What You Need to Know Before You Go

A Texas ID card is a state-issued photo identification document issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). It is not a driver's license — you do not need to pass a driving test to get one. You can use it to prove your identity and age at banks, airports, bars, and other places that ask for ID. If you do not drive or your driver's license has expired, a Texas ID card is a straightforward way to have valid government identification.

You will need to visit a DPS driver's license office in person. You cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. The office will take your photo, verify your documents, and issue your card on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office and how busy they are.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or consulate ID), proof of Texas residency (a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to a DPS office.
  • The fee for a Texas ID card is $16 for a card that lasts five years, or $32 for one that lasts until age 85 if you are 60 or older.
  • You can find your nearest DPS office and check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.
  • If you do not have a birth certificate, you can bring a passport, consulate ID, or military discharge papers instead.
  • Your card will be mailed to your Texas address within 7 to 10 business days after your visit, unless you pay extra for a same-day card at certain offices.

Documents You Must Bring

Bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number (or a letter from the Social Security Administration if you do not have a number).

Proof of identity means one of these: a U.S. birth certificate (original or certified copy), a U.S. passport (current or expired), a consulate ID card, a military discharge certificate (DD-214), or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. If your birth certificate is a photocopy, it must be certified by the vital records office that issued it — a regular photocopy will not work.

Proof of Texas residency means a document dated within the last 90 days showing your name and current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement will work. A cell phone bill or credit card statement will not. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can bring a letter from a shelter, social service agency, or other organization that serves you, dated within 30 days.

Bring the originals or certified copies. DPS will not accept photocopies of your birth certificate or passport, though they will accept a photocopy of your residency document.

The Cost and How Long It Takes

A standard Texas ID card costs $16 and is valid for five years. If you are 60 or older, you can get a card that lasts until you turn 85 for $32 instead. You pay at the DPS office when you explore.

Most offices mail your card to you within 7 to 10 business days. Some DPS offices offer a same-day card for an extra fee — usually $25 to $30 on top of the base fee — but not all locations have this option. Check the Texas DPS website to see if your nearest office offers it.

Wait times at DPS offices vary widely. Some offices have a 30-minute wait; others can have a two-hour wait on busy days. The Texas DPS website shows estimated wait times for each office, updated throughout the day. Going early in the morning or on a weekday (not Friday) usually means a shorter wait.

How to Find Your Nearest DPS Office

Go to the Texas Department of Public Safety website (dps.texas.gov) and use their office locator tool. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool will show you the nearest driver's license offices, their hours, and current wait times. You do not need an appointment at most offices — you can walk in during business hours.

Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others are open Saturday mornings. Hours vary by location, so check before you go. If you live far from an office or have mobility issues, call ahead to ask whether they can accommodate you or whether you should plan for a longer visit.

What Happens at the DPS Office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give them your documents. A staff member will review them to make sure everything is there and correct. They will ask you questions to confirm your identity and residency. Be honest and straightforward — the questions are routine.

Next, you will go to a photo station where an employee will take your photo for the card. Wear something you would wear on a normal day — no hats, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that changes how you look. The photo will be used to identify you, so it should look like you.

After your photo is taken, you will pay the fee and sign a form. The staff will tell you when your card will arrive. If you paid for same-day service, you may receive it before you leave. Otherwise, it will be mailed to your Texas address within 7 to 10 business days.

If Your Documents Are Missing or Expired

If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order one from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the vital records office in the state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, you can use a U.S. passport, consulate ID, or military discharge papers as proof of identity instead.

If your passport is expired, you can still use it as proof of identity for a Texas ID card — DPS does not require it to be current. If you do not have any of these documents, contact the DPS office nearest you to ask what other documents they will accept. Some offices can work with you on a case-by-case basis.

If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one, or that you have applied and are waiting for a number. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may still be able to get a Texas ID card — ask the DPS office what documents you need.

Renewing or Replacing Your Card

When your Texas ID card is about to expire, you can renew it by mail if your address has not changed and your appearance has not changed significantly. DPS will send you a renewal notice in the mail before your card expires. Follow the instructions on the notice to renew by mail, or visit a DPS office to renew in person.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to visit a DPS office in person to get a replacement. Bring your proof of identity and residency again. A replacement card costs the same as a new card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas ID card if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Texas issues ID cards to people who are not U.S. citizens, but the documents you need may be different. Bring your passport and visa, or consulate ID, along with proof of Texas residency. Call your nearest DPS office to ask what documents they need before you go.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration saying you are not may be able to access for a number, or that you have applied and are waiting. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may be able to use a tax ID number instead. Ask the DPS office what they will accept.

Can I use my Texas ID card to fly on an airplane?

Yes. A Texas ID card is acceptable identification for domestic flights within the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recognizes it as valid government-issued photo ID. For international flights, you will need a passport.

How long does it take to get my card if I pay for same-day service?

Same-day service means you receive your card before you leave the DPS office, usually within a few hours. Not all offices offer this option. Check the Texas DPS website or call your nearest office to see if they do, and ask what the extra fee is.

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

Bring your birth certificate and a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. DPS will use the name on your current legal documents for your ID card.