the DL-14A application, and (for first-time applicants 18-24) the Certificate of Completion. Use the printable checklist to track each one.
To apply for a Texas driver license as an adult, you bring proof of identity, a Social Security card, two printed proofs of Texas residency, and the completed DL-14A application. First-time applicants ages 18-24 also bring a printed Certificate of Completion (ADE-1317) from an approved driver education course and a printed ITAD certificate. Here is what each category means before you start checking items off.
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or a valid passport. Souvenir or keepsake hospital certificates are not accepted.
Bring your Social Security card if you have one; DPS verifies your Social Security number electronically.
DPS requires two printed documents showing your name and Texas residential address.
One of the two must show 30 days of Texas residency — this 30-day requirement is waived if you surrender a valid, unexpired license/ID from another U.S. state (you must still show proof of Texas residency).
Utility/residential-service bills and bank/financial statements used as proof must be dated within 180 days. If you cannot provide two acceptable documents, you may be eligible to complete a Texas Residency Affidavit (DPS form DL-5).
DL-14A is the Texas adult driver license application — the form first-time applicants 18 and older use. You sign for yourself; no parent/guardian co-signature is needed.
DL-14B is the minor application and requires a parent/guardian signature — it is not for adult students. Fill the DL-14A out at home to save time.
If you are 18 through 24 and applying for your first Texas driver license, Texas requires you to complete an approved driver education course; bring a printed Certificate of Completion (ADE-1317).
You also complete Impact Texas Adult Drivers (ITAD) — a free DPS video — and bring the printed certificate (valid 90 days). ITAD is required before the skills test for applicants 18-24 and for applicants 25 and older.
Who needs which documents?
Every adult applicant brings the core identity, residency, and application documents. The course and ITAD certificates are tied to the under-25 driver-education requirement.
| Document | Ages 18-24 (first-time) | Ages 25+ |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of identity (birth certificate / passport) | Required | Required |
| Social Security card | Required | Required |
| Two proofs of Texas residency | Required | Required |
| DL-14A application | Required | Required |
| Certificate of Completion (ADE-1317) | Required (driver ed mandatory) | Not required (driver ed optional) |
| ITAD certificate (before the skills test) | Required | Required |
Texas DPS cannot issue a driver license to anyone younger than 25 without a driver education certificate (Transp. Code §521.1601). If you are 25 or older, driver education is not required; you can still take the course voluntarily.
The certificate you download after finishing the 6-hour adult driver education course. Required for first-time applicants ages 18-24. Bring a printed copy.
Complete the free ITAD program and print the certificate. ITAD is required before the DPS driving skills (road) test for applicants 18-24 AND for applicants 25 and older. The certificate is valid for 90 days.
Original or certified copy. Souvenir or keepsake hospital certificates are not accepted.
Bring your original Social Security card if you have one; DPS verifies your Social Security number electronically.
A printed document showing your name and Texas residential address. One of your two residency documents must show 30 days of Texas residency (waived if you surrender a valid, unexpired license/ID from another U.S. state).
A second printed document from a different source. Utility/residential-service bills and bank/financial statements used as residency proof must be dated within 180 days.
DL-14A is the Texas adult driver license application — the form first-time applicants 18 and older use. Fill it out at home to save time. (DL-14B is the minor application and is not used by adults.)
Registered, insured vehicle with working lights, signals, and horn.
Current insurance card or declaration page for the test vehicle.
Bring cash or card for the current DPS driver license fee. Fees are set by DPS and may change — confirm the amount on the Texas DPS website before your visit.
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