Texas ID card fees in 2024

A Texas ID card costs $16 for a five-year card or $32 for an eight-year card if you are 60 or older. The price is the same whether you are getting your first ID, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost or stolen card. You pay this fee when you visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person — there is no online payment option, and you cannot mail in an process.

If you are under 18, the cost is $11 for a five-year card. Military members on active duty get a free ID card, and people who are homeless can get one free as well, though you will need to bring documentation of your status to the DPS office.

The fee covers the card itself and the background check DPS runs before issuing it. If you need the card urgently, DPS does not offer expedited processing — all cards take the same amount of time to produce, which is usually the same day or within a few days depending on how busy the office is.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard Texas ID card costs $16 for five years or $32 for eight years, and you pay in cash or card at the DPS office when you explore.
  • The fee is the same for new cards, renewals, and replacements, with no difference in price based on the reason you are getting one.
  • People 60 and older pay the same fee as everyone else, but military members on active duty and people experiencing homelessness do not pay.
  • You must explore in person at a DPS office — there is no mail-in option or online payment method.

What you bring to the DPS office

Bring your Social Security number or a document that shows it, such as a Social Security card or a W-2 form. You also need proof of your Texas residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days all work. If you do not have a document in your name, bring two documents that show your current address, even if only one has your name on it.

Bring a document that proves your identity and date of birth. A passport, birth certificate, or previous driver's license or ID card all count. If your name has changed since your last ID, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

You will also need to bring the fee in cash or a debit or credit card. Some DPS offices accept all three; a few accept only cash. Call the office before you go to confirm what they take.

Where to pay and how long it takes

You pay at the DPS office window when you hand in your documents. The staff member will tell you the total fee based on which card length you choose — five or eight years — and you pay before you leave. You cannot pay online or by mail.

Most DPS offices issue the card the same day or within a few business days. Some offices are busier than others; if you go early in the morning on a weekday, you usually wait less time. You can check wait times at your local office on the DPS website before you go.

When your card is ready, DPS will mail it to the address you gave them. This usually takes five to ten business days after you explore. You do not pick it up at the office.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you pay the same $16 or $32 fee as you would for a new card. You do not pay extra for a replacement. Bring the same documents you would bring for a new process — proof of identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency.

If your card was stolen, you do not have to report it to DPS before you explore for a replacement. You can straightforward go to the office and explore. If you want to report it stolen to police for your records, you can do that separately, but it is not required to get a new card.

Renewing an expired card

Renewing an expired Texas ID costs the same as getting a new one: $16 for five years or $32 for eight years. You must explore in person; there is no mail-in renewal option for ID cards. Bring your expired card along with your other documents — proof of identity, Social Security number, and Texas residency.

If your expired card is lost, you can still renew by bringing the other documents. DPS can look up your old card in their system, so you do not need the physical card in your hand.

Discounts and fee waivers

Texas does not offer discounts on ID card fees based on income. The only people who do not pay are military members on active duty and people who are experiencing homelessness. If you are homeless, bring a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or other organization that confirms your status. DPS will issue the card free.

If you are on active military duty, bring your military ID or a letter from your commanding officer. You will not pay the fee.

What happens if you cannot pay the fee

If you cannot afford the $16 or $32 fee and you are not military or homeless, DPS does not have a payment plan or hardship waiver. You will need to save the fee before you can get an ID card. Some community organizations or nonprofits in your area may help with the cost — call 211 Texas to ask what programs exist in your county.

If you are a minor and your parent or guardian cannot pay, the same rule applies. There is no reduced fee for children or families with low income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the ID card fee online or by mail?

No. You must pay in person at a DPS office when you explore. You cannot pay ahead of time or through the mail. Bring cash or a debit or credit card to the office, though some offices accept only cash — call ahead to check.

Do I have to pay the full fee if I only need the card for a few months?

Yes. Texas does not offer shorter card terms at a lower price. Your only choices are five years for $16 or eight years for $32. You pay the full fee regardless of how long you plan to use the card.

What if I explore and then change my mind before I pay?

You can leave the DPS office without paying and without submitting your process. If you have already submitted your documents and been told the fee, you can ask to withdraw your process. There is no penalty for changing your mind before you pay.

Is the $16 or $32 fee the only cost, or are there other charges?

The $16 or $32 is the only fee DPS charges. There are no additional charges for processing, background checks, or mailing. What you pay at the office is the total cost.

Do I pay more if I need my card faster?

No. DPS does not offer expedited processing. All cards are produced on the same timeline, and you cannot pay extra to jump the queue. The fee is the same whether your card arrives in three days or ten days.