What you should know
Texas does not offer driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants, requiring proof of legal presence.
Legislation to allow licenses for undocumented immigrants has been proposed, but has not yet been approved.
Foreigners with legal presence can obtain a license marked “temporary visitor.”
Have you just arrived in Texas and need a driver's license but don't have papers?
To obtain a driver's license in Texas, proof of legal presence in the United States is required. The same happens in case you want to process an identification card (ID).
At least for now, There is no possibility of obtaining a driver's license in Texas for undocumented immigrants. However, work is being done to make this document available in the future.
The validation of the documentation is carried out by the DPS (Department of Public Safety or Texas Department of Public Safety), through the SAVE (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements or Systematic Verification Program for Alien Rights) of the Department of Homeland Security of The USA.
Continue reading: Driver's license appointment in Texas
States that do give driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants
The District of Columbia and the following 16 states allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses:
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Snowfall
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- NY
- Oregon
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
You will still need to provide identification documents (such as a foreign birth certificate, foreign passport, or consular card) and evidence of your current state residency to obtain licensure in these states.
In the future, will it be possible to apply for a driver's license in Texas for undocumented immigrants?
Ramón Romero, representative of the Fort Worth area, presented the bill HB 1058 with the purpose of helping undocumented aliens obtain a license that allows them to drive legally. On the Senate side, bill SB 607 was introduced by Senators Carol Alvarado and Sarah Eckhardt.
According to Romero, a driving license could help reduce risk on the roads. “Today thousands of Texans drive without completing a driver's course, and that is not because they chose not to,” the representative commented during a press conference a few months ago.
Romero's legislation, HB 1058, would allow undocumented immigrants to take a driver's license course in Texas, not the exam. The driver's license could not be used to vote or as a valid form of federal identification, as is the case with most driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants in the USA.
The aim of this project was to grant permits so that undocumented people could drive legally. But, unfortunately, Representative Romero was unable to get this legislation passed.
However, although the objective has not yet been achieved, Pressure will continue on Texas senators and representatives to approve this measure in the next legislative session.
Is the immigration status of driver's license applicants verified in Texas?
Yes, when applying for a driver's license the immigration status of the applicant is verified. Documentation of legal presence in the country is verified through the “Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements” (SAVE) program of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Verification through SAVE is usually instantaneous, but this is not always the case. If it is not processed immediately, you may have to wait up to 30 days before receiving your driver's license.
If SAVE is unable to verify your legal presence on the first attempt, you may need to provide additional documentation. If it is not automatically verified, you will receive verbal instructions or instructions by mail. In this case, you should follow the instructions immediately to avoid further delays.
Continue reading: Renew driver's license in Texas
Limited driver's license
If you are not verified through SAVE on the first attempt, you may be issued a limited-term driver's license if you are not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
However, the limited-term driver's license or ID will expire once DHS determines your lawful presence.
Acceptable documents for legal permanent residents:
- Permanent Resident Card (I-551)
- Immigrant visa and valid foreign passport
- Valid foreign passport with adit stamp
- I-94 with an entry stamp
- An I-327 reentry permit
The documents above apply to legal permanent residents, but each type or class of immigrants (e.g., asylees or refugees) must provide different documentation to verify their legal presence.
Continue reading: Driver's License Address Change in Texas
What are the states that currently give licenses to undocumented immigrants?
Currently, there are several states that give licenses to undocumented immigrants, in addition to the District of Columbia. The list includes California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Vermont Virginia, Washington.
Continue reading: Licenses in Virginia for undocumented immigrants
Texas driver's license for foreigners
If you are a foreigner and can prove your legal presence in the United States, you can get a foreign driver's license. with the legend “temporary visitor” that will be valid only for the duration of the visa or residence permit.
Likewise, to apply for a driver's license in Texas for foreigners, within 90 days of the application, you must prove your residence in Texasthrough some proof of service or similar.
In addition to submitting such documents, you must:
- Verify your Texas vehicle registration and financial responsibility
- Complete the application form
- Apply in person
- Pass the theoretical and practical exam
- If you are under 25 years of age, you must complete a road safety course.
Continue reading: Types of driver's license in Texas
Driver's license in Texas for foreigners by reciprocity
If you are a foreigner in the United States and need to know if you can get a driver's license with a passport, we tell you that it may not be necessary. If you have a valid license and your country is one of those that have a reciprocity agreement for driving privileges, you will be able to drive in Texas with your driver's license for a period of time..
The countries involved in the reciprocity agreement are allowed to A person with a valid foreign license can drive in Texas for up to one year or until they become a resident.