How to Show Proof of Residency in Texas

Anyone who wants to obtain a driver license or identification card in Texas must provide DPS with documentation showing proof of Texas residency.

The first time you apply for a Texas driver license or identification card, you're required to show proof of Texas residency for at least 30 days.

If you have a valid driver license from another state and you're surrendering it in order to obtain your Texas driver license, the 30-day requirement is waived. You'll still have to show proof of residency. If you're moving here from another state, you can continue using your valid out-of-state license for 90 days before you're required to obtain your Texas driver license.

Texas Residency Documents

There are a variety of documents you can provide in order to show proof of Texas residency. All you need to do is provide two of the documents from the list below.

1. Current deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet, or a residential rental/lease agreement
2. Current homeowners' or renters' insurance policy, statement, or card
3. Utility or residential service bill dated within 90 days of your application date (e.g., electric, water, gas, internet, cable, streaming services, lawn service, and cellular telephone bills)
4. Medical or health card
5. Valid, unexpired registration for any of the following: Texas registration card, motor vehicle registration or title, boat registration or title
6. Current automobile insurance policy, statement, or card
7. Current automobile payment booklet or statement
8. Texas high school, college, or university report card or transcript for the current school year
9. Preprinted paycheck or paystub dated within 90 days of the driver license application date
10. Pre-printed W-2, 1099, or 1089 tax form from an employer, government, or financial entity for the most recent tax year
11. Mail or printed electronic statements from a financial institution (e.g., checking, savings, investment account, or cred card statements) dated within 90 days of the application date
12. Mail or printed electronic statements from a federal, state, county, or city government agency dated within 90 days of the application date
13. Current documents issued by the US Military or Veterans Administration indicating residential address
14. Selective Service card
15. Valid, unexpired concealed handgun license or license to carry
16. Texas Department of Criminal Justice document indicating recent release or parole
17. Current Form DS2019 or a document issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (for commercial driver license and identification card only)
18. Letter of Texas residency issued by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department

Make sure both documents show the same name and address. The documents may be from the same local government entity that provides multiple residential services (e.g., an electric bill and a water bill from the same municipal utility, as long as they are on separate statements). You can't use a statement for the same service but for different months (i.e., a water bill from July and a water bill from August).

Mail that shows a forwarding address label will not be accepted, nor will envelopes with an adhesive address label; your address must be printed directly on the envelope.

Your proof of residency documents must be printed. You can use a printed electronic statement, but just showing the statement on your phone, for example, will not be accepted.

Note: The parent or guardian of applicants under age 18 must provide proof of Texas residency in order for the applicant to obtain their Texas driver license.

Texas Residency Waiver

Some individuals may be authorized to use an alternate address, waiving the residency requirement. These individuals include:

• Individuals subject to the Address Confidentiality Program administered by the Attorney General of Texas
• Judges or spouses of judges
• Active duty military personnel, their spouses, and dependents may provide a residency address outside of Texas
• Individuals currently incarcerated in a Texas Department of Criminal Justice facility
• Individuals who are minors in Department of Family Protective Services conservatorship
• Individuals who are under 21 years of age in Department of Family Protective Services paid foster care
• Applicants who are considered homeless youth as defined by 42 USC Section 11434a

Peace officers who are using an alternative address are still required to verify their Texas residency.

If You Are Unable to Show Proof of Texas Residency

If you're unable to provide two documents showing proof of Texas residency, you may be able to obtain your Texas driver license by submitting a Texas Residency Affidavit. For example, those who live with someone else but are not listed on the lease may be eligible to complete the Texas Residency Affidavit.