Q&A for How to Get an ID in Texas

No, an 18-year-old is a legal adult. A parent isn't required to accompany anyone under 18, either.

Texas does not accept online applications anywhere in the state if it's your first time getting an ID. You have to take the completed application with you to your appointment at the Driver License Office so they can take your photo and fingerprints and witness your signature on the application.

Unfortunately, there's no way to speed up the process of getting your official ID card. Your temporary card should work, although you might want to also bring along another form of identification to back it up. It'll be fine within the state of Texas, but you might run into problems outside the state simply because security personnel aren't familiar with the Texas temporary ID and don't know how to verify it.

You can use it to establish your identity, but you still need to go into the office. They'll need to take your photo, witness your signature, and take your thumbprints.

Yes, any Texas resident between the ages of 15 and 18 can get a Texas state ID card. Just keep in mind that you do have to be at least 15. If you're younger and need a document to establish your identity, getting a passport is your best bet.

Absolutely! The ID card has nothing to do with driving. If you still have your actual driver's license, though, the specialist might ask you to turn it in to them.

No, if your license is still valid you can keep it. The only reason you'd possibly want to give the ID specialist your out-of-state license would be so you could waive the 30-day residency waiting period before you were eligible for a license. But if you've lived in Texas for 30 days already, you're free to keep it.