Renew and Replace ID Cards in Texas
Individuals need to apply for an ID card renewal in Texas when approaching the expiration date of their identification cards. However, when facing a stolen, destroyed or lost ID card, individuals will be required to apply for a duplicate credential in order to prevent identity theft or fraud. Both the ID card renewal and the replacement procedure are completed through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
The DPS offers four renewal methods and one replacement method to ID card holders, as long as they satisfy the eligibility criteria. If you want to find out more information about how to renew or replace ID cards in Texas, continue reading the sections below.
How to Renew Your ID Card in Texas
Texas residents will be required to renew ID cards prior to the expiration date of their identity credentials, which are valid for six years. However, drivers must renew ID cards either one year before the expiration date or up to two years after the date of expiry.
When renewing ID card in Texas, individuals will have four methods that they may use: online, by phone, by mail and in person at a local DPS office. The eligibility criteria for ID card renewal may vary from one method to another. Continue reading the following sections to find out how to renew ID card in Texas, using different methods.
Note: Individuals must renew ID cards in person every other time in order to update the photo on their credentials.
How to Renew ID Cards in Texas Online
Prior to initiating the online ID card renewal procedure using the available service at the Department of Public Safety, individuals are required to satisfy several eligibility requirements.
When renewing ID cards in Texas, applicants must be U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years of age and who have previously provided a Social Security Number to the DPS. Moreover, they will be required to have renewed their ID cards in person at the DPS the previous time and to possess an ID card that will expire in less than one year.
In addition, if you want to renew expired ID card, the credential must be expired less than two years prior. If your ID card has been expired for over two years, you will not be eligible to renew it; instead you will have to apply for a new credential. Once you satisfy these eligibility criteria, you may begin the online identification card renewal procedure by preparing the following:
- Your current ID card
- The last four digits of your Social Security Number
- A valid credit card for the payment of the applicable fees
- A printer for printing the temporary credential and payment receipt
After providing the above-mentioned items, you may renew ID card online by following the instructions on the Texas Driver License Renewal and Change of Address system.
How to Renew ID Cards in Texas by Phone
The Texas ID card renewal procedure may also be completed by phone. However, in order to use this method for renewing ID cards, individuals must satisfy the same eligibility criteria as those for the online method. Once you satisfy the requirements, call the DPS and follow the instructions given by the DPS representative.
How to Renew ID Cards in Texas by Mail
Individuals will be able to renew identification cards in TX by mail, as long as they have received an invitation to renew by mail. The ID card renewal invitation will arrive at your mailing address and you will be able to renew your credential by mail, by phone or online.
In order to complete the procedure for renewing identification cards, you need to follow the instructions given on the invitation.
How to Renew ID Cards in Texas in Person
If you are ineligible to renew ID card online, by mail or by phone, you must appear in person at a local TX DPS branch. Moreover, individuals are required to appear at the DPS at least once in a 12-year period in order to update their photo, signature and fingerprints.
When renewing ID cards in person, applicants will be required to provide the following documents for verification:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of Social Security Number
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Proof of Texas residency
In addition to these documents for ID card renewal, individuals may be required to complete an application form and pay the applicable fees. The TX DPS will renew your ID card only after verifying your documentation.
How to Replace Your ID Card in Texas
Individuals may be required to apply for a Texas ID card replacement when dealing with lost, stolen or destroyed credentials. Having a stolen or lost ID card may cause identity theft or fraud. Therefore, individuals are encouraged to get a copy of ID card immediately after they realize that their personal information may be in jeopardy.
Moreover, ID card holders who are facing a stolen ID card are mandated to file a police report. After that, you need to go to the TX DPS and file for a replacement ID card.
How to Replace ID Cards in Texas in Person
To replace ID card in Texas, residents must first file a police report and then visit a nearby DPS location in order to obtain a replacement credential. Once you arrive at the DPS, make sure that you complete the following steps:
- Complete an Application for Renewal/Replacement/Change of a Texas Driver License or Identification Card (form DL-43).
- Provide proof of identity and proof of lawful presence in the U.S.
- Confirm your date of birth and Social Security Number.
- Submit a copy of the police report, if you filed one.
- Pay the required replacement ID card fee.
Texas ID Card Renewal and Replacement Fees
The final step in the Texas identification card renewal or replacement procedure is to provide payment for the applicable fees. When renewing ID cards, individuals may be required to pay different fees, depending on their age.
For instance, applicants who are 59 years of age and younger need to pay $16 for ID card renewal, while individuals who are 60 years of age and older will be required to pay a $6 fee. However, the age differentiation is not implemented when replacing ID cards in TX and paying the applicable fees. To obtain a duplicate ID card in Texas, applicants must pay the $11 fee.