What You Need to Do to Renew a Texas ID Card

You can renew a Texas ID card either in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office or online through the DPS website, depending on your situation. The online route is faster and costs less, but you must meet specific requirements: your ID cannot be expired by more than two years, you cannot have changed your name or address since your last card was issued, and you must not need a new photo. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person.

The in-person process takes about 30 minutes at a DPS office, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will need to bring your current ID, proof of residency, and payment. Online renewal takes a few minutes to complete and your new card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal is available only if your ID expired within the last two years, your name and address have not changed, and you do not need a new photo.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current ID, one proof of residency document, and the renewal fee.
  • The online renewal fee is $16; the in-person renewal fee is $25.
  • You can renew up to one year before your ID expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
  • If your ID has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you must renew in person and pay a replacement fee instead of a renewal fee.

Renewing Online Through the DPS Website

To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website and select the ID renewal option. You will need your current ID number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and address. You cannot change either one online — if your address has changed, you must renew in person.

After you submit your information and pay the $16 fee, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new card will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to use your current ID until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your ID expired more than two years ago. If that is your situation, you must go to a DPS office in person.

Renewing in Person at a DPS Office

To renew in person, visit any Texas DPS office with your current ID, one proof of residency, and payment. You do not need an appointment, but arriving early in the day or on a weekday typically means shorter waits. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot.

The in-person renewal fee is $25. If your ID has been lost, stolen, or damaged, the fee is $27 instead. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or card at most locations, but call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.

You will receive a temporary paper ID valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you. Your new ID card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Documents You Need for In-Person Renewal

Bring your current Texas ID card. If it has been lost or stolen, bring a government-issued photo ID instead (passport, military ID, or driver's license). You will also need one document that proves your current address. The DPS accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 90 days. A phone bill or credit card statement does not count as proof of residency.

If your name has changed since your last ID was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot renew online if your name has changed; you must go in person.

When Your ID Has Expired or Is About to Expire

You can renew your ID up to one year before it expires. If your ID has already expired, you can still renew it, but you cannot use it as valid identification until the new card arrives. If your ID expired more than two years ago, online renewal is not an option — you must renew in person.

An expired Texas ID is not valid for identification purposes, including boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If you need a valid ID before your new card arrives, the temporary paper ID issued at the DPS office is valid for 30 days and can be used for most purposes.

Fees and Payment Methods

Online renewal costs $16 and is paid by debit or credit card at the time you submit your process. In-person renewal costs $25 for a standard renewal or $27 if your card has been lost, stolen, or damaged. At a DPS office, you can pay in cash, check, or card, though some offices may have different payment options — call ahead to confirm.

There are no additional fees for address changes, name changes, or photo updates when you renew in person. If you need to replace a lost or stolen card, the replacement fee applies instead of the standard renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas ID if my address has changed?

You can renew in person at a DPS office and update your address at the same time. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so if your address has changed, you must go to an office in person.

What if my Texas ID was lost or stolen?

You cannot renew a lost or stolen card online. Go to a DPS office with a government-issued photo ID and proof of residency. The replacement fee is $27. You will receive a temporary paper ID valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.

How long does it take to get my new ID card after I renew?

Whether you renew online or in person, your new card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper ID valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent card.

Can I renew my ID if it expired more than two years ago?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a DPS office. Online renewal is only available if your ID expired within the last two years. Bring your expired ID, proof of residency, and payment.

Do I need an appointment to renew my ID in person?

No appointment is required. Walk into any Texas DPS office during business hours with your current ID, proof of residency, and payment. Wait times vary by location and time of day, so arriving early or on a weekday may mean a shorter wait.