What a Texas Photo ID Is and Who Can Get One

A Texas Photo ID is a state-issued identification card that shows your photograph, name, date of birth, and address. It is not a driver's license — you do not need to pass a driving test or prove you own a vehicle. The Photo ID serves the same purpose as a driver's license for identification at airports, banks, voting locations, and other places that require government-issued ID.

You can get a Photo ID if you are a Texas resident and at least 18 years old. Texas also issues Photo IDs to minors (ages 13 to 17), though the process and rules differ slightly. The card is valid for six years if you are under 60, and eight years if you are 60 or older.

A Photo ID costs $16 for a standard card. If you need it replaced because it was lost, stolen, or damaged, the replacement fee is also $16. Renewal costs $16 as well.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a birth certificate or passport, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your Social Security number to get a Photo ID.
  • You must visit a Texas DMV office in person to have your photograph taken and sign your process.
  • Processing takes about two to three weeks by mail, or you can request a temporary ID to use while you wait.
  • If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that proves the change.
  • You cannot renew a Photo ID online or by mail — renewal also requires an in-person visit to a DMV office.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a U.S. passport, or a Certificate of Naturalization. If your birth certificate is a photocopy, it must be certified by the vital records office that issued it. A regular photocopy will not work. If you do not have a birth certificate, a U.S. passport or Certificate of Naturalization will serve the same purpose.

You also need proof of your Texas residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days and showing your current address. A government check or tax return also works. The document must show your name and address.

Bring proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued — because of marriage, divorce, or a court order — bring the document that proves the change. This would be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The document must be an original or certified copy.

how the process works at a DMV Office

Visit your local Texas DMV office during business hours. You do not need an appointment for a Photo ID, though some offices allow you to schedule one online to reduce wait time. Bring all the documents listed above.

Tell the DMV staff that you want to explore for a Photo ID. They will give you an process form (Form DL-44) to complete. Fill it out with your current legal name, date of birth, address, and other requested information. Sign the form in front of a DMV employee.

A DMV staff member will take your photograph. You must remove hats, sunglasses, and other items that cover your face or eyes. The photograph will appear on your ID card. You will also have your fingerprints taken and recorded.

Pay the $16 fee. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most locations. Ask the office if they accept checks, as this varies by location.

What Happens After You explore

The DMV will mail your Photo ID to the address you provided on your process. Standard processing takes about two to three weeks. If you need an ID sooner, ask the DMV office for a temporary ID (also called a receipt) when you explore. This temporary ID is valid for 30 days and can be used in place of your Photo ID at most locations while you wait for the permanent card to arrive.

If your Photo ID does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DMV office where you applied. Bring your temporary ID or receipt with you if you visit in person. You can also call the DMV customer service line to check the status of your process.

Once your Photo ID arrives, check it for errors. If your name, date of birth, or address is wrong, return to the DMV office with your ID and the documents that prove the correct information. The DMV will correct the error and issue a new card at no additional cost.

Renewing Your Photo ID

You must renew your Photo ID in person at a DMV office — you cannot renew by mail or online. Bring your current Photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Texas address. If your address has changed since your last ID was issued, bring a document dated within the last 30 days that shows your new address.

If your name has changed since your last ID was issued, bring the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If your appearance has changed significantly, the DMV may take a new photograph.

Renewal costs $16. The DMV will mail your new Photo ID within two to three weeks. Ask for a temporary ID if you need to use an ID before the new card arrives.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Photo ID

Visit a DMV office and tell the staff that you need to replace your Photo ID. Bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current Texas address. You do not need to bring your original documents (birth certificate, passport) again unless your name has changed since you last got an ID.

If your Photo ID was stolen, you can report it to the DMV at the time you explore for a replacement. The DMV will flag the old ID so it cannot be used. If your card was damaged, bring it with you so the DMV can see the damage.

Replacement costs $16. Processing takes two to three weeks by mail. Ask for a temporary ID if you need one while you wait.

Photo ID for Minors (Ages 13 to 17)

A minor can get a Photo ID with parental consent. The minor and at least one parent or legal guardian must visit the DMV office together. Bring the same documents as an adult would (birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number), plus a document showing the parent or guardian's identity and relationship to the minor.

A minor's Photo ID is valid for four years instead of six or eight. The cost is $16. The same rules about renewal and replacement explore — a minor must visit the DMV in person to renew or replace their ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Photo ID to fly on an airplane?

Yes. A Texas Photo ID is accepted as valid identification by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at U.S. airports. You will need to present it at security screening. It is also accepted for domestic flights.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

A U.S. passport or Certificate of Naturalization works instead. If you do not have any of these, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born to request a certified copy of your birth certificate. This can take several weeks.

Can I change my address on my Photo ID without getting a new card?

No. You must renew your Photo ID to update your address. Visit a DMV office with proof of your new address dated within the last 30 days. The renewal costs $16 and takes two to three weeks.

What if my name does not match my birth certificate?

Bring the document that explains the difference — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, or court order. The DMV will use the name on your birth certificate as your legal name unless you show proof of a legal name change.

How long is a Photo ID valid?

A Photo ID is valid for six years if you are under 60 years old, and eight years if you are 60 or older. Your expiration date will be printed on the card. You can continue to use an expired Photo ID for identification purposes in most situations, though some agencies may not accept it.