Non-US citizens applying for a driver's license in Texas must provide proof of identity, lawful presence in the United States, Texas residency, and Social Security number or a valid denial letter if ineligible for one. Essential documents include a valid passport, visa or other immigration documents, utility bills or lease agreements, and a Social Security card or official letter from the Social Security Administration. These requirements ensure compliance with state regulations and verify the applicant's eligibility for a Texas driver's license.
What Documents Does a Non-US Citizen Need for a Driver’s License in Texas?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SAVE Verification (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) | Non-US citizens applying for a driver's license in Texas must provide lawful presence verification through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, which confirms immigration status using official federal databases. Essential documents include a valid foreign passport with a visa, a Department of Homeland Security-issued I-94 or I-94W arrival/departure record, and proof of legal status such as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or Permanent Resident Card to pass SAVE verification. |
| 2 | REAL ID Act Compliance | Non-US citizens applying for a Texas driver's license must provide proof of identity, lawful presence, Social Security number or ineligibility, and Texas residency, all aligned with REAL ID Act requirements. Acceptable documents include a valid foreign passport with a U.S. visa, I-94 form or I-797 approval notice, and two proofs of Texas residency such as utility bills or lease agreements. |
| 3 | Lawful Presence Documentation | Non-US citizens applying for a driver's license in Texas must provide lawful presence documentation such as a valid, unexpired passport with the appropriate visa, and an I-94 arrival/departure record or I-797 approval notice. Proof of lawful presence also includes Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) or permanent resident cards (Green Cards) to verify legal residency status as required by the Texas Department of Public Safety. |
| 4 | I-94 Arrival/Departure Record | Non-US citizens applying for a driver's license in Texas must present their valid I-94 Arrival/Departure Record to verify lawful entry and current immigration status. This document, issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, serves as official evidence of arrival date and authorized duration of stay, essential for the Texas Department of Public Safety's application process. |
| 5 | Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card) | Non-US citizens applying for a Texas driver's license must present a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card) as proof of lawful presence and employment eligibility. The EAD Card verifies identity and work authorization status, fulfilling Texas Department of Public Safety requirements for non-citizen license applicants. |
| 6 | Form I-797 Notice of Action | Non-US citizens applying for a Texas driver's license must present Form I-797 Notice of Action as proof of legal presence and immigration status, which verifies their pending or approved immigration benefit. This form is essential alongside other documents such as a valid passport and proof of Texas residency to meet the Texas Department of Public Safety requirements. |
| 7 | Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) | Non-US citizens applying for a Texas driver's license must provide valid identification documents, including a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) to verify U.S. citizenship status if born abroad. The CRBA serves as an official proof of citizenship, which Texas Department of Public Safety requires along with proof of identity, residency, and lawful presence documents. |
| 8 | Foreign Passport with U.S. Visa Stamp | A non-US citizen applying for a Texas driver's license must present a valid foreign passport with a current U.S. visa stamp to verify legal entry and immigration status. This document, combined with proof of residency and identity, is essential for the Texas Department of Public Safety to process the application. |
| 9 | Student Visa (F-1/M-1) and Form I-20 | Non-US citizens holding a student visa (F-1 or M-1) must present Form I-20 issued by their educational institution, along with a valid passport and I-94 arrival/departure record, to apply for a Texas driver's license. Proof of Texas residency and Social Security Number or a denial letter from the Social Security Administration are also required to complete the licensing process. |
| 10 | Conditional Resident Alien Card (Temporary Green Card) | Non-US citizens holding a Conditional Resident Alien Card (Temporary Green Card) must present their valid card, proof of Texas residency, and a Social Security number or an ineligibility letter from the Social Security Administration when applying for a Texas driver's license. These documents verify lawful presence and residency status, meeting the Texas Department of Public Safety's requirements for non-US citizens. |
Overview of Texas Driver’s License for Non-US Citizens
What documents does a non-US citizen need for a driver's license in Texas? Non-US citizens applying for a Texas driver's license must provide proof of identity, lawful presence, Social Security number or ineligibility, and Texas residency. Common documents include a valid passport, visa, I-94 form, employment authorization document, and utility bills or lease agreements.
Eligibility Criteria for Non-US Citizen Applicants
Non-US citizens seeking a driver's license in Texas must meet specific eligibility criteria to apply. Understanding these requirements is essential for a smooth application process.
