What to Bring to the TX DPS for Your License

Showing up to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) without the right paperwork is one of the most common and frustrating mistakes new drivers make. The good news is that it is completely avoidable. This checklist covers exactly what you need for both your learner's permit and your provisional license so you can walk in prepared and walk out with your documents in hand.

What Documents Do You Need for a Texas Learner's Permit?

Getting your Texas learner's permit is the first step toward your license. You must be at least 15 years old and have either started or completed a state-approved drivers ed course before applying. Here is everything you need to bring to the DPS:

1. Completed application form. Use Form DL-14B if you are under 17 years and 10 months old (a parent or legal guardian must sign it). Use Form DL-14A if you are 17 years and 10 months or older.
2. Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence. A U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or permanent resident card.
3. Proof of identity. An original birth certificate (state-issued, not hospital) or valid passport. Copies and photocopies are not accepted.
4. Two proofs of Texas residency. Each document must be from a different source and include your name and Texas address. Examples: utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or school records. Both documents cannot come from the same company.
5. Proof of Social Security number. The DPS verifies your SSN electronically, but bring your Social Security card, W-2, or SSA-1099 as backup.
6. Texas Driver Education Certificate (DE-964). This proves you have completed the classroom portion of your drivers ed course. If your certificate has a green background, it must be printed in color.
7. Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE). Required if you are under 18. This form is signed by your school and is valid for 30 days (90 days during June through August). A high school diploma or GED also satisfies this requirement.
8. Application fee ($16). Payable by cash, check, or card.

A parent or legal guardian must accompany applicants under 18 and bring their own valid ID.

What Happens at the DPS When You Apply for Your Permit?

After the DPS reviews your documents, you will complete a vision screening and have your photo and thumbprint taken. If your drivers ed course did not include the written knowledge test, you will take it at the DPS. The test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions covering Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 70% correctly to pass.

If you completed the knowledge test as part of your drivers ed program, your DE-964 certificate serves as proof, and you will not need to retake it at the DPS. Once you pass, you receive a temporary paper permit that is valid immediately for supervised driving. Your official hard card arrives by mail in two to three weeks.

Document	Learner's Permit	Provisional License
Application form (DL-14A or DL-14B)	Required	Required
Proof of identity	Required	Your Texas learner's permit
Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence	Required	Required (non-U.S. citizens)
Two proofs of Texas residency	Required	On file from permit application
Social Security number	Required	Required
Driver education certificate (DE-964)	Required (classroom portion)	Required (full course completion)
Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) certificate	Not required	Required (valid for 90 days)
VOE or diploma/GED	Required (under 18)	Required (under 18)
Proof of vehicle insurance	Required for vehicles you own	Required for test vehicle
Fee	$16	$16 (under 18) / $25 (18+)

What Documents Do You Need for a Texas Provisional License?

After holding your learner's permit for at least six months and completing all required behind-the-wheel training, you can take the Texas road test. The DPS Provisional License Checklist (Form DL-68) outlines exactly what to bring:

1. Your Texas learner's permit or other valid proof of identity.
2. Evidence of lawful presence (for non-U.S. citizens).
3. Proof of Social Security number.
4. Proof of completed drivers ed course. Your DE-964 certificate showing both classroom and behind-the-wheel completion.
5. Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD) certificate. This free, state-required video course must be completed within 90 days of your road test date. You can access it through the DPS website.
6. VOE form or diploma/GED (if under 18).
7. Proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use during the road test.
8. Application fee ($16 if under 18, $25 if 18 or older).

The vehicle you use for the road test must have valid registration, current inspection (if required in your county), working lights, signals, horn, and brakes. The examiner will check these before the test begins. If anything fails the inspection, your test will be postponed.