How to Get a Texas ID Card

A Texas ID card is issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) at driver license offices across the state. You can walk in to any DPS office without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The card costs $16 and is valid for six years. You do not need a driver license to get an ID card — they are separate documents, and you can hold both.

The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. You will provide documents, have your photo taken, and pay the fee. Your card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you need an ID sooner, some offices offer a rush service for an additional fee, though availability depends on your location.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas ID cards are issued only at DPS driver license offices, which are located in every county and many cities.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it.
  • The standard card costs $16 and takes two to three weeks to arrive by mail after you explore in person.
  • You can find your nearest DPS office and current wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and sign consent forms.

Documents You Need to Bring

Texas DPS requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot explore online or by mail — you must appear in person with originals or certified copies.

For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, certified birth certificate, or a document issued by a government agency that shows your name and date of birth. A school ID or work ID does not count. If your name has changed due to marriage or court order, bring the marriage certificate or court document along with your identity document.

For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days and showing your current Texas address. A cell phone bill or credit card statement also works. A piece of mail from a government agency counts as well. If you live with someone else and cannot produce a bill in your name, a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus their ID, can substitute.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have any of these, you can sign an affidavit at the DPS office stating you do not have a Social Security number, though this is uncommon.

Finding a DPS Office Near You

The Texas Department of Public Safety operates driver license offices in all 254 counties. Most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. A few rural counties have offices open only two or three days per week.

The fastest way to find your nearest office and check current wait times is the Texas DPS website. Enter your city or zip code, and the site shows all nearby offices, their hours, and how long people are currently waiting. Wait times change throughout the day — early morning and mid-week are usually shorter than late afternoon or Friday.

If you live in a major city, you have multiple offices to choose from. Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio each have several locations. Choosing an office in a less busy area — even if it is slightly farther away — can cut your wait time in half.

What Happens at the DPS Office

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Bring all your documents and have them ready. When it is your turn, a DPS employee will review your documents, ask you to sign forms, and take a digital photo. The photo is taken against a plain background, and you must look directly at the camera with a neutral expression.

You will be asked to confirm your address, date of birth, and other personal details. If any information is wrong, tell the employee before you leave — corrections are easier to make in person than by mail later. You will also be asked whether you want to be an organ donor. This is optional and does not affect your ID card.

Once everything is complete, you pay the $16 fee by cash, debit card, or credit card. The employee will give you a receipt with a confirmation number. Your ID card is printed at a central location and mailed to the address on your process. Standard delivery takes two to three weeks. If you need it faster, ask about expedited options when you pay.

Cost and Payment Methods

A standard Texas ID card costs $16. This is a one-time fee that covers the card itself and the processing. The card is valid for six years from the date it is issued.

If you are 60 or older, the card is free. If you are between 18 and 59, you pay the full $16. If you are under 18, you also pay $16, though a parent or legal guardian must be present.

DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have limits on card transactions, so bringing cash is safest if you have it. There are no additional fees unless you choose expedited delivery, which varies in cost by office.

If You Are Under 18

If you are a minor, a parent or legal guardian must come with you to the DPS office. They must bring their own ID and sign consent forms. If only one parent has custody, bring the custody order or court document showing that. If you are in foster care, your caseworker or the foster parent can sign on your behalf.

The minor's documents (identity, residency, and Social Security proof) are still required. The adult's documents are not — the DPS employee only needs to see the adult's ID to verify they are who they say they are.

Replacing a Lost or Damaged Card

If your Texas ID card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DPS office. You do not need all the original documents again — you only need to show your driver license or another current ID and pay a replacement fee of $11. If your card was stolen, you can report it at the same time.

If your card is damaged but you still have it, bring it with you. The DPS employee will take it and issue a replacement. If it is lost or stolen, you can still get a replacement by showing another form of ID. The replacement card takes the same two to three weeks to arrive by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas ID card if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security card or any document showing your number, you can sign an affidavit at the DPS office stating that you do not have one. The DPS employee will witness your signature, and you can proceed with your process. This is uncommon but allowed.

What if my address on my residency document does not match the address I want on my ID?

Your ID address must match the address on your residency document. If you recently moved, bring a utility bill or lease dated within the last 30 days showing your new address. If you have not received a bill yet at your new place, a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus their ID, works as a substitute.

How long does it take to get my card after I explore?

Standard delivery takes two to three weeks. Your card is mailed to the address you provide at the DPS office. Some offices offer expedited delivery for an additional fee, which can reduce the wait to one week or less, though this varies by location. Ask about expedited options when you pay your fee.

Can I renew my Texas ID card by mail?

No. You must appear in person at a DPS office to renew or get a new ID card. There is no online or mail renewal option for Texas ID cards. However, if your card is still valid and you only need to update your address, you can do that at the DPS office without paying another fee.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

A certified birth certificate is one option for proof of identity, but it is not the only one. You can also use a valid passport, a government-issued ID, or certain other documents. Ask the DPS office what documents they will accept if you do not have a birth certificate. You can call ahead to confirm before you go.