“Can I get a Texas driver's license using only my I-797 receipt notice for a pending Adjustment of Status?”
Your pending-I-485 notice is not useless: Texas DPS expressly names it as possible immigration documentation. The manageable next task is to assemble the separate identity, address, and SSN evidence and allow DPS to verify your record.
Your receipt may help with one requirement, but Texas separately checks your identity, Texas address, Social Security information, and immigration records.
If your I-797 says your I-485 is pending, DPS’s DL-53 includes it as possible immigration documentation for an applicant and calls for an or number. Bring separate qualifying identity and Texas-residency evidence, plus your SSN or the applicable ineligibility affidavit; DPS must verify your lawful-presence period with DHS. [DPS DL-53](https://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-53.pdf); [DPS application requirements](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/how-apply-texas-driver-license); [DPS verification rule](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/us-citizenship-or-lawful-presence-requirement).
If you have a valid photo , bring it: DPS lists an unexpired I-766 among lawful-presence documents and an EAD among its photo-identity examples. Another identity route under the final September 2026 rule is a foreign passport with a U.S. visa—even an expired visa—paired with the specified valid ; a duration-of-stay I-94 also needs appropriate accompanying documentation. These do not replace address, SSN, or DHS checks. [DPS lawful-presence list](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/us-citizenship-or-lawful-presence-requirement); [DPS DL-57](https://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-57.pdf); [37 TAC §15.24](https://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/archive/September112026/Adopted%20Rules/37.PUBLIC%20SAFETY%20AND%20CORRECTIONS.html).
An I-797 receipt by itself does not complete a Texas license application: the final identity rule requires qualifying identity evidence, including an identifiable photo for its USCIS-document primary-identity option, and DPS separately requires Texas residency and SSN information or the applicable exception. [37 TAC §15.24](https://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/archive/September112026/Adopted%20Rules/37.PUBLIC%20SAFETY%20AND%20CORRECTIONS.html); [DPS application requirements](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/how-apply-texas-driver-license).
In every viable route, DHS verification and the ordinary driving-license requirements still apply.
These steps take you from a useful receipt notice to a complete Texas license application.
Before booking
Gather the receipt and your other proof
For a first Texas license, the address records normally must show you have lived in Texas at least 30 days; the 30-day requirement is waived if you surrender a valid, unexpired license or ID from another state, but two Texas-address records are still needed. DPS’s March 2022 DL-53 names a pending-I-485 I-797 as possible immigration documentation; the final identity rule has separate photo-document requirements. [DPS DL-53](https://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-53.pdf); [DPS DL-57](https://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-57.pdf); [37 TAC §15.24](https://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/archive/September112026/Adopted%20Rules/37.PUBLIC%20SAFETY%20AND%20CORRECTIONS.html); [DPS SSN rules](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/social-security-number-ssn).
Requirements
When your documents are ready
Apply in person at a Texas driver license office
Book at https://www.txdpsscheduler.com/ and take Form DL-14A, your documents, and the $33 limited-term-license fee to the appointment. DPS reviews the papers and starts DHS verification; you must also meet the vision, knowledge, and driving-test requirements. If you are 18–24 and applying for your first Texas license, DPS lists a six-hour adult driver-education course unless you qualify for its valid-out-of-state-license waiver. [DPS appointments](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/driver-license-services-appointments); [DPS application steps](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/how-apply-texas-driver-license); [DPS fees](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/driver-license-fees).
Requirements
Only if verification is delayed
Track a SAVE delay and finish the application
DPS cannot issue the card until DHS verifies the period of lawful presence. If DPS opens a case that takes longer, use https://save.uscis.gov/casecheck/ with your birth date and the identifier used for the case, which may be your I-797 receipt number; a hold does not necessarily mean denial. Complete verification and any remaining tests within 90 days after submitting the DPS application, or DPS may require a new application and fee. [DPS verification requirement](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/us-citizenship-or-lawful-presence-requirement); [USCIS CaseCheck](https://www.uscis.gov/save/benefit-and-license-applicants/save-casecheck); [DPS DL-62](https://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-62.pdf).
Requirements
You are not the first to go through this. Here is how it went for others who asked the same thing.
u/Winter_soldier4r/USCISAug 14, 2026
u/FinanceGuy100r/immigrationApr 23, 2026
This answer draws on Texas DPS license forms and instructions, the final Texas identity regulation, and USCIS policy and SAVE guidance.
Texas DPS DL-53 (rev. 3/22)
Texas DPS expressly includes a notice showing a pending I-485 among possible documents for adjustment applicants.
Applicants for adjustment of status
This can include but is not limited to a form I-797 indicating pending I-485 or pending application for adjustment of status.
Texas DPS DL-53 (rev. 3/22)
The DPS adjustment-applicant entry specifies an immigration document bearing one of these identifiers.
