Texas - Apply for Identification (ID) Card

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Procedure

1. Gather all the documents you will need to present or submit to obtain an ID card. (Proof of identity, U.S. citizenship or lawful presence status, and Texas residency.)
2. Complete an application form. You may use the form provided on the Documents to Use section or you may also obtain one from the driver license office.
3. Apply in person at any driver license office. Do not forget to bring with you all the required documents.
4. Pay the fee.

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Required Documents

Proof of Identity

Three ways an applicant can verify his/her identity:

1. Present one item listed in the Primary Identity Documents category or
2. Present two items listed in the Secondary Identity Documents category or
3. Present one item listed in the Secondary Identity Documents category and two documents listed in the Supporting Identity Documents category

Information on the documents, such as name and date of birth, must all match. If the name is different on each document, then the applicant must provide documents that verify a legal name change. If other information on the document is different, speak with a Customer Service Representative for assistance. If you are using a name other than what is on your birth certificate, (example: married name), you will be required to show legal documentation of name change. Documents must be original or certified copy. Certified documents should not be laminated. No photocopies can be accepted.

Acceptable documents:

• Marriage license
• Divorce decree
• Court ordered name change

Because the state of Texas does not recognize same-sex marriage, DPS cannot accept same-sex marriage licenses. Documents listed in any of the following categories may be expired unless otherwise noted.

Note: You may download a brochure listing all of the following documents LINK

Primary Identity Documents

An applicant can present one primary document. No other documents are required to verify identity if ONE primary document is provided.

• Texas driver license or Texas identification card not expired more than 2 years
• Proof of citizenship will be required if not previously established
• Unexpired U.S. passport book or card
• U.S. Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization (N-560, N-561, N-645, N-550, N-55G, N-570 or N-578)
• Unexpired Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services document with verifiable data and identifiable photo, such as one of the following:
• U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-179 or I-197)
• Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
• Foreign passport with attached temporary I-551 (immigrant visa endorsed with ADIT stamp)
• Temporary Resident Identification Card (I-688)
• Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
• U.S. Travel Document (I-327 or I-571)
• Advance Parole Document (I-512 or I-512L)
• I-94 stamped Sec. 208 Asylee with photo
• I-94 stamped Sec. 207 Refugee with photo
• Refugee Travel Letter with photo, stamped by Customs and Border Protection
• American Indian Card (I-872)
• Northern Mariana card (I-873)
• Foreign passport with attached visa and Form I-94
• Unexpired U.S. military ID card for active duty, reserve or retired personnel with identifiable photo

Secondary Identity Documents

Applicants who do not have a primary document can present two secondary documents. No other documents are required to verify identity if TWO secondary documents are provided.

• Original or certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a State Bureau of Vital Statistics or equivalent agency from a U.S. state, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia or a Canadian province

Note: Because Puerto Rican statute provides that Puerto Rican birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010 are no longer valid, the Department cannot recognize these birth certificates as proof of identification or lawful presence. To know more LINK.

• For U.S. citizens born abroadCertificate of Report of Birth (DS-1350 or FS-545) or Consular Report of Birth (FS-240) issued by the U.S. Department of State
• Original or certified copy of a court order with name and date of birth indicating a name and/or gender change from a U.S. state, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia or a Canadian province

Supporting Identity Documents

Applicants who do not have a primary document or two secondary documents can provide ONE secondary document (from the list above) and TWO supporting documents.

• Social security card
• Form W-2 or 1099
• Driver license or ID card issued by another U.S. state, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia or Canadian province (unexpired or expired less than two years)*
• Texas driver license or ID card that has been expired more than two years
• Temporary receipt for a Texas driver license or ID card
• School records* (e.g., report cards, photo ID cards)
• Unexpired U.S. military dependent identification card
• Original or certified copy of marriage license or divorce decree (if the document is not in English, a certified translation must accompany it)
• Voter registration card*
• Pilot license*
• Concealed handgun license*
• Professional license issued by a Texas state agency
• ID card issued by a government agency*
• Consular document issued by a state or national government
• Texas Inmate ID card or similar form of ID issued by Texas Department of Criminal Justice
• Texas Department of Criminal Justice parole or mandatory release certificate
• Federal inmate identification card
• Federal parole or release certificate
• Medicare or Medicaid card
• Selective Service card
• Immunization records*
• Tribal membership card from federally-recognized tribe
• Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood
• Unexpired foreign passport
• Unexpired insurance policy valid for the past two years (e.g., auto, home or life insurance)
• Current Texas vehicle registration or title
• Current Texas boat registration or title
• Veteran's Health Identification Card (VHIC) and Proof of Service/Verification of Honorable Service Card from U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
• Hospital-issued birth record*
• Military records (e.g., Form DD-214)

Note *: The document must be issued by an institution, entity or government from a U.S. state, a U.S. territory, the District of Columbia or a Canadian province.

Proof of SSN

To enhance security, reduce the risk of identity theft or fraud, and to protect the integrity of the issuance process, an applicant for a driver license must present his or her Social Security card or other acceptable documentation. Such documentation must be unaltered originals, not copies. Verification of a SSN is mandatory for a driver license but voluntary for an ID card.

Any of the following documents will be accepted to verify a SSN. The document presented can be expired or unexpired but must have the applicants full SSN printed on it. Documentation must be unaltered originals, not copies.

• Social Security card
• Pilot license
• Military identification (active, reserve or dependent status)
• Peace officer's licenseTexas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standard and Education (TCLEOSE)
• DD-214
• Medicare or Medicaid card
• Health insurance card
• Certified college or university transcript
• IRS form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement
• Form 1099-MISC
• Pay stub (stub must include name and SSN)

For Applicants Who Dont Have a SSN

To apply for a SSN, visit the Social Security Administration website.

Individuals who do not have a SSN, have never been issued a SSN, or are not eligible for a SSN can visit any driver license office and complete an affidavit attesting to such. Providing a false statement in connection with this affidavit will result in the cancellation of the driver license and may result in criminal charges. An affidavit is not acceptable for the issuance of a CDL.

Note: If you are not eligible for a SSN, then you are not eligible for a commercial driver license (CDL).

Texas Residency

To prove Texas residency, an applicant must present two documents from the list below. Both documents must contain the individuals name and residential address. One of the documents must verify that the individual has lived in Texas for at least 30 days. This 30 day requirement is waived for individuals who are surrendering a valid, unexpired driver license from another state.

Any of the following documents will be accepted to verify an individuals Texas residency. The two documents provided must be issued by different companies or agencies. For example, an individual may not use a water bill and an electricity bill from the same company.

NOTE: Remember, all documents presented must contain the individuals name and Texas residential address.

• Current deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet or a residential rental/lease agreement
• Valid, unexpired Texas voter registration card
• Texas motor vehicle registration or title
• Texas boat registration or title
• Texas concealed handgun license
• Utility statement (including electric, water, natural gas, satellite TV, cable TV or noncellular phone bill) dated within 90 days of the

Eligibility

Anyone who is an individual of a state or country

Instructions

New Texas Residents

Individuals who hold a valid, unexpired ID card from another U.S. state, U.S. territory or foreign country, do not need to replace it with a Texas ID card until it expires.

Required Information

• Complete name
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Eye, hair color
• Race/ethnicity
• Height, weight
• Place of birth
• Parent's name
• Contact information
• Address

Need for the Document

Having some form of ID is critical in our world today; you need to be able to prove you are who you say you are in many situations. You'll need ID to board an airplane, get a job, set up bank accounts, and in order to make certain purchases.

Following is a procedure on how you can apply for an Identification Card (ID) Card in Texas.