Texas ID Card: How to Get One, Required Documents, Cost and REAL ID Guide

A Texas ID card is an official state-issued photo identification document for Texas residents who do not drive or who need a supplementary ID. Consequently, Texas ID cards serve as valid government photo identification for banking, healthcare, voting, travel within the US (with REAL ID), and any situation requiring proof of identity and Texas residency. This guide covers how to get a Texas ID, what documents you need, the cost, and how to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant version.

What Is a Texas ID Card?

A Texas ID card is issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to Texas residents as an official state photo identification document. Furthermore, Texas ID cards look similar to Texas driver’s licenses but include the words IDENTIFICATION CARD rather than DRIVER LICENSE at the top. ID cards are commonly used by elderly residents who no longer drive, young people who are not yet driving age, individuals whose licenses have been suspended, and anyone who prefers not to drive but needs official government ID. As a result of their official status, Texas ID cards are accepted anywhere driver’s licenses are accepted as proof of identity.

Who Should Get a Texas ID Card?

• Residents who do not have a driver’s license and need official government photo ID
• Individuals whose driver’s license has been suspended or revoked
• Young people under 16 who are not yet eligible for a driver’s license
• Elderly residents who have surrendered their driver’s license
• Anyone who prefers an ID without driving privileges on the document

Documents Required for a Texas ID Card

• Proof of identity (one document): US birth certificate, US passport, Permanent Resident Card, or other accepted identity document
• Social Security number (one document): Social Security card, W-2 form, or SSA-1099
• Texas residency proof (two documents): Utility bill, bank statement, vehicle registration, mortgage or lease agreement, or voter registration card with Texas address

Texas ID Card Cost and Validity

A standard Texas ID card costs $16 for residents under age 70. Texas ID cards are issued free of charge to residents 70 and older. Furthermore, replacement cards for lost or stolen IDs cost $11. The standard Texas ID is valid for six years. In contrast to driver’s licenses that are renewed every eight years, Texas ID renewals occur more frequently at the six-year interval. As a result, budget for periodic renewal visits to the DPS office approximately every six years.

Texas REAL ID — The Gold Star ID

Texas ID cards are available in REAL ID-compliant versions marked with a gold star in the upper right corner. Furthermore, a REAL ID-compliant Texas ID card meets federal standards and is accepted at TSA airport security checkpoints for domestic air travel — making it equivalent to a REAL ID driver’s license for air travel purposes. As a result, non-driving Texans who need to fly domestically should specifically request the REAL ID version of their ID card during the application process. REAL ID requires the same additional documentation as the standard application.

How to Apply for a Texas ID Card

Apply for a Texas ID card in person at any Texas DPS driver license office. Furthermore, scheduling an appointment at dps.texas.gov before your visit significantly reduces wait times. Bring all required documents — DPS staff cannot process your application if documents are missing. As a result, reviewing the complete document requirements at dps.texas.gov before your appointment prevents unnecessary return trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find more Texas government guides in our Texas Guide. You can also read our Texas REAL ID guide for the gold star ID card requirements. Additionally, our Texas Driver License Renewal guide covers the renewal process for those who drive.