Texas ID Requirements: School Records Not Acceptable; Birth Certificate Required

No. Texas DPS does not accept school records (report cards, transcripts, diplomas) as primary identity documents for a Texas ID card or driver's license.

Required Primary Documents (Choose One)

1. Certified U.S. Birth Certificate (most common)
2. Valid U.S. Passport/Passport Card
3. Certificate of Naturalization / Citizenship
4. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) + foreign passport with visa
5. Employment Authorization Card (EAD) + supporting docs

Why School Records Fail

• No standardized security features
• Don't prove citizenship/legal presence
• Easily forged/altered
• Don't establish full legal name history (marriage, court orders)

If You Lack a Birth Certificate

1. Order certified copy from vital records office of birth state/country (CDC Where to Write guide)
2. Expedited services: VitalChek, state portals (2–5 business days)
3. If born abroad to U.S. parents: FS-240 Consular Report of Birth Abroad
4. Delayed registration possible with affidavits + documentary evidence (census, baptismal, medical records)

Secondary Documents (Supporting Only)

School records *may* supplement as proof of residency or name usage—but never replace primary identity documents.

Texas DPS checklist is definitive. Visit office with originals; photocopies not accepted.