Learn more about other documents that must be presented when applying for or renewing a driver license or ID card.
To enhance security, reduce the risk of identity theft or fraud, and to protect the integrity of the issuance process, an applicant for a driver license or ID card must present his or her Social Security card or other acceptable documentation containing the individual's full social security number (SSN). Such documentation must be unaltered originals, not copies.
An individual who is renewing a driver license or ID card will be asked by a License and Permit Specialist to verbally verify their SSN. If the SSN provided does not match the SSN in our records or if we do not have a SSN on file, the CSR will ask the individual to present proof of the SSN.
NOTE: A brochure listing all of the following documents is available for download.
Acceptable Documents
The Department requires one of the following primary documents for evidence of social security number for Texas driver license and identification card issuance. The document presented can be expired or unexpired but must have the individual's full SSN printed on it. Documentation must be unaltered originals, not copies.
- Social Security Card
- W-2
- SSA-1099 Form
- A non-SSA-1099 form, or
- Paystub with the applicant's name and SSN on it.
Should an individual be unable to provide one of the documents listed above, the Department will accept any of the following documents as evidence of social security number.
- Military identification (active, reserve, and dependent status)
- Must contain applicant’s social security number
- Certificate of release or Discharge of Active Duty (DD-214)
- Certified high school, college or university transcript designating number as SSN
- Documents such as health insurance cards, Veteran's Administration cards, and pilot's licenses with identifiable SSN may be accepted.
Any of the following documents will be accepted to verify a SSN. The document presented can be expired or unexpired but must have the individual's full SSN printed on it. Documentation must be unaltered originals, not copies.
- Social Security card
- Pilot license
- Military identification (active, reserve, retired or dependent status)
- Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
- DD-214
- Medicare or Medicaid card
- Health insurance card
- Certified high school, college or university transcript
- IRS form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement
- Form 1099-MISC
- Pay stub (stub must include name and SSN)
Individuals Who Don't Have a SSN
To apply for a SSN, visit the Social Security Administration website.
Need a SSN replacement card? The Social Security Administration introduced the expansion of online services for residents of Texas available through its my Social Security portal at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Residents of Texas can use the portal for many replacement Social Security number (SSN) card requests. This will allow you to replace your SSN card from the comfort of your home or office, without the need to travel to a Social Security office.
Individuals utilizing the affidavit must certify to the following:
- never applied for a SSN
- never issued or assigned a SSN
- are not eligible for a SSN
- applied for and been denied a SSN due to ineligibility
Providing a false statement in connection with this affidavit will result in the cancellation of the driver license or ID card and may result in criminal charges. An affidavit is not acceptable for the issuance of a CDL.
NOTE: If you are not eligible for a SSN, then you are not eligible for a commercial driver license (CDL).
Privacy
Social Security Numbers are not stored in the bar code nor are they printed on a driver license or ID card. DPS will only share a SSN with governmental agencies that are legally allowed to access the information, such as the Child Support Enforcement Division of the Texas Attorney General’s Office, the U.S. Selective Service Administration, and the Texas Secretary of State.
Statutory Authority
Federal laws allow DPS to collect SSNs: 42 USC Section 405(c)(2)(C)(i) and 42 USC Section 666(a)(13)(A).
State law governs the way DPS uses SSNs: Transportation Code Section 521.044.
State and federal laws relating to CDL SSN requirements: 49 Code of Federal Regulations Section 383.153 and Texas Transportation Code Section 522.021.