5. Get Your Driver’s License or Texas State Identification Card

ISSS Guide :: Driver's License & Texas State ID

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Driver’s License and Texas State ID

Texas driver’s licenses and Texas state IDs are issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS). Any international student, scholar or dependent can apply for the Texas driver’s license and the Texas state ID and a verification of enrollment letter from the Office of International Programs is no longer required to apply.

Non-immigrants may apply for a Texas state identification card, but this card will not grant permission for the individual to drive. The ID card is a nationwide recognized form of identification for the cardholder.

A Texas driver’s license is a document demonstrating authorization to drive and a nationally accepted form of identification that can be used to prove your identity. The Texas State ID is only used as an identification card.

Individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 are required to complete a driver’s education course and present the original certificate of completion at the driver’s license office.

A driver education course is not required for individuals with valid driver’s licenses from another state or U.S. territory or Canada, France, South Korea, or Germany.

Find a local Driver’s License Office.

  • The Texas Department of Public Safety uses the SAVE System to verify non-immigrants status when they apply for a Texas driver’s license or state ID.
    • Unfortunately, students may experience issues where they are told by DPS that they “cannot verify your status” or “your status needs to be updated.”‘
    • Students are often referred to the Office of International Programs, but in almost all situations, our office cannot assist the student.
  • If you apply for a driver’s license and are denied, you will need to email the following information to the Office of International Programs at [email protected]: your CWID, Full Name and the issue that you experienced.
    • We will review your SEVIS record within a few business days (a business day is Monday through Friday).
    • If your record is correct, active and updated, there is nothing further the Office of International Programs can do.
  • Students may take the following steps:
    • Contact the USCIS Verification Program at 1-888-464-4218 or email [email protected].
    • Contact USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 or 877-469-2563.
    • Go to the SAVE Case Status if your issue has been issued a case number.
    • Request that the DPS office contact their SAVE representative to resolve the issue.
  • Please note that students in the following situations may experience issues when applying for a driver’s license:
    • New or transfer students who apply for a driver’s license before the start of their first semester at East Texas A&M or before SEVIS registration by the Office of International Programs.
    • Students who have filed for OPT or the OPT STEM Extension but have not been approved or have not received their EAD card.
    • Students on Cap Gap Extension whose H1-B petition is still pending and not approved by USCIS.
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