Section 1: Applying for or Renewing a DL/ID/CDL

Yes.  All first time applicants and those transferring from another state will need to visit their driver license office for assistance. Driver license services are available by appointment only.  You may schedule an appointment up to 180 days in advance at your local driver license office by using our online appointment solution.   This will allow you to schedule an appointment for the service you need and avoid any lines.

There are several documents you will need to bring with you to apply for your first driver license or identification card.  To make sure you are prepared for your visit, please review and/or print our checklist on What to bring with you when applying for a Texas Driver License or Identification Card. We also recommend you visit our webpage on How to apply for a Texas Driver License for more information on the steps you will need to take in order to complete the process.

If you are renewing your driver license or identification card, you may be eligible to renew online and avoid an office visit.  Visit our webpage on How to renew your Texas Driver License, Motorcycle License or Identification card for more information.  If you are not eligible to renew online, or are applying for the first time, you will need to visit your local driver license office.  Driver license services are available by appointment only.  You may schedule an appointment up to 180 days in advance at your local driver license office by using our online appointment solution.    This will allow you to schedule an appointment for the service you need and avoid any lines. 

Our full-time driver license offices are open Monday through Friday, with Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays being our busiest days.   The busiest times of the year are usually during spring break, summer and after all major holidays.

You may be eligible to renew online if you did not renew online last time and you meet certain criteria.  For more information and to see if you are eligible, visit our webpage on How to renew your Texas Driver License, Motorcycle License or Identification card .

Most driver licenses and identification cards can be renewed up to two years before and after the expiration date. You have several convenient options to renew your Texas driver license or identification card during this time, including:

• Online
• By Telephone
• By Mail, or
• In-person at your local driver license office

For more information please visit our webpage on How to renew your Texas Driver License, Motorcycle License or Identification card.

Although you may have visited a driver license office to change your address or get a duplicate of a lost or stolen card, the reason you may not be eligible to renew online is because that every other renewal (specifically) must be completed in person at a driver license office. For more information regarding the requirements to renew your driver license online, please visit our Online Renewal Eligibility Requirements webpage.

Please review and/or print our checklist on
What to bring with you when renewing a Texas Driver License or Identification Card.

Most driver licenses and all identification cards can be renewed up to two years in advance.  For more information visit our webpage on How to renew your Texas Driver License, Motorcycle License or Identification card.

To check the mailing status of your card, please visit our webpage Where's my driver license or ID card?

Please visit our webpage on How to Renew or Replace your DL or ID while you are out-of-state for information on how to renew while you are not in Texas.

Your photograph is one of the forms of authentication we use to prevent identification fraud.  We use an image verification process governed by Texas Transportation Code, Section 521.059. 

Texas Transportation Code, Sections 521.101(d) and 521.142(g) require the Department to collect an applicant's social security number for the issuance of a driver license or identification card.  The collection of this information assists with verifying your identity and preventing identity fraud.

No, you can take care of your driver license or identification card needs at any driver license office. Driver license services are available by appointment only.  You may schedule an appointment up to 180 days in advance at your local driver license office by using our online appointment solution.   This will allow you to schedule an appointment for the service you need and avoid any lines.

If you need to replace or renew your driver license or identification card, you may be eligible to take care of your transaction online instead.  Visit Online Services Eligibility to determine if you are eligible and have the required information, then visit our Online Services webpage. 

You can check your driving eligibility and pay any reinstatement fees on our Driver License Eligibility webpage. 

If you are not a US citizen, you will be required to provide documentation proving lawful presence for any driver license or identification card transaction.

If you are applying for a CDL for the first time, or re-applying because your CDL has been expired for more than two years, the Code of Federal Regulations require you to obtain a CLP and hold it for a minimum of two weeks before you can apply for your CDL.  This permit allows you to practice on public roadways with a qualified CDL holder in the cab with you so that you may receive behind the wheel experience under a controlled setting.

To find out more information about the requirement to hold a CLP, please visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's website on obtaining a commercial driver license. For information on the Texas process, visit our Commercial Driver License webpage.

You will need to return to Texas and visit your nearest driver license office location.  The most convenient way to locate and schedule an appointment at your closest driver license office.

In accordance to 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 383, a CDL holder must undergo a national driver record status check and provide self-certifications that can only be completed in a driver license office.  For more information, visit our Commercial Driver License webpage. 

Yes. A valid medical certificate must be provided and maintained on file for all CLP and commercial driver license holders. To locate your nearest certified medical examiner, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's webpage, and for more information on commercial driver licenses, visit our Commercial Driver License webpage.

To obtain a copy please contact the Department of State Health Services/Vital Statistics  or call 1-888-963-7111. For those born outside of Texas, please contact your home state's vital statistics bureau.

If you do not find the answer to your question listed here within our FAQ's, you can always contact our Customer Service Center for assistance.