Texas ID cards come from the Department of Public Safety, and you can get one at any DPS driver license office across the state

A Texas ID card is issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and works as a state-issued photo ID when you don't have or don't want a driver license. You get it at the same offices where people renew driver licenses — there are DPS locations in every major city and most smaller towns. You can find your nearest office, check wait times, and schedule an appointment on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov.

The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes if you have all your documents ready. You'll pay a fee (currently $16 for a standard card valid for six years), take a photo at the office, and walk out with a temporary paper ID the same day. Your permanent card arrives by mail in one to two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any Texas DPS driver license office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it.
  • You can schedule an appointment online at dps.texas.gov to skip the walk-in line, though walk-ins are also accepted.
  • The fee is $16 for a standard six-year card, and you receive a temporary paper ID when ready while your permanent card arrives by mail.
  • Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not be accepted for proof of identity or residency.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and provide consent.

What documents you need to bring

You must bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies — the DPS office will not accept photocopies for any of these.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a foreign passport with a U.S. visa, or a previous Texas driver license or ID card. If you don't have any of those, you can bring two documents from a longer list that includes a school ID, a work ID, or a marriage certificate.

For proof of residency, bring a document showing your current Texas address dated within the last 90 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all work. If you live with someone else, a letter from that person on their utility bill or lease can also work, but you'll need to bring a second document proving your relationship (like a marriage certificate or birth certificate).

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a document from the Social Security Administration. If you don't have any of those, you can provide your number verbally and the DPS office will verify it with the Social Security Administration on the spot.

How to schedule an appointment or walk in

The fastest way is to schedule an appointment online at dps.texas.gov. Go to the "Driver License" section, select "Schedule an Appointment," choose your nearest office, and pick a date and time. Appointments usually have openings within a few days to a week, depending on your location.

You can also walk into any DPS office without an appointment. Wait times vary — offices in smaller towns often have shorter lines, while busy urban locations may have waits of 30 minutes to an hour during peak hours (usually mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). The DPS website shows current wait times for each office, updated every 15 minutes.

Bring all your documents with you. If anything is missing, the office will turn you away and you'll have to come back. If you're under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present.

What happens after you explore

You'll take a photo at the office (you can't bring your own), answer a few questions about your address and any name changes, and pay the $16 fee. The office will give you a temporary paper ID printed on the spot — this is valid when ready and works as a photo ID until your permanent card arrives.

Your permanent card is mailed to the address you provided. Standard delivery takes one to two weeks. If you need the card faster, some offices offer rush processing for an additional fee, though this is not available at all locations — ask when you arrive or when you schedule your appointment.

If your card doesn't arrive within three weeks, or if you need to replace a lost or damaged card, return to the DPS office with your temporary paper ID and proof of the original process (like a receipt). Replacement cards cost the same as a new card.

Fees and card validity

A standard Texas ID card costs $16 and is valid for six years. If you're over 60, the card is valid for eight years and costs $16. If you're under 18, the card is valid until your 18th birthday and costs $11.

You can renew by mail if your card hasn't been lost or stolen and your address hasn't changed. The DPS will mail you a renewal notice before your card expires. If you need to renew in person — because your address changed, your name changed, or you want a new photo — return to any DPS office with your expired card and the same documents you brought for your first card.

Special situations: name changes, corrections, and replacements

If your name has changed since your last ID (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll need to explore in person; you can't renew by mail if your name has changed.

If there's an error on your card — a misspelled name, wrong address, or wrong date of birth — return to the DPS office with your card and the documents that prove the correct information. Corrections are usually free if the error was the DPS's mistake, but you may be charged a fee if you provided wrong information on your original process.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, report it to the DPS office where you got it (or any other DPS office). Bring your temporary paper ID if you still have it, or bring documents proving your identity. A replacement card costs the same as a new card and takes the same one to two weeks to arrive by mail.

Who can get a Texas ID card

You must be a Texas resident with a valid Social Security number. Texas residency means you live in Texas and intend to stay — the DPS uses your address and the documents you bring as proof. You don't need to be a U.S. citizen, but you do need a valid Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you and sign a consent form. If you're 18 or older, you can explore on your own. If you're explore for someone else (like a parent with a disability), you can bring them, but they must be present and answer questions about their identity — the DPS won't issue an ID based on someone else's process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Texas ID card if I don't have a Social Security number?

If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, you can use that. If you have neither, you'll need to contact the DPS office directly to discuss your situation — some offices may have options, but this is not standard. Call the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to ask about your specific case.

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

You get a temporary paper ID the same day you explore. Your permanent card arrives by mail in one to two weeks. If the card doesn't arrive after three weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied. Some offices offer rush processing for an additional fee, but this is not available everywhere.

What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?

You can bring two documents from the DPS's longer list of acceptable identity documents, such as a school ID, work ID, marriage certificate, or military discharge papers. The DPS website lists all accepted documents. If you're unsure whether what you have will work, call your local DPS office before you go.

Can I renew my Texas ID card by mail?

Yes, if your card hasn't been lost or stolen, your address hasn't changed, and your name hasn't changed. The DPS will mail you a renewal notice before your card expires. Follow the instructions on the notice to renew by mail. If anything has changed, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

What if I'm homeless or don't have a fixed address?

You can use a shelter address, a mail drop address, or the address of a friend or family member where you receive mail. Bring a document showing that address dated within the last 90 days. If the address is not your own, bring a second document (like a letter from the shelter or a statement from the person whose address you're using) explaining why you're using it.