Identification Cards in Texas

SUMMARY: Applying for a Texas ID card

For more details, keep reading!

Texas REAL IDs

The TX DPS began issuing federally-compliant REAL ID cards in 2016. As of October 1, 2021, only the REAL ID will function as federal identification for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings.

For more detail on Texas REAL IDs, visit the DPS' guide and FAQs.

New to Texas?

Your out-of-state ID card -- or one issued in a U.S. territory or foreign country -- is valid for use in Texas until it expires.

If you are a new resident of Texas and would like a Texas ID card once your current driver's license or ID card expires (or if you are applying for your first ID card), you will need to prove your identity, U.S. citizenship and lawful presence, and Texas residency. Please follow the steps listed below.

Texas ID Cards Eligibility Requirements

There are no age restrictions to apply for an ID card in Texas.

If you have been a Texas resident for at least 30 days, you may apply for a Texas ID card. You will need to be able to prove your:

  • Identity.
  • U.S. citizenship or lawful presence status.
  • Texas residency.

Apply for a Texas Identification Card

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) does NOT allow you to apply for an original Texas ID card online or by phone. You must apply in person at a local DPS office and submit:

  • An Application For Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL 14-A).
  • Proof of identity. The DPS designates that you may bring either:
    • 1 document from the primary list (e.g. valid U.S. passport, U.S. military ID card, Texas driver's license, U.S. Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization).
    • 2 documents from the secondary list (e.g. original or certified birth certificate, U.S. Department of State Certification of Birth Abroad, court order showing your name and date of birth).
    • A combination of 1 document from the secondary list and 2 documents from the “supporting" list (e.g. Social Security card, Form W-2 or 1099, TX voter registration card).
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship and lawful presence for non-residents (e.g. original or certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, permanent resident card).
  • Proof of Texas residency (2 documents - e.g. deed or mortgage, rental/lease agreement, TX voter registration card).
    • One of these documents must show that you've lived in Texas for at least 30 days. Please see the state's list of residency documents for details.
  • Payment for your ID card fee (see “Texas ID Card Fees" below).

Texas ID Card Fees

The application and renewal fees for ID cards in Texas vary based on age:

New ID Card Application

  • 59 years old & younger – $16 (expires on birth date after 6 years).
  • 60 years old & older – $6 (no expiration).

ID Card Renewal

  • 59 years old & younger – $16 (expires after 6 years).
  • 60 years old & older – $6 (no expiration).

ID Card Replacement

  • 59 years old & younger – $11 (current expiration does not change).
  • 60 years old & older – $11 (no expiration).

Change of Name or Address

  • 59 years old & younger – $11 (current expiration does not change).
  • 60 years old & older – $11 (no expiration).

ID Card Fees for Military Veterans

If you are a disabled veteran you may be eligible to receive a free Texas ID card if you:

  • Have been honorably discharged.
  • Sustained a service-related disability of at least 60%.
  • Receive compensation from the United States because of the disability.

To qualify for the fee exemption, you must prove your disability status by presenting one of the following at your local DPS office:

  • A signed letter on disability status (issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs).
  • Official documents that verify the first 3 requirements from the above list.

NOTE: If you receive disability compensation but cannot provide a signed letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, you may bring documents verifying your disability by your branch of military service.

Renew Your Texas ID Card

You may be eligible to renew your Texas ID online, by phone, by mail, or in person.

If you are renewing a standard ID that is not yet REAL ID-compliant, you must do your renewal in person and bring all required documents listed above.

If your Texas ID card expired more than 2 years ago, you must apply as a new applicant and meet all the requirements for a new ID card.

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) requires Texas ID card renewal in person at least every other time to update your picture.

Renew Online

To renew online, you must:

  • Be 18 years old or older.
  • Be a U.S. citizen.
  • Have a current ID that expires in less than 2 years, or expired less than 2 years ago.
  • Have your Social Security Number (SSN) on file with the DMV.
  • Have your current ID card.
  • Have a printer to print your temporary ID.
  • Have a valid credit card.
  • Have the last four digits of your SSN.
  • NOT be upgrading to a REAL ID card.

Visit the Texas DPS online services portal to get started.

Renew by Phone

To renew by phone, simply call the Texas DPS at (866) 357-3639.

You must:

  • Be 18 years old or older.
  • Be a U.S. citizen.
  • Have a current ID that expires in less than 2 years, or expired less than 2 years ago.
  • Have your Social Security Number (SSN) on file with the DPS.
  • NOT be upgrading to a REAL ID card.

Renew by Mail

If you received a reminder card from the TX Department of Public Safety about renewing your Texas identification card, you're eligible to renew by mail. Simply follow the instructions provided on the form.

Renew in Person

If you're NOT eligible to renew online, by phone or by mail, you must visit a driver license office to renew in person. The DPS requires that you meet all of the requirements for a new Texas ID card. Refer to “Apply for a Texas ID Card" above for detailed instructions.

NOTE: If you did NOT renewed in person at your last renewal you will need to do so. You'll also need to provide documents to verify your U.S. citizenship and lawful presence.

Replace Your Lost or Stolen Texas ID Card

The DPS does NOT offer ID card replacement online or by phone. You must visit a local DPS office in person. You must also file a police report if your ID card is stolen.

For even further details, please visit our page on Replacing a Lost License in Texas. Below are some general steps:

Replace Your Texas ID Card While Out-of-State

To request a replacement Texas ID card while outside of Texas, follow these steps.

  • Download the Out of State/Out of Country Packet.
  • Complete an Application for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-14A). If you are under 17 years and 10 months old you need to fill out a DL-14B form instead and have a parent/guardian sign it.
  • Gather the documents you need to verify your social security number (e.g. Social Security card, military identification, pilot's license). An exact copy of the proof of SSN is acceptable as long as both your name and SSN show on the document.

Send all documents and payment for the required fees (check or money orders accepted) to:

Department of Public Safety
P.O. Box 149008
Austin, TX 78714

Please visit our page on replacing a lost or stolen TX ID for more information.

Change Your TX ID Card Information

If you need to update your address or name on a Texas ID card, you must apply for a replacement and pay the required $11 fee.

Changing Your Address

The address on your Texas ID card must be changed within 30 days of moving to a new residence in Texas.

You may change your address online, by mail, or in person.

Online

To change your address online, you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen.
  • Have an unexpired ID card.
  • Have your Social Security Number (SSN) on file with the DPS.

Visit the DPS' online license service portal to get started.

By Mail or in Person

Print, complete and mail in the Application for Change of Address (Form DL-64) along with the required fee of $11 (administrative fee included) to the address located at the top of the form. Make your check or money order made payable to “Department of Public Safety."

If you do not wish or are unable to change your address either online or in person, you may take your completed Application for Change of Address (Form DL-64) to any driver license office.

Changing Your Name

To change your name on a Texas ID card you must:

  • Visit a driver license office within 30 days of the change.
  • Provide an original document (not a copy) that verifies your name change.

If your name change is marriage-related, bring one of the following:

  • Marriage license.
  • Divorce decree.
  • Your spouse's death certificate.

If your name change is NOT marriage-related, bring either your certified court order or an amended birth certificate.

Forms

DL-14A
Application for Texas Driver License or Identification Card
Application for a Texas driver's license OR identification card.
DL-64
Application for Change of Address on Valid Texas Driver License & Identification Card Form
Submit this form to request a change of address on your Texas driver's license OR identification card. Cannot be used for CDLs.
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