What You Need to Know Before You Go

A Texas ID card is a state-issued photo identification that proves who you are. Unlike a driver's license, it does not give you permission to drive. You get it from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the process takes about 20 minutes in person at a DPS office. You will pay a fee (the amount depends on how long you want the card to last), and you will leave with a temporary paper ID the same day. Your permanent card arrives by mail in about two to three weeks.

You need a Texas ID if you want a form of government photo ID but do not drive, or if you want a second ID card to carry alongside your driver's license. You also need one to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or prove your age. The card is valid for six years or twelve years depending on which one you choose at the time you explore.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Texas DPS office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or a statement that you do not have one.
  • Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or visa as your primary identity document.
  • Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days with your name and Texas address on it.
  • You will pay between $16 and $32 depending on whether you choose a six-year or twelve-year card, and you receive a temporary paper ID when ready.
  • Your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks; if it does not arrive, contact DPS to request a replacement.

Documents You Must Bring to the DPS Office

Texas DPS requires three categories of documents. You cannot complete your ID without all three, so check that you have them before you go to the office.

Proof of identity: Bring an original or certified copy of one of these: a U.S. passport, a U.S. birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, a valid foreign passport with a U.S. visa, or a valid Permanent Resident Card. If your birth certificate is a photocopy and not certified, DPS will not accept it. You can order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics office or from the vital records office in the state where you were born.

Proof of residency: Bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and a Texas street address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a paycheck stub. A P.O. box does not count as a residence address. If you are homeless or do not have a document with your address, bring a signed affidavit from someone who lives at a Texas address stating that you live there too.

Proof of Social Security number: Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a paystub, or a bank statement that shows your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can sign a statement at the DPS office saying so, and DPS will issue your ID without one.

Finding a DPS Office and Making an Appointment

Texas has DPS offices in most cities and counties. You can find the office nearest you by visiting the Texas DPS website and using their office locator tool. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool will show you the address, phone number, and hours for each nearby office.

You do not have to make an appointment to get a Texas ID, but many offices fill up during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you want to avoid a long wait, go early in the morning or mid-week. Some offices accept walk-ins only; others let you schedule a time online or by phone. Call your local office before you go to ask whether they take appointments and what their current wait times are.

Bring all three categories of documents, your documents in originals or certified copies (no photocopies), and cash or a debit card to pay the fee. Some offices accept credit cards, but not all, so call ahead to confirm.

What Happens at the DPS Office

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and give the staff your documents. A DPS employee will review them to make sure everything is there and correct. If anything is missing or does not match, they will tell you what you need to bring back.

If your documents are in order, you will go to a photo station where a DPS photographer will take your picture. You will then go to a payment window, pay your fee, and receive a temporary paper ID. This temporary ID is valid for 30 days and works as proof of identity while you wait for your permanent card. Keep it safe—you will need it if you travel or enter a federal building before your permanent card arrives.

Your permanent Texas ID card will be mailed to the address you provided. Standard delivery takes two to three weeks. If your card does not arrive within four weeks, contact DPS to report it and request a replacement.

Choosing Between a Six-Year and Twelve-Year Card

When you pay your fee, you will choose how long you want your ID to be valid. A six-year card costs $16. A twelve-year card costs $32. Both cards look the same and work the same way; the only difference is how long before you need to renew.

If you are under 18, you can only get a six-year card. If you are 18 or older, you can choose either one. A twelve-year card is a better value if you plan to keep the same address and do not expect your appearance to change much. A six-year card is cheaper upfront if money is tight right now. You can renew early if you need to, but you will pay the full fee again.

What to Do If Your Documents Are Rejected

If DPS tells you a document does not meet their requirements, ask them to explain which rule it breaks. Common problems include a birth certificate that is a photocopy instead of certified, a residency document that is older than 30 days, or an address that does not match across your documents.

If your birth certificate is the problem, order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born. If your residency document is too old, get a new utility bill or bank statement. If your address does not match, bring a document that shows the address DPS has on file, or contact DPS before your next visit to update your address in their system.

If you do not have a birth certificate or passport and cannot get one, ask DPS about alternative documents. In some cases, DPS can accept a combination of documents instead of a single primary one. Call your local office to ask what options are available to you.

Renewing or Replacing Your Texas ID

When your Texas ID expires, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office. Renewal by mail is the slowest option and takes four to six weeks. Renewal online is faster if you have a valid email address and a debit or credit card, and your card arrives in two to three weeks. Renewal in person at a DPS office takes the same amount of time as a new ID.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged before it expires, you can get a replacement at a DPS office. Bring your documents again and pay a replacement fee (usually the same as the original fee). Your replacement card will arrive by mail in two to three weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas ID if I do not have a birth certificate?

You need one primary identity document from DPS's approved list. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can use a U.S. passport, a valid foreign passport with a U.S. visa, a Permanent Resident Card, or a Certificate of Naturalization. If you have none of these, contact your local DPS office to ask about alternative documents or combinations of documents they may accept.

How much does a Texas ID cost?

A six-year Texas ID costs $16. A twelve-year Texas ID costs $32. You must be 18 or older to choose the twelve-year option. Payment is due when you explore, and you can pay with cash or a debit card at most offices. Call your local office to confirm whether they accept credit cards.

Can I use my temporary paper ID to fly on a domestic flight?

Yes. Your temporary paper ID is valid for 30 days and counts as government-issued photo identification for domestic flights. Bring it along with your boarding pass when you check in. If your permanent card arrives before you travel, bring that instead.

What if my name has changed since my birth certificate was issued?

Bring your original birth certificate and a document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will use both documents to verify your identity and issue your ID in your current legal name.

How do I know if my temporary paper ID arrived in the mail?

Your temporary ID is given to you in person at the DPS office when you explore—you do not receive it by mail. Your permanent card is what arrives by mail in two to three weeks. If you did not receive a temporary paper ID at the office, ask the DPS staff before you leave.