What to Bring to the Texas DPS For a Permit/Driver License

Teens (Ages 15–17): Texas Learner Permit Checklist

Before your DPS appointment, you need to complete the first portion of your Texas drivers ed course. That's 6 hours under the Concurrent Method or all 24 hours under the Block Method. Once that's done, here's what to bring.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence

A valid U.S. passport or certified birth certificate works for most applicants. Citizenship Certificates and valid Permanent Residence cards are also accepted. See the full list on the Texas DPS websiteDriver License Us Citizenship Or Lawful Presence Requirement Section.

Two Forms of Proof of Texas Residency

You need two separate documents, not two copies of the same one. A current school report card counts as one. A parent's utility bill, bank statement, or lease typically covers the second. Find the full list on the DPS residency requirements pageDriver License Texas Residency Requirement Driver Licenses And Id Cards Section.

Proof of Identity

A valid passport or Texas ID card is the easiest option. Without one, you may need to bring multiple secondary documents. Check the DPS identification requirementsDriver License Identification Requirements Section for what qualifies.

Proof of Social Security Number

Your Social Security card is the standard option. If you can't locate yours, the DPS SSN pageDriver License Social Security Number Ssn Section lists accepted alternatives.

Texas Drivers Ed Certificate (Form DE-964 or DE-964E)

Your Texas-approved drivers ed provider issues this after you complete the required classroom hours. Aceable issues your DE-964 automatically when you finish the course, so there's nothing to chase down.

Verification of Enrollment (VOE)

This form confirms you're enrolled in school and meeting attendance requirements. Get it signed at your school's administrative office and request it at least a week before your DPS appointment. It's valid for 30 days from issuance, or 90 days if issued between June and August.

A Parent or Legal Guardian (in person)

Required at this stage with no exceptions. If you completed Texas parent-taught drivers ed (PTDE)Texas Parent Taught Drivers Ed, this must be the person designated as your instructor with TDLR.

Proof of Texas Vehicle Registration and Insurance

Your parent or guardian needs to show current registration and insurance for their vehicle. If they don't own one, they can sign a statement at the DPS instead.

$16 Learner Permit Fee

Cash, check, credit card, or money order accepted.

One More Thing: The Permit Knowledge Test

Getting your documents together is half the battle. The other half is passing the written knowledge test at the DPS. Watch this video before your appointment so you know exactly what to expect and can walk in confident.

Teens (Ages 16–17): Texas Provisional Driver's License Checklist

To upgrade from a learner permit to a Texas provisional driver's license, you must have held your permit for at least six months. Bring everything from the permit checklist above, plus the following.

• Driver License Application (Form DL-14B). Download and complete it at homeForms DL 14b.pdf Internetforms before your appointment to save time at the DPS.
• DE-964 License Certificate. Issued by your drivers ed provider when you complete the full course.
• Your Learner Permit. Must have been held for at least six months before you can apply.
• ITTD Certificate. The Impact Texas Teen Drivers program is a free, mandatory two-hour video course. Complete it at impacttexasdrivers.dps.texas.govImpacttexasdrivers.dps.texas.gov. Your certificate is valid for 90 days, so don't complete it too far in advance or you'll have to redo it.
• Updated VOE. Request a fresh one from your school at least a week before your appointment.
• A Parent or Legal Guardian (in person). Still required at this stage.
• A Road-Ready Vehicle for Your Driving Test. Needs front and rear license plates, current registration and inspection stickers, and proof of insurance.
• $16 Provisional License Fee.

Adults (Ages 18+): Texas Permit or Restricted License Checklist

New adult drivers in Texas can go straight to the driving exam, but if you have no driving experience, starting with a permit is a smart move. Drivers 18–24 apply for a Texas permit. Drivers 25 and older apply for a License with B-Restriction, which is essentially the same thing under a different name. The required documents are identical for both.

• Application for Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-14A). Download it, complete it at home, and bring the finished form with you.
• Proof of Identity. A valid passport or Texas ID card works. If you don't have one, check the DPS identification requirementsDriver License Identification Requirements Section for alternatives.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence. Same accepted documents as the teen list. Full list on the DPS websiteDriver License Us Citizenship Or Lawful Presence Requirement Section.
• Original Social Security Card. If you've lost it, order a replacement before your appointment. If you've never been issued a Social Security number, you'll complete a Social Security Affidavit at the DPS office.
• Two Forms of Proof of Texas Residency. A deed, mortgage statement, Texas voter registration card, or utility bills all work. Two separate documents are required.
• Proof of Name Change (if applicable). Bring your marriage license, divorce decree, or court-ordered name change if your name differs from your birth certificate.
• Proof of Texas Vehicle Registration and Insurance. Required for every vehicle you own. Insurance in someone else's name is fine. If you don't have a car, note it on the application.
• Adult Drivers Ed Certificate of Completion. Your Texas-approved adult drivers ed course provider sends this to you. If your course included the written knowledge test and you passed, your certificate will show a "P" and you won't have to retake the test at the DPS.
• $33 Permit Fee.

Adults (Ages 18+): Texas Driver's License Checklist

Bring everything from the adult permit checklist above, plus the following.

• ITAD Certificate. Impact Texas Adult Drivers is a free, mandatory one-hour video course available at impacttexasdrivers.dps.texas.govImpacttexasdrivers.dps.texas.gov. It's valid for 90 days, so the same timing advice applies.
• $33 Driver's License Fee. Plan for a fee any time you visit the DPS.

Not Sure What You Need? Use the DPS Custom Checklist Tool

The Texas DPS offers a REAL ID Checklist generatorDriverLicense RealID Apps that builds a personalized document list based on your specific situation. If anything about your circumstances is non-standard, like a different name, foreign documents, or no SSN, use this tool before your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need for a Texas learner permit?

Teens need proof of citizenship, two forms of Texas residency, proof of identity, proof of a Social Security number, a drivers ed certificate (DE-964), a VOE, a parent or guardian present in person, and a $16 fee. PTDE students also need additional forms from their TDLR packet.

How long is a VOE valid in Texas?

A VOE is valid for 30 days from the date it's issued, or 90 days if issued between June and August. Request it at least a week before your DPS appointment to give the school office enough time to process it.

How long is the ITTD or ITAD certificate valid?

Both are valid for 90 days. If your DPS appointment is more than 90 days after you complete the program, you'll need to redo it, so time it carefully.

Can I skip the written knowledge test at the Texas DPS?

Yes. If your Texas drivers ed course included the written knowledge test and you passed, your DE-964 certificate will show a "P" and you won't have to retake it at the DPS.

Can I take Texas drivers ed online?

Yes. Texas accepts online drivers ed for both teens and adults. Aceable's Texas drivers ed courseTexas Drivers EdTexas Drivers Ed is state-approved, mobile-friendly, and issues your DE-964 automatically when you finish.

Get Your Texas Drivers Ed Certificate Before Your DPS Appointment

You can't apply for a Texas learner permit or driver's license without completing drivers ed first. Aceable's state-approved Texas drivers ed course works on any device, goes at your pace, and gets you your DE-964 certificate the moment you're done.

Start your Texas drivers ed course todayTexas Drivers EdTexas Drivers Ed and show up to the DPS ready to go.

Updated 5/19/26