How to Get a Texas ID Card: Requirements, Documents, and Fees

To get a Texas ID card, you apply in person at a Department of Public Safety driver license office by appointment, bring documents proving your identity, lawful presence in the United States, Social Security number, and Texas residency, and pay $16 (or $6 if you are 60 or older). The card is valid for six years.¹ DPS issues these cards under Section 521.101 of the Texas Transportation Code to any qualifying resident, with no minimum age.²

Who Qualifies

You must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or otherwise authorized to be in the United States, and you must live in Texas. Non-citizens present documentation from the appropriate federal agency showing their authorized status.³ If you hold a driver license from another state, you’ll surrender it before DPS will issue your Texas card.

There is no minimum age. Cards issued to anyone under 21 carry an “UNDER 21” marking on the face. Texas law also prohibits any business from refusing you goods, services, or access because you carry an ID card rather than a driver license, with the sole exception of operating a motor vehicle.²

Documents You Need to Bring

Every document must be an original or certified copy. Photocopies are not accepted, and DPS will not accept a laminated birth certificate.⁴ Plan on proving four things.

Identity

DPS gives you three paths:⁴

One primary document: a valid U.S. passport or passport card, an unexpired Texas driver license or ID card, or a U.S. military ID.
Two secondary documents: an original or certified birth certificate, a Social Security card, or a school record, for example.
One secondary document plus two supporting documents: supporting items include a voter registration card, a W-2 or 1099 form, or a Texas License to Carry.

Note that a License to Carry is a supporting document, not a primary one. Some older guides describe a Texas concealed handgun license as sufficient identity documentation on its own; it is not.⁴

Citizenship or Lawful Presence

U.S. citizens can use a birth certificate from any state or territory’s vital statistics agency, a valid U.S. passport or passport card, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of citizenship or naturalization.³ Non-citizens present federal documentation of their authorized stay. If a document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation with the translator’s name, signature, address, and a statement that the translation is accurate.

Social Security Number

DPS verifies your Social Security number electronically. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2, a 1099, or a pay stub that shows the full number.⁴

Texas Residency

You need two documents showing your name and Texas residential address, such as a utility bill, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a lease agreement, or a letter from a government agency.⁵ Most of these documents must be dated within 180 days of your application.⁶

If you are experiencing homelessness, DPS waives the residency requirement for homeless youth as defined under 42 U.S.C. Section 11434a.⁵

Choose Standard or REAL ID

A REAL ID-compliant Texas card looks the same as a standard card but carries a gold star in the upper right corner. Texas has issued them since October 2016.⁷⁸⁹

The document requirements are essentially the same for both versions. Since DPS applies REAL ID security standards across all its cards, most first-time applicants have no practical reason to decline the gold star.⁷

Book an Appointment and Complete Your Form

Driver license office services are by appointment only. You schedule through the DPS online portal. Many offices release a limited number of same-day slots throughout the day, so if the calendar looks empty at first, check again later. A self-service kiosk in the lobby lets you book on the spot if you arrive without an appointment, but a same-day opening is not guaranteed.¹⁰

Adults 17 years and 10 months or older use Form DL-14A, which covers both driver licenses and identification cards.¹¹ The form asks for personal descriptors like height, weight, and eye color, plus your address and identification history. Fill it out before you go.

At the DPS Office

A specialist reviews your documents, captures your thumbprints, takes your photograph, and collects payment.¹² DPS accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, cash, checks, and money orders.¹

You leave with a temporary paper receipt that serves as valid identification for 60 days.¹³ The permanent card is produced at a secure facility and mailed to the address on file, typically within two to three weeks. If it hasn’t arrived by the time your temporary receipt expires, contact DPS to check the status.

Fees and How Long the Card Lasts

The fee is $16 for applicants 59 and younger and $6 for applicants 60 and older, whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing. Either way, the card expires six years from your birthday.¹

For non-citizens with a temporary authorized stay, the card expires on the earlier of the six-year mark or the end of the authorized stay. If your authorization has no set expiration date, the card is valid for one year from issuance.²

Getting an ID for a Child

Any child can get a Texas ID card, but applicants under 17 years and 10 months use Form DL-14B instead of DL-14A. A parent, stepparent, or legal guardian with custody signs the parental authorization section. The only minors exempt from this requirement are those who can present a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order removing the disabilities of minority.¹⁴

The four categories of documentation still apply. Parents typically supply the residency documents, since a child’s name rarely appears on utility bills or a lease.

If You Only Need ID to Vote

If your reason for wanting a Texas ID card is solely to meet the state’s photo identification requirement at the polls, and you don’t have a driver license, passport, military ID, or other qualifying photo ID, you can request a free Election Identification Certificate instead. You apply on Form DL-14C at any DPS office and provide the same categories of identity and residency documentation. It is issued at no charge and does not require you to surrender any other identification.

1
Department of Public Safety. Driver License Fees
2
State of Texas. Texas Transportation Code 521.101 – Personal Identification Certificate
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Department of Public Safety. U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence Requirement
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Department of Public Safety. Identification Requirements
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Department of Public Safety. Texas Residency Requirement for Driver Licenses and ID Cards
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Texas Department of Public Safety. Texas Driver License and Identification Card Document Requirements
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Department of Public Safety. Federal Real ID Act
8
Transportation Security Administration. TSA Begins REAL ID Full Enforcement on May 7
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Transportation Security Administration. Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint
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Department of Public Safety. Driver License Services – Appointments
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Texas Department of Public Safety. Texas Driver License or Identification Card Application
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Department of Public Safety. How to Apply for a Texas Identification Card
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Texas Department of Public Safety. Section 3 – Issuing A Temporary Permit
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Texas Department of Public Safety. Texas Driver License or Identification Card Application – Minor