Office of International Programs

International students and scholars who will be in the U.S. for longer than 30 days and plan to drive a car should obtain a Texas Driver's License at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Access to a car, knowledge of Texas driving regulations, as well as testable driving skills are basic requirements for a driver’s license. You must provide your own vehicle when taking the driving test.

Students who do not plan to drive in the U.S. may apply for a Texas Photo Identification Card at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). This card is not related to driving. It is useful as identification when a photo ID is required. 

Applying for a Driver's License or Texas ID

To get a driver's license or state ID you will need to make an appointment with DPS. You can schedule an appointment online. The DPS office close to Tyler campus is located at:

4700 University Blvd

Tyler, TX 75707

Phone: (903) 939-6014

In general, these are the documents you need:

• Completed DPS application form
• Cash, personal check, or debit/credit card for fee
• Passport and visa
• I-94
• Continued Attendance I-20 or DS-2019
• Proof of Texas address (bring two)
  • You can use a bank statement, bill, lease agreement, or another accepted document found on the DPS website
  • If you live on campus, OIP can sign and HR can notarize the Texas Residency Affidavit form for your proof of address and this would count for both proof of residencies
• For driver's license, provide proof of Texas vehicle registration and liability insurance for all vehicles registered in the individual’s name.

The DPS has an online checklist you can complete to see what specific documentation you will need.

Additional Driver's License Requirements

You will need to study the information about traffic laws in the Texas Driver's Handbook and take the written and/or in-car examinations for driving at a DPS office. There is an fee, valid for three opportunities to take the test within a 90-day period.

Any applicant aged 18-24 years old must take a 6-hour Adult Driver Education course online or at a driving school before your application for a driver's license.

Any applicant over the age of 24 can either take the 6-hour Adult Driver Education course or take the computer test at the DPS office.

 

Please address any questions regarding a driver's license or Texas state ID to a DPS office or you can visit the DPS website.