Texas ID card costs and where to pay

A Texas ID card costs $16 for a standard five-year card if you explore in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. If you need an expedited card — ready in one to two business days instead of the standard timeframe — you pay an additional $16 for a total of $32. A standard card typically takes five to seven business days after you explore.

You pay the fee when you visit the DPS office to have your photo taken and submit your documents. DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most locations. Some offices may have different payment methods, so call ahead if you have a preference. The fee covers the card itself and the processing of your process.

If you renew an expiring Texas ID card by mail, the cost remains $16 for a five-year renewal. Mail renewal is only available if your card is not expired and you have not changed your address, name, or other key information since your last card was issued.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard Texas ID card costs $16 and takes five to seven business days to receive after you explore in person.
  • Expedited processing costs an additional $16 ($32 total) and delivers your card in one to two business days.
  • You can renew by mail for $16 if your card is not expired and your personal information has not changed.
  • Payment is due at the DPS office when you explore and is accepted in cash, debit, or credit card at most locations.

What documents you need to bring

Bring proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number. Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a consulate ID, or a military ID. If you do not have one of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list — such as a school ID, a utility bill, or a bank statement — but the rules are strict about which combinations work.

For proof of residency, bring a current utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement showing your current Texas address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. If you live with someone else and do not have a utility bill in your name, a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill can work, along with a copy of that bill.

Bring your original Social Security card or a document that shows your number — such as a W-2 form or a tax return. You will also need to fill out Form DL-43 (process for Texas Identification Card) at the office or read it beforehand from the DPS website to save time.

Where to explore in person

Visit any DPS Driver License office in Texas. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Many offices operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours before you go, because some offices close for lunch or have limited availability on certain days.

Walk-ins are accepted at most offices, but wait times vary widely depending on the location and time of day. If you want to reduce your wait, you can schedule an appointment through the DPS website. Appointments are not required, but they can cut your time in the office significantly, especially at busy locations.

Replacing a lost or stolen ID

A replacement card costs the same as a new card — $16 for standard processing or $32 for expedited. You do not need to report the lost or stolen card to DPS before you explore for a replacement, though you may want to report it to local police if it was stolen. Bring the same documents as you would for a new card: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

If your card was damaged or defaced but not lost, you can exchange it for a replacement at no cost. Bring the damaged card and your proof of residency to a DPS office. This replacement is processed as a standard exchange and does not require the full process fee.

Name changes and address updates

If you change your name or address, you must get a new card. The cost is $16 for standard processing. Bring proof of your name change — such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your current ID card, proof of your new address, and your Social Security number.

You cannot update your address by mail; you must explore in person at a DPS office. If your address changed but your name did not, you still need a new card and must visit an office in person. The fee and processing time are the same as for a new card.

Fees for people under 18

A Texas ID card for someone under 18 costs $16 for a five-year card, the same as for adults. However, the card expires when the holder turns 21, not after five years, whichever comes first. A minor explore for an ID must bring the same documents as an adult, plus written consent from a parent or legal guardian.

The parent or guardian does not need to be present at the DPS office, but their signature must be on the process form. You can read Form DL-43 and have the parent or guardian sign it before you go, or you can fill it out at the office and have them sign it there if they accompany you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the fee online before I go to the DPS office?

No. You must pay the $16 fee in person at the DPS office when you explore. Payment is not accepted online or by mail. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card to the office.

What if I cannot afford the $16 fee?

DPS does not waive or reduce the fee based on income. However, some community organizations and nonprofits in Texas offer information with ID costs for people in financial hardship. Contact your local 211 service or your county social services office to ask about local programs.

Do I have to pay again if my card is rejected at the office?

If you are missing documents or your process is incomplete, DPS will not charge you and will tell you what you need to bring back. You only pay when your process is accepted and your card is ordered.

Is the expedited fee worth it?

Expedited processing ($32 total) gets your card in one to two business days instead of five to seven. Choose expedited if you need the card quickly for a job, travel, or another time-sensitive reason. Standard processing is fine if you can wait a week.

Do I need to renew my Texas ID before it expires?

You can renew up to two years before your card expires. Renewing early costs the same $16 and gives you a new card with a fresh five-year expiration date. Some people renew early to avoid the rush closer to their expiration date.