What a Texas ID Card Is and Who Can Get One

A Texas identification card is a state-issued photo ID that proves who you are. Unlike a driver's license, it does not give you permission to drive. You can use it at banks, airports, voting locations, and anywhere else that asks for a photo ID. Texas issues them to people age 5 and older who live in the state.

You do not need a Social Security number to get a Texas ID, though having one makes the process faster. You also do not need to be a U.S. citizen, though you will need to prove your identity and residency in Texas.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or consulate document), proof of Texas residency (a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number or a signed statement that you do not have one.
  • Visit a Texas Department of Public Safety driver's license office in person; you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail.
  • The card costs $16 for a five-year card or $32 for an eight-year card, and you will receive it by mail within two to three weeks.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and sign the process.
  • Bring original documents or certified copies—photocopies alone will not be accepted.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring three types of documents to the driver's license office: proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number (or a signed statement if you do not have one).

For proof of identity, bring one of these originals or certified copies: a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, consulate ID, military ID, or previous Texas driver's license or ID card. A photocopy will not work. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, it must be certified by the country that issued it.

For proof of Texas residency, bring one document dated within the last 30 days showing your name and current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A cell phone bill does not count. If the document is in someone else's name, bring a second document that shows you live there—for example, a lease in your name plus a utility bill in your spouse's name.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will sign a statement at the office saying so. Bring your passport or consulate ID as proof of identity in that case.

Steps to explore at a Driver's License Office

Go to a Texas Department of Public Safety driver's license office. Find the office nearest you on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Many offices now use an online appointment system; check your local office's page to see if you can book a time slot. Walk-ins are usually accepted but may have longer waits.

Bring all three types of documents listed above in their original or certified form. When you arrive, tell the clerk you want to explore for an identification card (not a driver's license). The clerk will take your documents, verify them, and ask you to sign the process form. You will also have your photo taken at the office.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you. They will need to bring their own photo ID and sign the process. If only one parent has custody, bring the custody order or birth certificate showing that parent's name.

Pay the fee at the counter: $16 for a five-year card or $32 for an eight-year card. Cash, check, and debit or credit card are usually accepted, but call ahead to confirm what your local office takes.

What Happens After You explore

The Texas DPS will mail your new ID card to the address you provided on the process. This usually takes two to three weeks. You will not receive a temporary ID at the office, so plan ahead if you need a photo ID before the card arrives.

If you do not receive your card within four weeks, contact the DPS by phone at 1-888-589-6789 or visit your local office again. Have your process number ready if you have it.

Once your card arrives, check that all the information is correct. If there is a mistake, return to the office with the card and your documents to request a correction. Corrections are usually free if done within a short time of issue.

Renewing or Replacing Your Texas ID Card

When your card is about to expire, you can renew it by mail if nothing on your process has changed (name, address, or appearance). The DPS will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration. Follow the instructions on the notice to renew by mail. The fee is the same as a new card.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, visit a driver's license office in person with your proof of identity and residency. You will pay the same fee as a new card. If your name or address has changed since you got the card, bring updated documents showing the change.

Special Situations

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you can still get a Texas ID card. Bring your passport or consulate ID as proof of identity, your proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number or a signed statement that you do not have one. You do not need to be a permanent resident or have any particular immigration status.

If you are homeless or do not have a fixed address, you can still explore. Use the address of a shelter, a friend's address where you receive mail, or a social service agency's address as your Texas residency address. Bring a letter from the shelter or agency on their letterhead confirming you stay there, along with your other documents.

If you are transgender or have changed your name, you can update your ID to reflect your current name and gender marker. Bring your proof of identity showing your legal name change (a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree), along with your other documents. The DPS will update your gender marker based on what you request on the process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not bring photocopies of your documents. The DPS will not accept them. Bring originals or certified copies only. If you do not have an original, contact the agency that issued the document and request a certified copy.

Do not assume your current address is on file. Bring a recent utility bill or lease even if you think the DPS has your address. Proof of residency must be dated within the last 30 days.

Do not go to the office without an appointment if your local office uses the appointment system. You may be turned away or face a very long wait. Check the DPS website for your office's policy.

Do not forget that someone under 18 must bring a parent or legal guardian. The process cannot be completed without a parent or guardian's signature and ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas ID card without a Social Security number?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, sign a statement at the office saying so. Bring your passport or consulate ID as proof of identity instead. The process is the same otherwise.

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

The card arrives by mail in two to three weeks after you explore. You do not get a temporary ID at the office, so plan ahead if you need a photo ID right away. If you do not receive it within four weeks, call 1-888-589-6789.

What if my name or address is different from what is on my documents?

Bring documents showing the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a name change. For address changes, bring a recent utility bill or lease at your new address. The DPS will update your information on the process.

Can I renew my Texas ID card by mail?

Yes, if nothing has changed since you got the card—no name, address, or appearance changes. The DPS will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your card expires. Follow the instructions on the notice to renew by mail. The fee is the same as a new card.

What if I lose my Texas ID card?

Visit a driver's license office in person with your proof of identity and residency. You will pay the same fee as a new card and receive a replacement by mail in two to three weeks. If your information has changed since you got the original card, bring updated documents.