Texas driver license and state ID — guide for immigrants

Texas requires every driver-license and ID applicant to be a U.S. citizen or to prove lawful presence, and it has no program for undocumented residents. But lawfully present non-citizens — green-card holders, refugees, asylees, visa holders, and EAD/DACA recipients — can get a Texas license or ID, issued as a “Limited Term” credential. Here is exactly who qualifies, what to bring, and what it costs.

Quick answer

  • Undocumented DL access: NO — lawful presence required
  • Lawfully present non-citizens: YES — issued a “Limited Term” license or ID
  • Validity: expires when your lawful presence expires (one year if “duration of status”)
  • Driver license fee: $33 (Limited Term) · ID card fee: $16 (Limited Term)
  • Agency: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
  • Website: dps.texas.gov · Phone: (512) 424-2600

Which non-citizens can get a Texas license or ID

The Texas DPS defines a temporary visitor as “anyone who is not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee.” Temporary visitors who meet the requirements are issued a driver license or ID card printed with “Limited Term.” Lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees also qualify. A driver license or ID card cannot be issued until the DPS verifies your lawful presence with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

How long the credential lasts

A Limited Term license or ID expires when your period of lawful presence expires. If your status is “duration of status,” the card expires in one year. When you renew, you must do so in person and present current documents verifying your status; renew at least 30 days before expiration, because DHS verification takes time.

Documents you need

Bring documents that prove lawful presence, such as:

  • A valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (I-551), or
  • A valid, unexpired foreign passport with a visa and a valid I-94, or
  • A valid, unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD, I-766).

You also prove your identity. Texas uses a primary/secondary/supporting document system; a foreign passport with a visa and I-94 counts as a primary identity document, and a Social Security card is among the accepted supporting documents.

What is REAL ID?

A REAL ID-compliant Texas license or ID (gold star) can be used to board domestic flights (enforced since May 7, 2025) and enter federal facilities. Texas licenses can be made REAL ID compliant when you provide the required identity, lawful-presence, and residency documents at application.

If you are undocumented or cannot prove lawful presence

Texas has no driver-privilege card for undocumented residents. Practical alternatives:

  • Use your foreign passport as primary ID for banking, employment (with an EAD), and federal flights.
  • Get a matrícula consular from your home-country consulate (see Consulates in Texas).
  • Use an International Driving Permit (IDP) obtained in your home country before travel — valid short-term for visitors.
  • Open an ITIN-friendly bank account to bank without an SSN.
  • Consider an AB60-equivalent state if you must drive regularly (for example California, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, or Washington).

Last verified: 2026-06-28. Sources: Texas DPS — U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence Requirement, Driver Licenses and ID Cards for Temporary Visitors, and Driver License Fees.

General procedural information. DPS policies, fees, and document requirements change frequently — verify with the Texas Department of Public Safety before visiting. Not legal or immigration advice. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney.