Texas Parent-Taught Driver Education
Residency Requirements
Residency Requirement for Texas Driver Licenses
You must prove that either your residence or your domicile is in Texas and that you have lived here for at least 30 days in order to apply for an original Texas noncommercial driver license.
A "residence" is the place where you normally live, live most of the time or return to after temporary absences. A "domicile" is your true, fixed and permanent home. If either your residence or domicile is in Texas, you meet this requirement for a driver license. (For example, college students may reside in another state while at school, but still have a Texas domicile if their parents live here.)
Proving Residency
You must prove your Texas residency by showing two acceptable documents that contain your name and residential address. One of the documents must prove that you have lived in Texas for at least 30 days, unless you are surrendering a valid, unexpired driver license from another state; then the 30 day requirement is waived.
Note: If you are younger than 18, your parent or legal guardian must prove Texas residency in order for you to get a Texas driver license. If you are unable to provide two acceptable documents (for example, if you live with someone but are not listed on the lease), you may be eligible to complete a
Texas Residency Affidavit.
Documents That Prove Residency
These documents prove residency for a noncommercial driver license:
- 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 date of application
- Selective Service card
- Medical or health card
- Current homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy or homeowner's or renter's insurance statement
- Current automobile insurance policy or an automobile insurance statement
- Texas high school, college or university report card or transcript for the current school year
- W-2 or 1099 tax form from the current tax year
- Mail from financial institutions; including checking, savings, investment account and credit card statements dated within 90 days of the date of application
- Mail from a federal, state, county or city government agency dated within 90 days of the date of application
- Current automobile payment booklet
- Preprinted paycheck or payment stub dated within 90 days of the date of application
- Current documents issued by the U.S. military indicating residence address
- Document from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice indicating the applicant's recent release or parole
- Current Form DS2019, I-20 or a document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Note: The two documents must be issued by different companies or agencies. For example, you cannot use both a water bill and electricity bill from the same company.
Address Confidentiality
The residency requirement is waived for people who are authorized to use alternative addresses under the following circumstances:
- Those who are subject to the address confidentiality program administered by the Office of the Attorney General.
- Those who are currently incarcerated in a Texas Department of Criminal Justice facility.
- Those who are judges or spouses of judges.
Peace officers using alternative addresses must still prove Texas residency, even though their driver licenses may show alternative addresses. They must show that their mailing addresses meet Texas residency requirements.
Got all of your documents together and ready to get your license? Click here to schedule your appointment with the DPS.
Take One of Our Texas Driver Education Courses
Ready to get your Texas driver license? If you're between the ages of 15 and 24 and looking to get your first driver license, the state of Texas requires you to take a driver education course. Don't worry, we have you covered.
Choose from one of our various driver education courses below. You can also take one of our driver education courses if you're older than age 24 and just want to brush up on your knowlegdge of Texas driving laws and defensive driving skills. Our courses
are a great way to prepare for your knowledge exam.
Parent-Taught Driver Education (Both Online and Behind-the-Wheel): If you're at least 14 years old and under age 18, take our online Texas Parent-Taught Driver Education course to earn your learner license and qualify for a driver license. This
course allows your parent to be your instructor for both the classroom and the behind-the-wheel instruction.
Texas Parent-Taught Behind-the-Wheel ONLY Course: If you're age 15 to 17 and have a learner license, take this course to complete your behind-the-wheel portion of driver education with your parent as your instructor.
Texas Teen (AMI) Driver Education: If you are age 14 to 17 and wish to complete the classroom portion of your driver education online with a licensed instructor, you can take this course. This course will help you earn your learner license and qualify for your driver license in Texas. Note: This course contains
the online classroom instruction only. It does not contain behind-the-wheel instruction.
Texas Adult Driver Education: Take our online Texas Adult Driver Education course if you are age 18 or older to qualify for a driver license.
Texas Residency Requirements FAQs
How many proofs of residency do you need for Texas DMV?
To verify Texas residency, an individual must present two approved documents. Both documents must contain the individual's name and residential address. One of the documents must verify that the individual has lived in Texas for at least 30 days.
Is there a checklist of what to bring with me to apply for a Texas driver license?
Yes, you can download the the checklist here.
How to apply for a Texas driver license.
The DPS issues driver licenses valid for up to eight years to Texas residents 18 years of age and older.
The Texas Driver’s Handbook is available online to help you qualify for a Texas driver license.
You will need to provide proof of the following to apply for a driver license:
- U.S. Citizenship or, if you are not a U.S. Citizen, evidence of lawful presence Texas Residency Identity, and Social Security Number.
- Evidence of Texas Vehicle Registration* for each vehicle you own. Registration must be current. Visit Texas DMV vehicle registration for more information (new residents who are surrendering an out-of-state driver license only).
- Proof of Insurance** for each vehicle you own.
*If you do not own a vehicle, you will sign a statement affirming this.
You may download this What it takes to Apply for a DL or ID card in Texas brochure for information and this checklist to assist you in determining which documents you may have that will meet these requirements.
Additionally, you will need to provide evidence of completion of:
- Impact Texas Driver (ITD) if you will be taking a driving test for the issuance of your driver license.
- A six-hour adult driver education course, if you are 18 through 24 years of age. (Does not apply to new residents who are 18 years of age or older and surrendering an out-of-state driver license.)
Once you have gathered the necessary documents and completed the required courses, you will need to do the following:
- Complete the driver license application before arriving at your local office. (This form is also available at all driver license offices.)
- Make an appointment at your local driver license office.
- Provide the following documentation to the license and permit specialist:
- Application for the issuance of a driver license
- U.S. Citizenship, or if you are not a U.S. Citizen, evidence of lawful presence, Texas Residency Identity, and Social Security Number
- Pay the application fee.
- Provide your thumbprints.
- Have your picture taken.
- Pass vision exam.
- Take and pass the knowledge and driving tests.
You may complete the testing requirements at the DL office by scheduling an appointment online or through a Third Party provider.
The following applicants have additional requirements.
New Texas Residents
New residents who have recently moved to Texas and hold a valid, unexpired driver license from another state or country should read the information found on DPS New Texas Residents page.
Teen Driver Applicants
Individuals under 18 years of age applying for a Texas driver license must meet additional requirements. For more information, visit the DPS Teen Drivers page.
Temporary Visitors and Foreign Students
Temporary visitors and foreign students applying for a Texas driver license must meet additional requirements. For more information, visit the U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence Requirement page.
Motorcycle Applicants
For motorcycle applicants, visit DPS Motorcycle License page for more information on obtaining a Class M license.
U.S Military Veterans
Some disabled veterans may qualify for a fee exemption on their driver license or ID card. A veteran designation for driver licenses is also available for qualifying veterans. More information about these services, including qualification requirements, is available on the Veteran Services page.