Texas offers free programs: How to get your Real ID at no cost
Texas residents are required to switch to the Real ID to board commercial flights; free renewal programs are available.
The state of Texas is asking their residents to obtain the new Real ID, which started in May,7. This document is a prerequisite for boarding a commercial flight in the United States. Even though these changes are intended to enhance security, many Texans will seek assistance to apply for the new ID.
Thankfully, there are many free programs across Texas to help residents, particularly those new or migrants, and anyone else needs it. Organizations like Raices, the Texas Civil Rights Project, and American Gateways offer assistance and all the necessary information, and help people meet the new requirements without extra costs.
ALSO SEE: Bank of America and Wells Fargo closures in the United States: Full list of branches in 2025
Free programs to renew the Real ID in Texas
Raices
The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (Raices) is a legal nonprofit organization that provides legal and social services to migrants residing in Texas.
"As the largest providers of immigration legal services in Texas, Raices believes in a country where everyone has access to legal and social services," the organization states as its motto on its website.
Services even include assistance for how to get the Real ID, workshops, and free humanitarian services. To ask questions about these services, users should call +1 (833) 372-4237.
Texas Civil Rights Project
Despite being a civil organization willing to serve any individual in Texas, it refers to itself on its website as intended to serve "African American, Latino and low-income" people.
The group provides many services, including programs titled, "89th Legislative Session" or "Beyond Border", but one of their services is free legal assistance on legal processes for migrants to help them to obtain a legal process a legal status like the Real ID.
American Gateways
This organization aims to serve the migrant community in Central Texas. They coordinate free events and programs to facilitate immigration procedures like the Real ID.
How to renew the Real ID in Texas: Step by step
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) website states that a Real ID can be requested at a Department of Public Safety office.
The user must have the following documents to start the process:
- An original or certified copy of the birth certificate or valid U.S. passport
- Social Security card
- Current vehicle registration or title
- Vehicle insurance policy
Processing time varies by state. Here in Texas, it could be 2-3 weeks to process, and the individual would receive a temporary document while waiting.
“Your official driver’s license will normally arrive by mail within two to three weeks. To check the status of your card shipment, visit our shipping status webpage,” announced the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
What happens to residents who didn't get the Real ID
Those who have not complied with the process, will have major constraints when traveling domestically in the U.S., which will include delays or denial to boarding at the gate.
"Passengers presenting a state ID that does not meet Real ID requirements at TSA checkpoints and who do not have an alternative acceptable ID will be notified of non-compliance, may be direct to a separate screening area, and may undergo additional screening. This includes TSA PreCheck," stated the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
