Getting a Texas ID Card in 2026

Who can get a Texas ID card

DPS issues identification cards valid for up to six years to Texas residents, according to its ID card page. There is no minimum age on the DPS page; a minor applies with the same proofs as an adult. The one limit is that a person who holds a Texas driver license is not eligible for an ID card unless the license is surrendered at the time of application, because state law allows one card or the other, not both.

Temporary visitors and foreign students may hold a Limited Term ID card that expires when the period of lawful presence ends, or in one year when that period is duration of status, as DPS's temporary visitors page says; it is renewed in person with current lawful presence documents. Participants in the Attorney General's Address Confidentiality Program may print their substitute post office box address on the card, and some disabled veterans pay no fee at all (the veterans guide has the conditions).

The documents

Four proofs, the same ones a driver license takes: U.S. citizenship or, for a non-citizen, lawful presence verified with the Department of Homeland Security; Texas residency, two printed documents with the applicant's name and address, one showing at least 30 days in the state; identity, one primary document or two secondary documents or one secondary with two supporting documents; and the Social Security number, verified electronically through the Social Security Administration's online service, without which DPS says the card cannot be issued or renewed. The full lists are on the driver license page, and DPS's interactive REAL ID Document Check turns a few questions into a personal checklist for the visit.

The office visit

Complete the application (form DL-14A, also available at every office), make an appointment on the DPS appointments page, and at the office give the specialist the application and the four proofs, sign, give thumbprints, have the photo taken and pay the fee. DPS prints a temporary identification card on the spot; it says to check the printed information before leaving and to tell the specialist about any error. The permanent card arrives by mail in about two to three weeks, and its mailing status is on the DPS card status page.

Every card issued today carries the REAL ID star in the upper right corner, so it is accepted for domestic flights and secure federal facilities. DPS began issuing a new card design on August 18, 2025, as its card designs page shows; older designs stay valid until the expiration printed on them.

Trading a license for an ID at 65 and older, online

DPS's senior drivers page offers one route that skips the office: a Texan 65 or older who is a U.S. citizen and holds a REAL ID compliant driver license or commercial driver license may voluntarily surrender it and apply for an ID card through a Texas by Texas (TxT) account at Texas.gov, by selecting Surrender DL for ID and submitting the information that verifies identity, citizenship and age. The status of the surrender request is checked by phone at 1-866-357-3639 (1-866-DL RENEW).

Renewals and replacements

An ID card renews up to two years before and two years after its expiration, online or by phone when the last renewal was in person, the holder is 18 or older and a U.S. citizen with a Social Security number on file; otherwise in person with the application, proof of citizenship or lawful presence if not on record, and proof of identity. A card expired more than two years is applied for again as new. A lost, stolen or damaged card is replaced online through Texas by Texas with the card number, date of birth, last four digits of the Social Security number and the audit number from the card, or at an office with one identity document; a stolen card that was misused calls for a police report, which the office uses to decide whether a new number is needed. The renewal page and the replacement guide carry the steps; a name or address change is on the change guide.

ID card fees

Source: the DPS driver license fees page, read on October 14, 2026; the $1 administrative fee is inside each amount and not charged by mail. Offices take credit cards, cash, checks, money orders and tap-to-pay.

Questions about Texas ID cards

Can I keep my driver license and get an ID card too?

No. DPS says REAL ID and Texas law (Transportation Code Section 521.183) allow a person to hold a driver license or an identification card but not both; someone who holds a license surrenders it when applying for an ID, and the appointment scheduler will not offer the other card to someone who has one.

How long is a Texas ID card valid?

Six years, on the holder's birthday. The new and renewal fee is $16 at 59 and younger and $6 at 60 and older; a replacement is $11.

Can I renew an ID card online?

Yes when the last renewal was in person, the card expires within two years or expired less than two years ago, you are 18 or older, and you are a U.S. citizen with a Social Security number on record, through Texas by Texas at Texas.gov or by phone at 1-866-357-3639 (1-866-DL RENEW).

I am 65 and no longer drive. Can I trade my license for an ID without a visit?

Yes. A U.S. citizen 65 or older with a REAL ID compliant driver license or CDL may surrender it and apply for an ID card through a Texas by Texas account with the Surrender DL for ID option; DPS checks identity, citizenship and age from the request, and the status is available at 1-866-357-3639 (1-866-DL RENEW).

Does a child need a Social Security number for an ID?

DPS requires the number of every applicant who is eligible for one, verified electronically with the Social Security Administration; a person not eligible completes a Social Security Number Affidavit (DL-13) at the office.

Is there a free alternative for voting?

An election identification certificate, issued free at any driver license office to a Texas resident 17 years and 10 months or older who is eligible to vote and holds none of the accepted photo IDs; it is valid only for voting. The election identification certificate guide explains it.