What to bring with you when applying
for a Texas Commercial Driver License
This document will assist you in applying for a Texas Commercial Driver License (CDL) if you currently hold
a Texas driver license. To be issued a CDL, you must first obtain a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP), you
must bring the following documentation to your local driver license office:
1. Application for a Texas Commercial Driver License
2. Proof of Identity
3. Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Evidence of Lawful Presence
4. Proof of Social Security Number
5. Proof of Self-Certification (CDL-4, CDL-5, or CDL-10)
6. Valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (if required)
7. Issuance Fee
This checklist will help you identify what documents in each section you will need to bring to your local driver
license office so that you may apply for a CLP. Follow the directions listed for each section, and check the
appropriate document(s) you have that you can bring with you.
Upon completing all sections, gather the documents you have checked and visit your local driver license
office to begin the application process. If you would like to get in-line at your local driver license office prior
to your arrival, simply go to our website and check in (not available at all locations):
http://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/
Section 1. Proof of Identity
A. Acceptable Identification Document List. Documents must be original or a copy certified by the issuing
agency. No photocopies are accepted.
Check one document you have from this section. This will be your proof of identity.
Texas DL or ID within two years of expiration
Unexpired US passport book or passport card
US Citizenship Certificate or Certificate of
Naturalization with identifiable photo (N-550, N-
560, N-561, N-570, or N-578)
Unexpired US military photo ID card for active
duty, reserve, or retired personnel
Foreign passport, visa* (valid or expired), and I-94
Unexpired Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
(USCIS) photo ID. Examples include:
US citizen Identification card (I-179 or I-197)
Permanent Resident card (I-551)
Machine-Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIV) with
temporary I-551 language and Alien Documentation,
Identification and Telecommunications System
(ADIT) stamp
Employment Authorization card “EAD” (I-766)
Advance parole document with photo (I-512 or I-512L)
I-94 stamped “Sec. 208 Asylee” with photo
I-94 stamped “Sec. 207 Refugee” with photo
Valid refugee travel letter with photo and stamped
by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Northern Mariana card (I-873)
American Indian card (I-872)
A birth certificate or birth record issued by the appropriate State Bureau of Vital Statistics or equivalent
agency from a US state or local government, a US territory, the District of Columbia, or a Canadian
province
For U.S. citizens born abroad, a certificate of Report of Birth (DS-1350 or FS-545) or Consular Report of
Birth (FS-240) issued by the U.S. Department of State
A court order with name and date of birth indicating an official change of name and/or gender from a US
state, a US territory, the District of Columbia, or a Canadian province
DL-69 (Rev. 11/18)