- Proof of Identity - You must provide valid identification documents such as a passport or consular identification card.
- Proof of Texas Residency - Documents like utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements must confirm your Texas residency.
- Legal Presence Verification - Acceptable proof includes a valid visa, employment authorization document, or I-94 form to verify legal status in the US.
Meeting these documentation requirements ensures eligibility for obtaining a Texas driver's license as a non-US citizen.
Required Identification Documents
Obtaining a driver's license in Texas as a non-US citizen requires specific identification documents. These documents verify your identity, lawful presence, and Texas residency.
- Proof of Identity - Valid passport or consular identification card establishes your legal identity.
- Proof of Lawful Presence - Immigration documents such as a visa, I-94, or employment authorization card confirm your legal status in the US.
- Proof of Texas Residency - Utility bills, lease agreements, or bank statements with your Texas address validate your residency.
Proof of Lawful Presence in the United States
Non-US citizens applying for a driver's license in Texas must provide proof of lawful presence in the United States. Acceptable documents include a valid visa, Form I-94, or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Additional documentation such as a valid passport or a Certificate of Naturalization may also be required. You must present these documents to verify legal status before the Texas Department of Public Safety issues a driver's license.
Residency Documentation for Texas
Non-US citizens applying for a driver's license in Texas must provide specific residency documentation to verify their Texas address. These documents confirm proof of residency required by the Texas Department of Public Safety for license issuance.
- Utility bill - A recent utility bill showing your name and Texas address serves as proof of residency.
- Lease agreement - A valid lease or rental contract with your name and Texas address can establish residency.
- Bank statement - An official bank or financial institution statement listing your Texas residence helps verify your living situation.
Application Process Step-by-Step
| Step | Requirement | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Proof of Identity | Valid Passport and Visa | Non-US citizens must present a valid, unexpired passport along with the visa issued by the US Department of State or USCIS. |
| 2. Proof of Texas Residency | Two Documents Showing Address | Documents such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing a Texas address are required to establish residency. |
| 3. Lawful Presence Verification | Form I-94 or Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | This confirms legal status in the US and eligibility to apply for a driver's license in Texas. |
| 4. Social Security Number | SSN Card or Denial Letter | Applicants must provide a Social Security Number or a denial letter if not eligible for one. |
| 5. Application Submission | Complete Application Form | Submit the driver's license application form available at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) or online. |
| 6. Pass Required Tests | Vision, Written Knowledge, and Driving Tests | Applicants must pass a vision exam, written knowledge test, and behind-the-wheel driving test to demonstrate competency. |
| 7. Pay Applicable Fees | Driver's License Fee | Pay the required fees for the driver's license, which vary depending on the type and duration of the license. |
| 8. Receive Temporary License | Temporary Driving Permit | Once the tests and documentation are approved, a temporary license is issued until the permanent card arrives by mail. |
Fees and Payment Methods
Non-US citizens must pay the standard driver's license fee in Texas, which is $33 for an original license. Payment methods accepted include cash, credit cards, and money orders at Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices.
The Texas DPS requires fees to be paid at the time of application. Online fee payments are not available for driver's license issuance. Some locations may not accept personal checks, so verifying payment options before visiting is advised.
Document Verification Procedures
Non-US citizens applying for a driver's license in Texas must provide specific documents for verification. These include valid proof of identity, lawful presence, Social Security Number or valid ineligibility documentation, and Texas residency. The Department of Public Safety verifies these documents through a thorough review process to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips
Non-US citizens applying for a driver's license in Texas must provide proof of identity, lawful presence, Social Security number or ineligibility letter, and Texas residency. Common documents include a valid passport, visa, I-94 form, and utility bills or lease agreements.
One frequent issue involves expired or inconsistent documentation, which can delay processing. Presenting accurate and up-to-date papers from the Department of Public Safety reduces the likelihood of rejection.
Another challenge is verifying lawful presence, as not all visa types qualify for licensing. Consulting Texas DPS guidelines or speaking with a licensing official helps clarify eligibility requirements.
If your documents are incomplete or unclear, request a review or submit additional paperwork promptly. Being proactive ensures smoother application handling and fewer complications at the counter.
What Documents Does a Non-US Citizen Need for a Driver’s License in Texas? Infographic
