What you need to do to schedule a Texas ID for someone under 18

To book a Texas ID appointment for a minor, you go to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, select your nearest driver license office, and choose an available time slot. The minor does not have to be present when you book — a parent or legal guardian can schedule the appointment online using the minor's information. You will need the minor's Social Security number, date of birth, and current address to complete the booking.

Texas offers two ways to get an ID for a minor: a Real ID-compliant driver license or ID card, or a standard (non-Real ID) version. The Real ID version requires more documents at the appointment but works for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight. The standard version is faster if the minor only needs state identification. Either way, the appointment process is the same — you book online, show up at the scheduled time, and bring the required documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Book Texas ID appointments for minors online through the DPS website; the parent or guardian books on behalf of the minor.
  • You will need the minor's Social Security number, date of birth, and current address to complete the online booking.
  • Real ID appointments require more documents (certified birth certificate, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number) but allow the minor to use the ID for federal travel.
  • Standard ID appointments are faster and require fewer documents but cannot be used for federal purposes like domestic flights.
  • The minor must be present at the appointment with the parent or guardian; bring all required documents or the appointment will be rescheduled.

Real ID versus standard ID for a Texas minor

A Real ID is a federal standard that allows the ID to be used for domestic air travel, entry to federal buildings, and military bases. To get a Real ID for a minor in Texas, you must bring a certified copy of the minor's birth certificate, proof of the minor's Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or school enrollment letter in the minor's name), and proof of the parent or guardian's identity. The appointment takes longer because the DPS staff must verify more documents.

A standard ID is a Texas state ID that does not meet federal Real ID requirements. It works for state purposes like buying age-restricted items or entering state buildings, but not for domestic flights or federal facilities. Standard ID appointments are usually faster because fewer documents are required — typically just proof of identity and residency. If the minor only needs identification for school, shopping, or local activities, a standard ID is simpler to obtain.

Choose Real ID if the minor will travel by air domestically or may need to enter federal buildings. Choose standard ID if the minor only needs state-level identification and speed matters more than federal compatibility.

Documents to bring to the appointment

The documents you bring depend on whether you are getting a Real ID or a standard ID. For a Real ID appointment, bring: a certified copy of the minor's birth certificate (not a photocopy), the minor's Social Security card or a document showing the Social Security number (W-2, 1099, or tax return), proof of residency in the minor's name (utility bill, lease, school enrollment letter, or bank statement), and a photo ID of the parent or guardian. Some offices also accept a passport as proof of identity for the minor.

For a standard ID appointment, bring: proof of identity for the minor (passport, certified birth certificate, or school ID), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or school enrollment letter), and a photo ID of the parent or guardian. The minor does not need a Social Security card for a standard ID, though having one speeds up the process.

Bring originals, not photocopies, unless the DPS website for your specific office lists otherwise. If you arrive without all required documents, the DPS will reschedule your appointment and you will have to book again.

How to book the appointment online

Go to the Texas DPS website and look for the "Driver License" or "Appointment" section. Select "Schedule an Appointment" and choose your county and the specific driver license office you want to visit. The website will show you available dates and times for the next several weeks. Pick a slot that works for you.

Enter the minor's information: full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and phone number. Select whether you want a Real ID or standard ID. Review the document checklist for your choice and make sure you have everything before the appointment date. The DPS will send a confirmation email with the appointment date, time, office address, and a list of required documents.

Save the confirmation email or print it. Some offices ask you to bring it to the appointment, though it is not always required. If you need to change the appointment, you can usually reschedule online using the confirmation number, though availability varies by office.

What happens at the appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The minor and the parent or guardian must both be present. Bring all required documents in a folder or envelope so they are straightforward to hand over. The DPS staff will check that you have everything on the document list. If anything is missing, they will reschedule the appointment — you cannot proceed without complete documents.

If all documents are in order, the staff will take the minor's photograph, verify the information you provided online, and process the process. The minor will be asked to sign the process. For a Real ID, the verification process takes longer because staff must check the birth certificate and Social Security information against state and federal databases.

The DPS will tell you when the ID will be ready for pickup — usually within 7 to 10 business days for a standard ID and 10 to 15 business days for a Real ID. You can pick it up at the same office or request it be mailed to the address on file. Some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee if you need the ID faster.

Common reasons appointments get rescheduled

The most common reason is missing or incomplete documents. If you bring a photocopy instead of an original, or if a document is expired or does not match the name on file, the DPS will not process the process. Check the confirmation email carefully and bring everything listed, even if you think one item is not necessary.

The minor must be present and must be able to sign the process. If the minor is too young to sign or is not present, the appointment will be rescheduled. The parent or guardian cannot sign on behalf of the minor. If the minor is ill or unable to attend, cancel the appointment online and rebook for a later date.

Proof of residency must be in the minor's name or the parent or guardian's name and must show the current address. If your utility bill or lease is in a different name or shows an old address, bring a second document that confirms the current address, such as a school enrollment letter or recent bank statement.

Real ID important date and why it matters for minors

As of May 7, 2025, a Real ID is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If a minor will fly domestically or visit a federal facility, they need a Real ID or a passport. A standard Texas ID will no longer work for these purposes after that date. If you are unsure whether the minor will need to travel, getting a Real ID at the appointment is the safer choice — it costs the same as a standard ID in Texas.

Minors who already have a standard ID can renew it as a Real ID at any time. You do not have to wait for the ID to expire. If the minor is approaching the Real ID important date and does not yet have one, book the appointment soon because some offices have wait times of several weeks during peak periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a Texas ID appointment for a minor without their Social Security number?

No. The online booking system requires a Social Security number to schedule the appointment. If the minor does not have a Social Security number, you will need to obtain one from the Social Security Administration before booking. This usually takes one to two weeks.

Does the minor have to be present when I book the appointment?

No. The parent or legal guardian books the appointment online using the minor's information. However, the minor must be physically present at the appointment itself, along with the parent or guardian.

What if I do not have a certified birth certificate for a Real ID appointment?

You can order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the vital records office in the state where the minor was born. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $20 to $30. Some offices accept a passport as an alternative proof of identity and citizenship, so check with your local DPS office before ordering.

Can I reschedule or cancel the appointment online?

Yes. Use the confirmation number from your appointment email to reschedule or cancel on the Texas DPS website. You can usually change the date and time without penalty, though availability depends on your office and how far in advance you reschedule.

How long does it take to get the ID after the appointment?

Standard IDs are usually ready within 7 to 10 business days. Real IDs take 10 to 15 business days because of additional verification. You can pick it up at the office or request it be mailed. Some offices offer expedited service for an extra fee if you need it faster.