I am an F-1 student in Texas who recently completed a change of status from H-4 within the U.S., and I need to know if I can obtain a Texas State ID using my I-797 approval notice, I-20, and I-94 in place of an F-1 visa stamp. Since I do not have an SSN or a bank statement yet, will my lease addendum, enrollment verification letter, and ITIN be sufficient to prove my residency and identity at the DPS?
Yes, you can get a Texas State ID without an F-1 visa stamp or a Social Security Number (SSN). Your I-797 approval notice with the attached I-94 proves your lawful presence, and you can sign an affidavit at the DPS office instead of providing an SSN. However, your enrollment verification letter will not work for proof of residency; you must bring a college transcript instead.
You can cross the visa stamp worry off your list. Because you changed your status inside the U.S., the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) accepts the I-94 printed at the bottom of your I-797 approval notice to prove your F-1 status.
You explicitly asked if you need an F-1 visa stamp. You do not. Texas DPS rules allow F-1 students to prove lawful presence using an unexpired foreign passport, an I-94, or an I-20. For the I-94, they specifically accept the I-94 printed at the bottom of your I-797 approval notice. If they ask for a passport with a visa, any attached U.S. visa works even if it is expired, such as your old H-4 visa.
You asked if an ITIN is sufficient since you lack an SSN. You do not need to use your ITIN. Because you are an F-1 student who is not eligible for an SSN, Texas DPS allows you to submit a completed Social Security Affidavit (Form DL-13) in person when you apply.
You asked if your lease addendum and enrollment verification letter will prove your residency. The lease addendum is accepted as a residential rental agreement. However, the enrollment verification letter is blocked. DPS rules explicitly require a college or university report card or transcript for the current school year. You must get a transcript to use as your second residency document.
