Living in the United States

Public Transportation, Texas I.D. and Driver's License Information

Public Transportation

If you don’t have a car and need to get around San Antonio, check out our local bus service, VIA Metropolitan Transit, also known as VIA. http://www.viainfo.net/ Use the Personal Trip Planner (http://www.viainfo.net/BusService/TripPlanWrapper.aspx ) to plan your trip. If you already know the routes you need, just go straight to the Bus Schedules and Maps (http://www.viainfo.net/BusService/Schedules.aspx ) for the latest schedules.

Fares

Student Semester Pass

VIA's 5-month student Semester Pass is just $35! Getting a semester pass is as easy. All you need is your school photo I.D. and proof of current class registration and proof of paid tuition along with filling out the required forms: download the required forms.

Reduced Fares

Are you an occasional bus rider and don't feel you need a semester bus pass? Students qualify for a free VIA Student Reduced Fare ID. With this card, you can use our half priced monthly Big Pass or pay half fare each time you board, including VIA's Special Event Park & Ride Service.

Texas Identification Card (Texas I.D.)

This is a card with your picture, name, birthday, address and Texas identification number. You can prove that you are living in Texas with this card. Many stores, nightclubs, and other places ask for some kind of identification. They usually ask for driver's license.
Since your passport is such an important document it is better to leave it in a safe place at home. When you get your Texas I.D. you will not need to carry your passport with you, at least while you are in San Antonio.

Where do I apply?

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
1258 Babcock Road, San Antonio, Texas 78201-6644
210-737-1911
Street Map

Days and Hours Open:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 7:00pm

What do I need to bring?

• Your passport
• Your I-20
• Your I-94 (small white card you received upon arrival in US)
• Enrollment verification from the Registrar’s Office
• Complete the application (PDF).
• Consent to be photographed, fingerprinted, and provide your signature at the time of application.
• Pay the required fee with cash, money order, or non-temporary check only.
• Black pen (applications will only be accepted if they are written with black ink)

TEXAS DRIVER'S LICENSE

If you want to drive in Texas you must get a Texas driver's license (you may drive with an international driver's license for a 90 days). In Texas most people use their driver's license as identification cards. If you get a driver's license, you do not need a Texas I.D. In order to get a driver's license you must take a written and a driving test.

Written Test: This test is about the rules and signs for driving in the United States. Most of the information is in the Texas Driving Handbook. The Texas Department of Public Safety will provide you with this handbook, but you must wait in line. Once you have learned everything in the book you may take the test.

Driving Test: You should take this test once you have read and understand the information in the handbook. If you have never driven before you may want to take driving lessons first. You can check the phone book for places that give driving lessons.

You do not need an appointment to take a driving test, but DPS only gives the test at certain times during the day. Call DPS to find out when you can take this test. You will need someone to drive you to DPS because you will need to use their car for the driving test. DPS does not provide a car for the test.

Where do I apply?

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
1258 Babcock Road, San Antonio, Texas 78201-6644
210-737-1911
Street Map

Days and Hours Open:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 7:00pm

Requirements for All Applicants

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/ApplyforLicense.htm

All first time applicants for a Texas driver license must:

1. Bring your passport, I-94 card, I-20 and proof of enrollment verification from the Registrar’s Office (not ISSS).
2. Present proof of Social Security Number. If you do not have a Social Security Number, you must complete a Social Security Affidavit form available at the driver license office.
3. Present proof of Texas vehicle registration and liability insurance on all vehicles you own.
4. Complete the application for driver license or identification card (PDF).
5. Consent to be photographed, fingerprinted, and provide your signature at the time of application.
6. Pass the written, driving, and vision examinations.
7. Pay the required fee with cash, money order, or a non-temporary check only.
8. Provide a vehicle for the driving exam and present current liability insurance, Texas vehicle registration, and inspection for the vehicle.
9. Black pen

NOTE: Anyone age 18 through 24 must also provide proof of Adult Driver Education.