Get your Texas State ID at a Department of Public Safety office
You get a Texas State ID card from the Department of Public Safety (DPS), which runs all ID and driver license offices across the state. You cannot get one by mail or online — you must go in person to a DPS office with the right documents. The office will take your photo, verify your identity, and issue the card on the spot or mail it to you within two weeks.
DPS has about 130 service locations statewide. Most are in county seats and larger cities, but some rural counties share a single office. You can find the office nearest you on the DPS website by entering your city or county. Hours vary by location — many open at 8 a.m. and close between 5 and 6 p.m., but some have shorter hours or close on certain days.
Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can be long, especially on Fridays and near month-end. Many offices now offer online appointment scheduling through the DPS website. Booking a time slot usually cuts your wait to 15 to 30 minutes instead of an hour or more.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Department of Public Safety office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it.
- DPS has about 130 offices across Texas; you can find your nearest location and hours on the DPS website.
- Scheduling an appointment online usually cuts your wait time significantly compared to walking in without one.
- The card costs $16 and is valid for six years; DPS will mail it to you or you can pick it up at the office the same day depending on the location.
- You need to bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies and digital images are not accepted.
What documents you need to bring
You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Original documents or certified copies are required — DPS will not accept photocopies, photos of documents, or digital images.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a valid foreign passport, a valid visa, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. If you do not have any of those, you can bring two documents from a secondary list, which includes a Social Security card, a high school diploma, a college transcript, or a marriage certificate.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days showing your current Texas address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and property tax receipts all work. A bank or credit card statement with your address also counts. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring one in someone else's name plus a notarized affidavit stating you live there.
For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have any of those, you can provide a document issued by a federal or state agency that shows your number.
Cost and how long it takes
A Texas State ID card costs $16 and is valid for six years. You pay at the DPS office when you explore. If you lose or damage your card before it expires, a replacement costs $11.
The card is usually mailed to you within two weeks of your visit. Some DPS offices offer same-day pickup if you pay an extra fee, but this varies by location — ask when you arrive or when you schedule your appointment. If you need the card urgently, same-day pickup is faster than waiting for mail delivery.
If you are over 60 years old, the card is free and valid for 12 years instead of six. Bring proof of your age — a birth certificate, passport, or driver license all work.
What to do if you cannot go in person
You cannot get a State ID by mail or through a third party. You must appear in person at a DPS office. However, if you are homebound, hospitalized, or in a nursing facility, you can request a mobile unit visit or an exception. Call the DPS office in your county to ask whether they can send someone to you or whether they will waive the in-person requirement in your situation. These requests are handled case by case and are not may provide.
If you are outside Texas temporarily, you cannot get a State ID until you return. If you are a Texas resident living abroad, contact the nearest Texas consulate or embassy to ask about options — some can verify documents for you, though you will still need to visit a DPS office in Texas to complete the process.
Renewing or replacing your card
If your State ID is expiring, you can renew it in person at any DPS office. Bring the same documents you brought for your original card, plus your current ID. The renewal costs $16 and takes the same two weeks to arrive by mail.
If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any DPS office. Bring your documents and tell the staff what happened. A replacement costs $11. If your card was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get a new one.
If your name has changed since you got your ID — through marriage, divorce, or legal change — bring a certified copy of the document showing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your regular documents. The fee is the same as a replacement.
Differences between a State ID and a driver license
A State ID card proves your identity and age but does not let you drive. A driver license does both. If you do not drive, a State ID is what you need. If you drive, you need a driver license instead — you cannot use a State ID to operate a vehicle.
Both are issued by DPS at the same offices and cost the same amount. Both require the same documents. The main difference is that a driver license includes driving privileges and requires a driving test, while a State ID does not. Some people carry both — a State ID as a backup form of ID and a driver license for driving.
A State ID is useful for air travel, entering federal buildings, opening a bank account, and proving age. It is not valid for driving, and it is not a passport or travel document for international travel.
What happens at your appointment
When you arrive at the DPS office, check in at the front desk with your documents. A staff member will review them to make sure everything is there and correct. They will ask you questions to verify your identity — your full name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number.
Next, you will have your photo taken. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in; the photo will be on your card for six years. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that covers your face. If you have a religious reason to cover your face, DPS will work with you on alternatives.
After your photo, you will sign the card process and pay the $16 fee. The staff will tell you whether your card will be mailed or available for same-day pickup. If it is being mailed, you will get a receipt with a tracking number. You are done — the office will handle the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a State ID if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can still get a State ID, but you will need to bring a document issued by a federal or state agency that shows your number, or you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for a number. Bring this along with your proof of identity and residency.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can bring two documents from the secondary list instead: a Social Security card, high school diploma, college transcript, or marriage certificate. If you have none of those, contact your county vital records office to order a certified birth certificate — it usually takes one to two weeks and costs $20 to $30.
Can someone else pick up my State ID for me?
No. You must pick it up yourself or wait for it to be mailed. If you authorize someone else to pick it up, DPS will not release it to them. If you are unable to pick it up, have the card mailed to your address instead.
Do I need a State ID if I have a driver license?
No. A driver license serves as a valid form of ID for all purposes a State ID would. You only need a State ID if you do not drive or want a backup form of identification.
How do I check the status of my mailed State ID?
Use the tracking number on your receipt on the DPS website, or call the office where you applied. They can tell you whether it has been mailed and when it should arrive. Standard mail delivery takes two weeks; if it has been longer, contact DPS to report it.