How Much Does It Cost to Renew Your ID in Texas?

The cost to renew an ID in Texas is $16 if you’re under 60 and $6 if you’re 60 or older. Either card is valid for six years, and the fee is the same whether you renew online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety office.¹

What You Pay and How You Pay It

Two prices, set by age:

Under 60: $16, valid six years from your previous expiration date.
60 and older: $6, valid six years from your birthday.

The underlying statutory fee in Texas Transportation Code Section 521.422 is $15 and $5, respectively.² A surcharge brings the total you actually pay to $16 or $6 at checkout.¹

DPS offices take credit cards, cash, checks, and money orders. Online and phone renewals require a credit card: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express.¹

Who Pays Nothing

Texas waives the ID card fee entirely for two groups.

Veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 60% qualify for a free ID if they received an honorable discharge and receive disability compensation from the federal government. Bring a signed VA disability letter or documents showing your discharge status, disability rating, and compensation.³

Foster and homeless children and youth are exempt under Texas Transportation Code Section 521.1015. A school district official, emergency shelter director, or transitional housing program director must sign a certification of homeless status.⁴

If the only thing you need an ID for is voting, Texas also offers a free Election Identification Certificate at any DPS office. You’re eligible only if you don’t already hold a valid Texas ID, driver license, passport, or similar photo ID, including one expired less than four years. EIC applicants bring proof of U.S. citizenship, identity documents, and a voter registration card, or register at the office.⁵

When the Renewal Fee No Longer Applies

The $16 or $6 renewal price assumes you still qualify to renew. You do if your ID is current or has been expired for less than two years, and you have no outstanding warrants or suspensions with DPS.⁶

If your card has been expired for more than two years, you can’t renew it. You have to apply as a new applicant and go through the full original application process in person.⁷ Letting the card sit past that window costs you the simpler renewal path.

What the Fee Covers at Each Renewal Method

The price doesn’t change by method, but what you need to have ready does.

Online renewal is the fastest. You qualify if you completed your last renewal in person, you’re a U.S. citizen, and your Social Security number is already on file with DPS. If you hold both a driver license and an ID card, you’ll have to surrender one in an office before you can use online services.⁸ Have your ID number, date of birth, audit number from the current card, and a credit card ready. The new card arrives by mail, typically within two to three weeks.⁶

Phone renewal works for the same eligible group. Call 1-866-357-3639 with your current card, audit number, credit card, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You won’t get a printable temporary ID or an emailed receipt the way online renewal provides.⁶

Mail renewal is also limited to people who last renewed in person and whose information hasn’t changed. Send the completed application and fee to the address on the DPS website or on your renewal notice. Expect your card within about three weeks.⁶

In-person renewal is appointment-only. Book at txdpsscheduler.com up to six months ahead; a lobby kiosk can help if you arrive without one.⁹ Bring proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence if DPS doesn’t already have it on file, proof of Texas residency such as a utility bill, voter registration card, or lease agreement, and your Social Security number.¹⁰ You’ll complete Form DL-14A at the office.¹¹ A representative verifies your documents, takes a new photo, collects the fee at the counter, and hands you a temporary ID while the permanent card is mailed.⁶

One cost note tied to timing: a name change can’t ride along with a standard renewal. It requires a separate replacement application and an in-person visit within 30 days of the change, with an original (not laminated, not copied) marriage license, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate. An address change is simpler and can be done online.¹²

1
Department of Public Safety. Driver License Fees
2
State of Texas. Texas Transportation Code TN 521.422 – Personal Identification Certificate Fee
3
Department of Public Safety. Driver License and Identification Services for Veterans
4
Texas DSHS. Certification of Homeless Status for Texas Birth Certificate and Texas Identification Card and Driver’s License
5
Department of Public Safety. Election Identification Certificate (EIC)
6
Department of Public Safety. Renew Your Texas DL, CDL, Motorcycle License or ID
7
LII / Legal Information Institute. 37 Texas Admin Code 15.35 – Renewal of a Texas Driver License Expired Over Two Years
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Texas.gov. Texas Driver License and ID Cards Online Services Eligibility
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Department of Public Safety. Driver License Services – Appointments
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Department of Public Safety. Identification Requirements
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Texas Department of Public Safety. DL-14A – Texas Driver License or Identification Card Application
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Department of Public Safety. How to Change Information on Your Driver License or ID Card