Book your minor's Texas ID appointment through the DPS website or by phone

To get a Texas ID for a minor, you must schedule an appointment with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) before you visit a driver license office. You cannot walk in without one. The fastest way is to go to dps.texas.gov, click "Driver License" in the top menu, then select "Schedule an Appointment." You can also call the DPS at 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-377-8935) to book by phone.

When you schedule, you will choose your nearest DPS office location and pick a date and time that works for you. The system shows you available slots, usually several days out. You will receive a confirmation number by email or text — save this, because you will need it when you arrive at your appointment.

Appointments typically fill up during school hours and on weekends, so booking on a weekday morning often gives you more options. If the times near you are full, check offices in neighboring cities or try again the next day, as cancellations open up regularly.

Key Takeaways

  • Schedule your appointment online at dps.texas.gov or by calling 1-844-377-8935 before visiting any DPS office.
  • You will need your minor's birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of Texas residency, and your own ID to bring to the appointment.
  • The minor must be present at the appointment, and a parent or legal guardian must accompany them.
  • Appointments are usually available within one to three weeks, though times vary by location and season.
  • Bring all required documents in original form — photocopies are not accepted for birth certificates or Social Security cards.

What documents to bring to the appointment

Bring originals, not copies. The DPS will not accept photocopies of your minor's birth certificate or Social Security card. You will need the minor's original birth certificate (long-form, not a wallet card), their original Social Security card, and proof of Texas residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, school enrollment letter, or a government document showing the minor's name and current Texas address dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to bring your own ID — a driver license, passport, or other government-issued photo ID. If you are not the minor's parent, bring proof of legal guardianship or a notarized power of attorney. The DPS office will make copies of what they need, but you must bring the originals so they can verify them.

If the minor's name on their birth certificate does not match their current legal name, bring court documents showing the name change. If the minor was born outside the United States, bring their original passport or travel document along with the birth certificate.

Who must attend the appointment

The minor must be present in person. A parent or legal guardian must also attend — the minor cannot come alone, and you cannot send someone else to represent you. If both parents have legal custody, only one needs to attend. If custody is shared with someone outside the household, bring the custody order or agreement.

The DPS staff will ask the minor questions to verify their identity and will take their photograph and fingerprints at the appointment. This is why the minor must be there — the ID card is tied to their biometric data, and it cannot be done by proxy.

What happens during the appointment

The appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Staff will review your documents, ask the minor basic questions (name, address, date of birth), take a digital photograph, and collect fingerprints. The minor will sign the process, and you will sign as the parent or guardian. You will pay the fee at this time — a Texas ID for a minor costs $16 for a four-year card or $32 for an eight-year card, depending on the minor's age.

The DPS will tell you when the card will be ready. Standard processing takes about two weeks. If you need it faster, some offices offer rush service for an additional fee, though availability varies by location. You will receive the card by mail at the address you provide, or you can pick it up at the office if that option is available.

Bring the confirmation number from your appointment booking. Have all documents organized and ready to hand over. Arrive 10 minutes early so staff can check you in. If you are missing any required document, the appointment will be cancelled and you will have to reschedule.

How to reschedule or cancel if plans change

If you need to change your appointment, go back to dps.texas.gov, log in with your confirmation number, and select a new date and time. You can also call 1-844-377-8935 to reschedule by phone. Cancellations made at least 24 hours before your appointment time do not carry a penalty.

If you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment, you may lose your appointment slot and have to wait longer to book another one, depending on how busy the office is. If you miss your appointment without cancelling, you will have to reschedule and may wait several weeks for the next available time.

What to do if appointments are full in your area

If no appointments are showing in your city, check DPS offices in nearby towns. You can schedule at any office in Texas, not just the one closest to you. Offices in rural areas or smaller cities often have more availability than those in major metropolitan areas.

You can also check the schedule again in a few days — cancellations happen regularly and new slots open up. Setting a reminder to check the website every few days can help you catch an opening. If you have a specific reason you need the ID urgently (school enrollment, travel), some offices may have a walk-in window for emergency situations, though this is not may provide and varies by location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule an appointment for a minor without being present?

No. You must schedule the appointment yourself or call to book it, but the minor and a parent or legal guardian must both be present at the office visit. The DPS will not process an ID without the minor there in person.

What if my minor's birth certificate is a short-form or wallet card?

You need the long-form birth certificate, which shows the minor's full name, date of birth, and parents' names. Short-form certificates and wallet cards are not accepted. You can order a new long-form certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the county where the minor was born.

Do I need to bring the minor's Social Security card if I have their number?

Yes, you must bring the original card. The DPS will not accept just the number — they need to see and verify the physical card. If the card is lost, you will need to order a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your appointment.

How long does a Texas ID last?

A Texas ID for a minor is valid for either four or eight years, depending on the minor's age at issuance. The DPS will tell you which term applies when you schedule. Once the minor turns 18, they can renew it as an adult ID, which lasts longer.

What if I cannot make any available appointment times?

Check offices in other cities — you may find more availability outside your when ready area. You can also call 1-844-377-8935 to ask about cancellations or to see if the office has any flexibility. Some offices have limited walk-in hours for emergencies, though this is not standard across all locations.