Go to your nearest Texas Department of Public Safety office

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues Texas IDs at driver license offices across the state. You walk in with your documents, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location.

Find your nearest office on the DPS website by entering your zip code. The office locator shows hours, whether appointments are available, and how long the wait typically runs on that day. Some offices are busier than others — a location in a small town may have a 15-minute wait while a downtown office in a major city might run 90 minutes or longer.

Bring your documents with you. You will need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or document issued by a government agency), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas DPS driver license offices issue Texas IDs in person; you can find your nearest location and current wait times on the DPS website.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to avoid a second trip.
  • The ID costs $16 for a four-year card or $32 for an eight-year card, and you can pay by cash, check, or card.
  • If you cannot go in person, you can renew an existing Texas ID by mail, but you cannot get a first-time ID without visiting an office.
  • Processing takes about two weeks from the date you visit; the office gives you a receipt that serves as a temporary ID until your card arrives.

What documents you need to bring

You must show proof of identity and proof of residency. Proof of identity means a document issued by a government agency that has your name and date of birth — a U.S. passport, birth certificate, military ID, or document from another state's DPS all work. A school ID, work badge, or library card does not count.

Proof of residency means a document showing your current Texas address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail addressed to you works if it comes from a government agency, bank, or utility company. A credit card offer or advertisement does not.

If your name on your identity document does not match your current legal name, bring the document that shows the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree all work. If you are changing your name through the courts, bring the court order; if you changed it through marriage, bring the marriage certificate.

Cost and payment methods

A Texas ID costs $16 for a four-year card or $32 for an eight-year card. You choose which one when you explore. The office takes cash, check, or debit and credit cards. Some offices may have limits on which cards they accept, so bring a backup payment method if you can.

The fee is the same whether you are getting your first ID or renewing one. There are no additional charges for name changes, address changes, or corrections to your information on file.

How long it takes to get your card

The office gives you a receipt when you leave. That receipt is your temporary ID and is valid for 30 days. Your actual card arrives by mail in about two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods or if there is an issue with your process.

If your card does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied. Bring your receipt. They can check the status and reissue the card if it was lost in the mail.

Renewing a Texas ID by mail

If you already have a Texas ID and it is not expired or has been expired for less than two years, you can renew it by mail without visiting an office. You cannot get a first-time ID by mail — you must go in person for that.

To renew by mail, read the process from the DPS website, fill it out, and mail it with your current ID, a check or money order for the fee, and a new photo. The DPS website has the mailing address and a list of photo requirements. Processing takes about four weeks.

What to do if you cannot visit during business hours

Most DPS offices are open Monday through Friday only. If you work during those hours, some offices offer evening or Saturday hours — check the office locator to see whether your nearest location does. A few offices in major cities stay open until 6 or 7 p.m. on weekdays.

If no nearby office has hours that work for you, you have two options: take time off work to visit during the day, or wait until you can renew by mail (which requires an existing, non-expired ID). There is no online way to get a first-time Texas ID.

What happens at your appointment

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. If something is missing, they will tell you what you need to bring back.

Once your documents are approved, you will answer questions about your address, name, and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive (this is asked even for non-driver IDs). You will have your photo taken. The whole process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

You will see a preview of your card on a screen before it is printed. Check that your name, address, and date of birth are correct. If something is wrong, tell the staff member before you leave — it is much easier to fix it then than to request a correction later.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. A birth certificate is one form of proof of identity, but you can use a U.S. passport, military ID, or ID from another state instead. You still need proof of residency and your Social Security number.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You cannot get a Texas ID without a Social Security number. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have one, you may be able to get a Texas ID for non-driving purposes with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead — contact your local DPS office to ask.

How long is a Texas ID valid?

A four-year ID is valid for four years from the date you get it. An eight-year ID is valid for eight years. You choose which one when you explore. Once it expires, you can renew it by mail if you still live in Texas.

What if my address changes after I get my ID?

You do not have to update your ID when ready, but you should do it before it expires. You can renew and update your address at the same time by mail or in person at a DPS office.

Can someone else pick up my ID for me?

No. Your ID is mailed to the address you provide at the office, so you do not have to pick it up in person. If you move before it arrives, contact the DPS office where you applied and give them your new address.