Applicants for adjustment of status
Immigration documentation with an alien number or I-94 number
Texas DPS Verifying Lawful Presence (rev. 7-13)
An older DPS list describes the I-797 example in the narrower context of an expired underlying document or I-94.
Applicants for adjustment of status
If the immigration document with alien number or the I-94 is expired, this can include but is not limited to a form I-797 indicating pending I-485 or pending application for adjustment of status.
37 TAC §15.24
The final Texas identity rule requires verifiable information and a recognizable photo for its USCIS-document primary-identity option.
§15.24(1)(D)
(D) unexpired document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services or successor federal immigration agency. The document must contain verifiable data and identifiable photo; or
37 TAC §15.24(1)(F)
The adopted identity rule retains a passport-and-I-94 option even if the visa has expired, subject to its conditions.
§15.24(1)(F)
(F) foreign passport with a visa issued by the United States Department of State (valid or expired) with unexpired I-94 marked valid for a fixed duration.
37 TAC §15.24(1)(G)
A duration-of-stay I-94 has a separate accompanying-document requirement.
§15.24(1)(G)
(G) foreign passport with a visa issued by the United States Department of State (valid or expired) with an I-94 marked valid for the duration of stay accompanied by appropriate documentation.
Texas DPS DL-57 (rev. 03/2026)
A first-time applicant needs two records showing the same name and Texas residential address.
Proof of Residency in Texas
Simply provide two documents from the following list that contain the same name and Texas residential/physical address.
Texas DPS DL-57 (rev. 03/2026)
DPS generally requires 30 days of Texas residence for a first license, with the stated out-of-state credential exception.
Proof of Residency in Texas
When applying for your first Texas driver license (DL) or identification card (ID), you must provide documents to prove you have lived in Texas for at least 30 days. If you are surrendering a valid, unexpired driver license or ID from another state, you must still prove your Texas residency, but the 30-day requirement is waived.
Texas DPS Social Security Number requirements
DPS provides a specific affidavit for applicants who are not eligible for an SSN.
Individuals who are not eligible to receive a SSN, must complete a Social Security Number Affidavit (Form DL-13) provided at the driver license office.
Texas DPS U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence Requirement
A pending document does not dispense with DHS verification before Texas issues a license.
A driver license or ID card cannot be issued until the period of lawful presence is verified by DHS.
Texas DPS DL-62 (rev. 3-2026)
DPS sets a 90-day completion window after the license application is submitted.
How to Complete Lawful Presence Verification
Once you submit your driver license or identification card application, you have 90 days to complete all of the requirements, such as SAVE verification and any written or driving tests. After 90 days, we may require you to resubmit your application and pay an additional fee.
Texas DPS DL-62 (rev. 3-2026)
A SAVE delay is a hold, not necessarily a refusal.
How to Complete Lawful Presence Verification
During the verification process, your driver license or identification card application will be on hold.
USCIS Policy Manual Vol. 7 Pt. B Ch. 3
USCIS distinguishes a pending adjustment application from lawful immigration status.
Period of Authorized Stay
A pending adjustment application does not put an applicant in a lawful immigration status.
Texas DPS U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence Requirement
DPS includes an unexpired EAD in its lawful-presence document list.
Acceptable Documents
Valid, unexpired employment authorization document (EAD), (I-766)
Texas DPS DL-57 (rev. 03/2026)
DPS’s 2026 document brochure names the EAD among identity-document examples.
Proof of Identity
Employment Authorization card (I-766)
Texas DPS Driver License Fees
DPS lists a $33 fee for a limited-term driver license.
Driver license fees
|**Limited term driver license** _For temporary visitors to the US_ |**$33** |Expires when period of [lawful presence](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/driver-licenses-and-id-cards-temporary-visitors "Driver License for Temporary Visitors") expires, or in one year if lawful presence period is "duration of status" |
Texas DPS Driver License Services – Appointments
DPS provides the direct appointment-scheduling address.
To schedule an appointment, please visit our website at https://www.txdpsscheduler.com .
Texas DPS Apply for a Texas Driver License
The Texas application process includes tests in addition to document review and payment.
Step 2. Visit a Driver License Office
Pass the vision exam.
Texas DPS Driver Licenses and ID Cards for Temporary Visitors
A holder of a limited-term Texas license must renew at a driver license office with lawful-presence documents.
Renewals
When renewing a limited term driver license or ID card, individuals must renew in person at any driver license office and provide documents verifying their lawful presence status.
USCIS SAVE CaseCheck
After DPS opens a SAVE case, the applicant can track its verification status.
CaseCheck lets benefit applicants check the status of their SAVE verification case as part of an application for a public benefit or license.
USCIS SAVE Verification Process
USCIS permits a receipt number as a SAVE identifier even though the DPS adjustment-applicant chart specifies an A-number or I-94 number.
Minimum Requirements for Verification
Card Number/I-797 Receipt number
These are the official agency materials and rules as published or revised on the dates identified above; they can change.
This is general information about official processes, not legal advice, and SettleKit is not a law firm.
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