“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?”
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.
Here is exactly how to assemble your application using the documents you have from changing your status inside the U.S.
Obtain a college transcript for the current school year
Since DPS does not accept enrollment verification letters for residency, request an official transcript or report card from your Texas college for the current school year.
Gather your identity and lawful presence documents
Bring your valid foreign passport, your I-20, and your I-797 approval notice. The I-94 printed at the bottom of your I-797 serves as your official proof of lawful presence. If your passport has your old expired H-4 visa in it, bring that too, as DPS accepts expired visas as long as the passport itself is valid.
Gather two Texas residency documents
Bring your lease addendum and your new college transcript. Both documents must show your name and your current Texas residential address. If your I-797 approval notice from USCIS has your current Texas address on it, that can also count as a residency document.
Complete a Social Security Affidavit at DPS
When you arrive for your appointment, tell the clerk you are an F-1 student ineligible for an SSN. They will have you fill out and sign a Social Security Affidavit (Form DL-13) in person.
Apply for the State ID at a Texas DPS office
Submit your application, your documents, and the application fee at the DPS office.
You are not the first to go through this. Here is how it went for others who asked the same thing.
u/No-Needleworker8769r/f1visaOct 22, 2025
These are the official Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) rules that govern your application as an F-1 student who changed status inside the U.S.
Texas DPS Driver License Division — Module 18C
Texas DPS accepts the I-94 attached to your I-797 approval notice as a valid I-94 document.
I-94 printed at the bottom of form I-797
DL-53 Verifying Lawful Presence
F-1 students can prove lawful presence with an unexpired foreign passport, an I-94, or an I-20.
Unexpired foreign passport or I -94 or I-20
Texas DPS Driver License Division — Application Process Policies
If you are not eligible for a Social Security Number, you can fill out a Social Security Affidavit instead.
If the applicant was not issued, has not applied, or is not eligible for a SSN at the time of an original DL or ID application, he or she may submit a completed Social Security Affidavit (DL-13) instead.
Texas Residency Requirement for Driver Licenses and ID Cards
A residential lease agreement is an acceptable proof of Texas residency.
Current deed, mortgage, monthly mortgage statement, mortgage payment booklet or a residential rental/lease agreement
Texas Residency Requirement for Driver Licenses and ID Cards
A college transcript or report card for the current school year is an acceptable proof of Texas residency.
Texas high school, college or university report card or transcript for the current school year
SettleKit is not a law firm. This is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm with a licensed immigration attorney.
SettleKit is not a law firm. This is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm with a licensed immigration attorney.
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