Where to Go and What You Need

In Texas, you get an ID at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. These are physical locations across the state where you explore in person — you cannot explore by mail or online. Find your nearest office on the DPS website by entering your zip code.

Before you go, gather these documents: a birth certificate or passport (proof of citizenship or legal presence), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days). If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You will also need to bring payment. A standard Texas ID costs $16 and is valid for six years. If you are 60 or older, an ID costs $13 and is valid for ten years. DPS offices accept cash, debit, and credit cards.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore in person at a DPS office; there is no online or mail option for a first-time ID.
  • Bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within 90 days.
  • Standard IDs cost $16 and last six years; seniors pay $13 for a ten-year ID.
  • Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days; you will receive your ID by mail at the address you provide.
  • If you cannot find your birth certificate, you can order one from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the state where you were born.

What Happens During Your Visit

When you arrive at the DPS office, bring all your documents. A staff member will review them, ask you questions to confirm your identity, and take your photograph and fingerprints. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

You will be given a receipt with a tracking number. Keep this receipt — it shows you have applied. Your ID will be mailed to the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to use an ID before it arrives, you can use the receipt as temporary proof in some situations, though not all businesses or agencies will accept it.

If You Do Not Have a Birth Certificate

A birth certificate is the easiest proof of citizenship, but if you do not have one, you have other options. You can order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics office (if you were born in Texas) or from the vital records office in the state where you were born. This usually costs $20 to $30 and takes one to two weeks by mail.

If you cannot get a birth certificate, a U.S. passport works as proof of citizenship and identity. You can also use a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. The DPS website lists all acceptable documents.

Renewing or Replacing an Expired ID

If your Texas ID has expired or is about to expire, you can renew it. Renewals are simpler than first-time applications — you do not need to bring all your original documents again. You can renew in person at a DPS office, by mail, or online through the DPS website if your ID expired less than two years ago.

Online renewal costs $16 and takes about 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal requires you to send in your expired ID, a completed process form (available on the DPS website), and payment. If your ID was lost or stolen, you must explore in person as a replacement, not a renewal.

Wait Times and Busy Periods

DPS offices are busiest on Mondays, Fridays, and the first week of the month. If you can visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday afternoon, you will likely wait less. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling through the DPS website — check whether your local office does.

Even with an appointment, expect to wait 15 to 45 minutes depending on the office. Offices in rural areas are usually faster than those in major cities. If you are in a hurry, calling your local DPS office directly can tell you the current wait time.

Special Situations: Name Changes and Address Updates

If your name has changed since your last ID, bring the document that proves it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will need to explore in person; you cannot update your name by mail or online.

If you have moved and your ID still shows an old address, you can update it in person at a DPS office or by mail. For a mail update, send your current ID, a completed process, proof of your new address, and payment to the address listed on the DPS website. This takes about two weeks.

Cost Breakdown and Payment Options

A standard six-year ID costs $16. If you are 60 or older, a ten-year ID costs $13. Replacement IDs (for lost or stolen cards) cost the same as a new ID. Renewal by mail or online also costs $16.

DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but calling ahead is safer. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the office staff about fee waivers — some offices have programs for people with financial hardship, though availability varies by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport instead of a birth certificate?

Yes. A U.S. passport counts as proof of citizenship and identity, so you do not need a birth certificate if you have a valid passport. Bring the passport and your other required documents (proof of Social Security number and address).

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

Your ID will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The receipt you get at the office can sometimes be used as temporary proof of identity, but not all businesses accept it. Check with the specific place that needs your ID.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You will need a document showing you are a U.S. citizen or have legal presence in the U.S. This could be a passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, or Consular Report of Birth Abroad. The DPS website lists all acceptable documents for non-citizens with legal status.

Can I renew my ID online if it expired more than two years ago?

No. If your ID expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a DPS office. Bring your expired ID and the same documents you would need for a new ID (birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address).

What should I do if my ID is lost or stolen?

Report it to your local police department and get a report number. Then go to a DPS office in person to explore for a replacement. Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and the police report number. The replacement costs the same as a new ID.