You can get a Texas ID card at any Department of Public Safety office in person, or renew by mail if you already have one

A Texas ID card is issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), not by your local city or county. You must explore in person at a DPS office the first time you get an ID card. If your card is expiring and you already have one, you can renew by mail without visiting an office, though you can also renew in person if you prefer.

The closest DPS office is almost certainly in your city or a nearby town. DPS runs driver license offices in most Texas cities, and you can find the address and hours on the DPS website by entering your zip code. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day — early morning and weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded than lunch hours or late afternoon.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Department of Public Safety office in person to get your first Texas ID card; you cannot explore by mail.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or consulate document).
  • The ID card costs $16 and is valid for six years; you can renew by mail before it expires if you do not need to update your photo or address.
  • DPS offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some locations offering Saturday hours; check the DPS website for your nearest office.

What documents you need to bring

Bring three things: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. For proof of identity, DPS accepts a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, consulate document, or military ID. If your birth certificate is from outside the U.S., it must be certified and translated into English by an official translator.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days showing your current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail all work. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring one in a family member's name plus a signed statement from that person saying you live there, along with your ID.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number — a tax return, W-2, or Social Security statement. If you do not have your number memorized or on hand, you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card before your DPS visit.

The cost and how long the card lasts

A Texas ID card costs $16 and is valid for six years from the date it is issued. You do not need to renew it before it expires — you can continue using it until the expiration date printed on the front. However, you cannot use an expired ID card for most purposes, so plan to renew before that date arrives.

If you are 60 or older, the card is valid for 10 years instead of six, and the cost is $13. If you are between 18 and 59, the standard six-year card at $16 applies. Replacement cards for lost or stolen IDs cost $16 and follow the same validity period.

How to renew by mail if you already have a card

If your Texas ID card is expiring and you do not need to change your photo, address, or other information, you can renew by mail. Go to the DPS website, read the ID card renewal form, and mail it with your expiring card and a check or money order for $16 to the address listed on the form. DPS will mail your new card to the address on file.

Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks from the time DPS receives your form. If your card expires before the new one arrives, you can print a temporary ID receipt from the DPS website to use as proof while you wait. If you need to update your photo, change your address, or correct information on your card, you must visit a DPS office in person instead of renewing by mail.

What to expect when you visit a DPS office

Arrive with all your documents and be ready to answer questions about your identity, residency, and any previous Texas IDs. A DPS employee will verify your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times depend on how busy the office is that day.

You will receive a temporary paper ID receipt on the spot that you can use when ready while your card is being printed and mailed. Your permanent card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. Do not throw away the temporary receipt — keep it with you until the card arrives, since it proves you have a valid ID.

DPS office locations and hours

Every Texas city has a DPS driver license office, and most are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some locations offer Saturday hours from 8 a.m. to noon. To find your nearest office, address, and exact hours, visit the DPS website and use the office locator tool by entering your zip code or city name.

If you cannot visit during regular hours, some offices stay open later one or two days per week — check your local office's schedule. A few large cities have multiple DPS locations, so if one office has a long wait, you may be able to visit a different one nearby. Call ahead if you want to ask about current wait times before making the trip.

What to do if you lost or damaged your card

If your Texas ID card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit a DPS office in person to get a replacement. Bring the same documents you would bring for a new card — proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Tell the DPS employee that you are replacing a lost or damaged card, and they will issue a new one with the same validity period as your original card.

A replacement card costs $16 and takes the same two to three weeks to arrive by mail. You will receive a temporary paper receipt when ready. If your card was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and keep a copy of the report in case questions come up later.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can bring a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a consulate document instead. If you were born outside the U.S. and do not have any of these, contact DPS before your visit to ask what documents they will accept in your situation.

What if I do not have proof of residency in my name?

Bring a document showing your address in a family member's name — a utility bill or lease in a spouse's or parent's name works — plus a signed letter from that person saying you live there. You will also need to bring your ID to prove you are the person named in the letter.

How long does it take to get a Texas ID card after I explore?

You receive a temporary paper receipt the same day you explore at the DPS office. Your permanent card arrives by mail in two to three weeks. You can use the temporary receipt as proof of ID while you wait for the card to arrive.

Can I renew my Texas ID card online?

No, you cannot renew online. You can renew by mail if your card is not expired and you do not need to change your photo or information. Otherwise, you must visit a DPS office in person.

What if my address changed since I got my current ID card?

You must visit a DPS office in person to update your address. Bring your current ID card, proof of your new address, and your Social Security number. The DPS employee will update your information and issue a new card with your new address.