Learn About Getting a Texas ID Card

What a Texas ID Card Is and Who Might Need One

A Texas ID card is an official identification document issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Unlike a driver's license, it doesn't give you permission to drive—it's purely a form of identification. The card shows your name, date of birth, address, and a photograph. It's wallet-sized and has security features built in to prevent counterfeiting.

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Many people get a Texas ID card because they need a valid ID but don't drive. As of 2023, Texas issues hundreds of thousands of ID cards annually to residents who want an official form of identification for everyday situations. You might encounter situations where you need to show an ID: opening a bank account, picking up prescriptions, traveling within the state, entering certain venues, or completing age verification. A Texas ID card serves these purposes without requiring you to obtain a driver's license.

The card is also useful for people whose driving privileges have been suspended or revoked, those who are too young to drive but need identification, seniors who no longer drive, and individuals with disabilities that make driving unsafe or impractical. Some people maintain both a driver's license and an ID card, while others use the ID card as their sole form of state identification.

Texas ID cards expire every five years for adults under 60 and every ten years for adults aged 60 and older. The expiration date appears on the front of the card, making it straightforward to track when renewal becomes necessary. Understanding what the card is—and what it isn't—helps you determine whether obtaining one makes sense for your situation.

Takeaway: A Texas ID card provides state-issued identification for non-drivers or those who prefer it to a driver's license. It's valid for five to ten years depending on your age, and you'll see the expiration date clearly displayed on the card.

Where to Go and What Documents You'll Need

To get a Texas ID card, you'll visit a Driver License office operated by the Texas Department of Public Safety. These offices are located throughout Texas—in major cities and smaller towns. You can find your nearest DPS office on the official Texas DPS website by entering your zip code. As of 2024, Texas operates approximately 140 Driver License offices statewide, so most residents can find one within a reasonable distance.

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Before you go to the office, gather your required documents. Texas has specific document requirements based on your citizenship status and age. For citizenship verification, you'll need one of these: a U.S. passport, birth certificate issued by a state or U.S. territory, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship, Certificate of Naturalization, or an unexpired foreign passport with an approved Form I-94 or I-94A. You cannot use a driver's license from another state as proof of citizenship—you need original documents or certified copies.

You'll also need to prove your identity with documents like a valid driver's license from another state, military ID, passport, or other government-issued ID. For address verification, bring a document dated within the last 90 days that shows your current Texas address: utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, insurance policy, or bank statement. A piece of mail addressed to you at your Texas address works well for this purpose.

Social Security number verification requires your Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. Bring the originals or certified copies—photocopies often aren't accepted. If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring legal documentation of that change, such as a marriage certificate or court decree.

The process typically takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Most DPS offices accept walk-ins, though some locations offer online appointment scheduling that may reduce your wait time. Arrive during regular business hours—most offices operate Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at some locations.

Takeaway: Gather documents proving citizenship, identity, address (dated within 90 days), and Social Security number before visiting a DPS Driver License office. Check the Texas DPS website to find your nearest location and confirm their hours.

The Cost and Payment Options

As of 2024, a five-year Texas ID card costs $16. If you're 60 years old or older, a ten-year ID card costs $27. These are the standard fees charged by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Fees occasionally change, so it's worth confirming the exact amount before your visit, though the DPS website maintains current pricing information.

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The DPS Driver License offices accept multiple payment methods. You can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card—Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are typically accepted. Some offices may have minimum purchase requirements if you're paying by card, though this is rare for ID card fees. A few locations may accept personal checks, but this is increasingly uncommon, so cash or card is your safest bet.

If you're renewing an ID card that's expired or about to expire, the cost remains the same as a new card. There's no discount for renewals versus first-time applicants. However, if your card is still valid and you're applying for a replacement due to damage or a name change, you may pay a replacement fee rather than a full renewal fee—this is typically lower, around $11, but confirms with the DPS office to be certain.

Payment happens on-site at the DPS office when you submit your documents. The office doesn't typically send you an invoice later or require advance payment. This means you won't need to pre-pay or worry about additional charges after your visit—what you pay at the office is what the ID card costs. Budget about 20 minutes for the entire process when you account for waiting, completing forms, having your photo taken, and paying.

Takeaway: Budget $16 for a five-year ID card or $27 for a ten-year card (age 60+), payable at the DPS office with cash or card. Confirm exact fees on the DPS website since prices may change.

What Happens During Your Visit to the DPS Office

When you arrive at a DPS Driver License office, you'll typically check in at a window or kiosk. Staff will verify you have an appointment if you've scheduled one, or add you to the walk-in queue. You'll be given a number or called by name when it's your turn. The office staff will review your documents to ensure you've brought everything required.

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At your turn, a DPS representative will examine your citizenship, identity, address, and Social Security documents. They'll ask you questions to verify the information matches—your full name, date of birth, current address, and Social Security number. This verification step typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. Have your documents organized and readily available to speed this along.

You'll then be taken to have your photograph taken. The DPS uses digital cameras, so your photo is captured immediately. Dress normally and come with a clear face (no sunglasses indoors). The photo guidelines mirror those for driver's licenses: your head should be centered, eyes open and looking at the camera, and no extreme expressions. Don't worry about perfection—ID photos are rarely flattering, and the DPS allows retakes if something is genuinely wrong with the first shot.

After your photo is taken, you'll complete a form confirming your information. Review this carefully before signing. Any errors on the form will appear on your ID card, so correct them immediately if you spot mistakes. You'll also confirm your address, signature, and answer questions about organ donation and voter registration if you wish to participate in those programs.

Finally, you'll pay the fee and receive a temporary paper ID card that's valid for 30 to 45 days while your permanent card is produced and mailed to your address. This temporary ID can be used for most purposes that require identification, though some venues may not accept it. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within 1 to 2 weeks in most cases, though processing times occasionally extend during high-volume periods.

Takeaway: Expect your DPS visit to take 15 to 45 minutes depending on wait times. You'll verify documents, have a photo taken, complete a form, pay the fee, and receive a temporary paper ID valid for 30-45 days while your permanent card is mailed.

Situations That Complicate the Process

Some circumstances make getting a

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