What You Need to Bring to the DPS Office

A Texas ID card requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You cannot complete this in one visit without the right documents, so gather everything before you go to a Department of Public Safety office.

For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of naturalization. If you were born outside the United States, bring the document that shows your legal status. A school ID or work badge does not count as proof of identity for a Texas ID card.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days showing your current Texas address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement works. A phone bill or insurance document also counts. The name on the residency document does not have to match your name exactly, but the address must be current.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If you do not have your card, a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement will work. You will also need to fill out Form DL-43, which the DPS office provides, or you can read it from the Texas DPS website before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, a valid passport, or equivalent proof of identity to the DPS office.
  • Proof of residency must be dated within the last 30 days and show your current Texas address.
  • The DPS office will take your photograph and fingerprints during your visit, so plan for 15 to 30 minutes at the location.
  • A Texas ID card costs $16 for a four-year card or $32 for an eight-year card, and you pay at the DPS office when you explore.
  • Your card arrives by mail within two to three weeks; you receive a temporary paper ID at the office if you need one when ready.

Finding a DPS Office Near You and Making an Appointment

Texas DPS has offices in most counties. You can find the nearest one by visiting the Texas DPS website and using their office locator tool, or by calling 1-844-DPS-5555. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now require appointments to manage wait times.

To make an appointment, go to the Texas DPS website and select "Schedule an Appointment." You choose your location, the type of ID you need, and your preferred date and time. The system shows you available slots. If you cannot find an appointment in your area, try offices in nearby counties — you can get a Texas ID card at any DPS office, not just the one closest to you.

If you prefer to walk in without an appointment, call the office first to ask whether they accept same-day visitors. Some locations fill up by mid-morning, so arriving early increases your chances. Bring all your documents even if you walk in, because you will not be able to return to your car once you are in line.

What Happens During Your Visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the staff your Form DL-43 and your documents. They will verify that you have everything required. If a document is missing or expired, they will tell you when ready, and you will need to return another time with the correct paperwork.

Once your documents are verified, you will go to a photo station where a DPS employee photographs you. Wear something you would wear in a professional setting — the photo rules are the same as for a driver's license. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that obscures your face. If you wear glasses, you can keep them on as long as there is no glare on the lenses.

After your photo, you will have your fingerprints taken electronically. This is a standard part of the Texas ID card process and takes less than a minute. You will then pay the fee — $16 for a four-year card or $32 for an eight-year card — by cash, check, or card, depending on what the office accepts.

Before you leave, ask whether you can receive a temporary paper ID. Not all offices issue them, but if yours does and you need to use your ID right away, this gives you something valid until your card arrives in the mail.

How Long It Takes and When Your Card Arrives

Your Texas ID card is mailed to the address you provided on your process. Standard delivery takes two to three weeks from the date you explore. If you live in a rural area or your mail is slow, it may take longer. Do not call the DPS office to check on your card before three weeks have passed — they cannot track individual cards in the mail.

If your card does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied. Bring your receipt from the day you applied. The office can check whether the card was mailed and, if it was not, reissue it. There is no additional fee for a reissue if the card was lost in the mail.

If you received a temporary paper ID at the office, that is valid until your permanent card arrives. Once your card comes in the mail, the temporary ID is no longer needed.

Texas ID Card Versus a Driver's License

A Texas ID card and a driver's license are different documents. An ID card proves your identity and age but does not allow you to drive. A driver's license does both. If you do not drive or do not want a driver's license, a Texas ID card is the standard form of state-issued photo identification.

The ID card costs less than a driver's license and does not require a driving test or vision test. You do not need to pass a written exam. The process process is faster because there is no skills evaluation. If you already have a driver's license, you do not need an ID card — your license serves the same purpose for identification.

An ID card is useful if you have lost your driver's license and need identification while you wait for a replacement, if you are too young to drive but need a photo ID, or if you have chosen not to drive. Some people carry both a driver's license and an ID card as backup identification.

Renewing or Replacing Your Texas ID Card

If your card is expiring, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office. Mail renewal is the simplest option if your address has not changed and your documents are still current. The DPS sends renewal notices to your address about 60 days before your card expires. Follow the instructions on the notice to renew by mail.

Online renewal is available if you have a valid email address and your card is not damaged or lost. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Online," and follow the steps. You pay the renewal fee online, and your new card is mailed to you. This takes about two weeks.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must explore in person at a DPS office. Bring the same documents you brought for your original process. There is no additional fee for a replacement card — you pay the standard renewal fee.

Special Situations: Name Changes, Address Changes, and Corrections

If your name has changed since you got your ID card, you must explore for a new card in person. Bring your original ID card, your birth certificate or court order showing the name change, and your other required documents. You pay the full fee for a new card, not a renewal fee.

If you have moved to a new address in Texas, you can update your address by mail or online during renewal. If your card is not expiring soon and you need your address updated when ready, visit a DPS office in person. Bring your ID card, proof of your new address, and Form DL-43. There is no fee to update your address.

If there is an error on your card — a misspelled name, wrong birth date, or incorrect address — contact the DPS office where you applied. Bring your card and the document that shows the correct information. The office will issue a corrected card at no charge if the error was made by the DPS.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You must have an original or certified birth certificate, a valid passport, or a consular report of birth abroad. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can request one from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the state where you were born. This process takes several weeks, so plan ahead. Once you have it, you can explore for your ID card.

What if my proof of residency is in someone else's name?

The name on your residency document does not have to match your name exactly. The DPS office will accept it as long as the address is current and dated within the last 30 days. If the name is very different or you are concerned, bring a second document showing your name and the same address, such as a lease or mortgage in your name.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

It depends on the office. Many DPS locations now require appointments, but some still accept walk-ins. Call the office ahead of time or check the Texas DPS website to see the policy for your location. If you make an appointment, you will usually be seen faster than if you walk in.

What if I am under 18 — do I need a parent or guardian with me?

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present when you explore. They do not need to bring documents, but they must be there to sign the process. Bring your birth certificate and your parent's or guardian's ID to prove the relationship.

Can I use my Texas ID card to fly on an airplane?

Yes. A Texas ID card is a valid form of identification for domestic flights. You can use it at airport security and to board a plane within the United States. It is not valid for international travel — you will need a passport for that.