What to Bring to the Texas DMV for Your Permit Test

Don't get sent home. Here's the complete checklist — documents, fees, forms, and what to leave at home.

Before You Go

  • →Schedule an appointment online to skip the long walk-in lines
  • →Make sure your parent/guardian knows the exact time and has their ID ready
  • →Bring your Driver's Ed completion certificate (DE-964 or ADE-1317)
  • →Double-check that all your residency documents have the exact same address
  • →Study the Texas Driver Handbook before you go so you ace the written test
  • →Arrive 15 minutes early to check in
  • →Eat a good breakfast so you aren't hungry during the test

Required Documents

Proof of Identity (Primary Document)

  • ✓U.S. Passport or Passport Card
  • ✓Certified U.S. Birth Certificate
  • ✓Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  • ✓Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization
  • ✓Valid Foreign Passport with I-551 stamp

You must bring the original document; photocopies or photos on your phone will not be accepted. If you are under 18, your birth certificate is usually the easiest primary ID.

Proof of Social Security Number

  • ✓Social Security Card
  • ✓W-2 Form
  • ✓SSA-1099 Form
  • ✓Paystub with full SSN
  • ✓Military ID with SSN

Texas requires you to show your SSN. If you don't have a card, bring a W-2 or paystub. If you are not eligible for an SSN, you must bring a letter from the SSA stating you are not eligible.

Proof of Texas Residency

Bring 2 of these:

  • ✓Utility bill (electric, water, gas) in parent's name
  • ✓Bank statement with current address
  • ✓School report card or transcript
  • ✓Lease agreement or mortgage statement
  • ✓Parent's Texas driver license or ID card (if address matches)

For a standard license, one document is often enough if it matches your parent's ID, but for REAL ID, you generally need two different documents showing your Texas address. Since you are a minor, these usually need to be in your parent's name.

Parental / Guardian Consent (applicants under 18)

  • ✓Parent or guardian must appear in person with you
  • ✓Parent must sign the application form (Form DL-14A) in front of the clerk
  • ✓Parent must provide their own proof of identity
  • ✓If parents are divorced, the custodial parent must sign
  • ✓Legal guardians must bring court documents proving guardianship

If a parent cannot come, they must sign a notarized affidavit (Form VTR-146) ahead of time, but bringing them is the easiest way to avoid delays. Foster youth have specific forms (Form VTR-147) provided by their caseworker.

Proof of Driver's Education

  • ✓Certificate of Completion (DE-964) from a licensed driver education course
  • ✓Affidavit of Driver Education (Form ADE-1317) if taking a parent-taught course

Yes, Texas requires driver's ed for anyone under 18. You must finish the classroom portion (or the online equivalent) and get your completion certificate before you can even apply for the permit.

Fees & Payment

$25

This $25 fee covers the learner's permit application and the driving test. It is valid for two years. If you fail the test, you may have to pay a small re-test fee depending on the office.

Accepted payment:

CashCredit CardDebit CardCheckMoney Order

Forms

Application for Texas Driver License (Form DL-14A)

Available at: Texas DPS website or at the office

You can fill this out online ahead of time to save time, but do NOT sign it until you are at the counter with the clerk watching you.

What NOT to Bring

  • ✗Your cell phone (turn it off or leave it in the car)
  • ✗Large bags or backpacks (storage is limited)
  • ✗Friends or siblings (they can't wait inside)
  • ✗Pets (they are not allowed in the office)
  • ✗Food or drinks
  • ✗Your own pen (use the one provided or bring a black/blue ink pen)
  • ✗Photocopies of documents (they need originals)

At the Office

  • →The written test is computer-based; listen carefully to the instructions
  • →If you fail the written test, you usually have to wait 24 hours to retake it
  • →Once you pass, you'll get an interim permit immediately (a paper slip)
  • →The actual plastic card will arrive in the mail in about 2-3 weeks
  • →Keep your interim permit in your wallet at all times until the card arrives

Official Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) info: www.dps.texas.gov

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