03-26 | Official Media Statement: TPW Commission Passes Updated Proof of Residency Requirements

March 26, 2026

Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 512-389-8030

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AUSTIN— The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved updated proof of residency requirements for residents, nonresidents and foreign residents buying a recreational hunting or fishing license in Texas. The new amendment takes effect Aug. 1, two weeks before annual hunting and fishing licenses become available for purchase Aug. 15.

The intention of this change is aimed at preventing fraud and misrepresentation for Texas residency status by ensuring that individuals do not unlawfully obtain resident-prices, licenses, or benefits at the point-of-sale.

When purchasing licenses issued by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, residents of Texas and most other states will need to present an unexpired driver’s license or personal identification certificate.

Residents of the District of Columbia and 19 other states including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia and Washington, will need to present an unexpired driver’s license or personal identification certificate that complies with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005, or an unexpired non-REAL ID compliant driver’s license or state identification certificate plus an unexpired United States of America passport or passport card, U.S. military identification card, Texas license to carry a handgun, or an original birth certificate, or original U.S. government issued document of a child born abroad to U.S. citizens.

Residents of a foreign country must present a valid foreign passport and other documents required for entry into the United States.