Driver Licenses and Identification Cards
1. How may I replace a lost license if I do not know my DL number?
To replace a lost license without a driver license number*, please schedule an appointment at your local driver license office.
If you do not know your driver license number, you may be able to obtain it from one of the following documents:
- Your automobile insurance policy
- Home or automobile lease agreements
- A copy of your license provided to your Physician
- Similar legal or business documents
*To replace your driver license online you must have the driver license audit number also.
For more information, please visit our webpage on How to Replace your Driver License, Commercial Driver License or ID card.
2. If online renewal is not currently an option for me, could it be expanded to include more people in the future?
The Department will continue to make online services available to more individuals as changes are made to state and federal laws. For additional information on online renewal requirements, please visit our website at How to Renew your Texas Driver License, Commercial Driver License, Motorcycle License and ID.
3. May elderly people (over the age of 70) be allowed to renew online?
Yes. If you are under the age of 79, you may be eligible to renew your DL or ID 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.
4. Will REAL ID requirements be extended?
No. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is not anticipating any further extensions to the REAL ID Act deadline of May 7, 2025. To assist those who are required to travel and the public, the Transportation Security Administration has released guidelines on accepting state issued cards for identity purposes. For more information visit the Transportation Security Administration.
5. What if my out-of-state license expires before I can get it transferred to Texas?
As a new Texas resident, you may drive with a valid, unexpired driver license from another U.S. state, U.S. territory, Canadian province, or qualifying country for up to 90 days after moving to Texas.
An out-of-state license can be transferred if it is valid and not expired over two years. If your license expired two or more years ago, you must take the knowledge and driving tests in Texas.
Visit the Department's webpage How to apply for a Texas Driver License for more information on applying for a Texas driver license.
6. How do I request a Temporary Permit while out of state?
To request a temporary driving permit:
- Send an email request to 701@dps.texas.gov.
- Include your full name, license number, and date of birth.
- State the reason you are requesting a Temporary Permit.
- State that you are completing the required application for an Out of State/Country duplicate license.
- No fee is required for requesting this Temporary Permit.
- If approved, the Temporary Permit will be sent by encrypted email with instructions on how to retrieve the encrypted item.
Please note that only one Temporary Driving Permit is approved within a 12-month period.
Commercial Driver Licenses
1. How can I submit a medical certificate?
If you are certified to a non-excepted medical status and have a medical examiner's certificate, you can send your certificate to the Department via email, fax, or mail.
Emails: CDLMedCert@dps.texas.gov (Please send in PDF format)
Fax: 512-424-2002
Mail:
Texas Department of Public Safety
Issuance Service
Attn: CDL Section
P.O. Box 4087
Austin, Texas 78773-0320
2. What if my medical certification is expiring soon or has expired?
If you have your medical certificate is going to expire or has expired, you may send your certificate to the Department via email, fax, or mail. (Reference to Question #1 for details).
To upgrade your license that was downgraded because your medical certificate expired, schedule an appointment at https://public.txdpsscheduler.com. For additional information about the downgrade and medical certificate requirements, visit our website's Medical Certificate page.
3. If my medical certificate is about to expire and I am unable to see a doctor to renew, will I have to retest if my CDL is downgraded?
If your CDL was downgraded because your medical certificate expired, you may be eligible to upgrade without retaking the knowledge and skills test if your license has not been expired for more than two years.
For additional information about the downgrade and medical certificate requirements, visit our website's Medical Certificate page.
4. I just got my commercial learner permit (CLP). Do I still need to wait 14 days before I can take the skills test?
Yes, you are required by federal regulations to wait 14 days after getting your CLP before you can take a skills test for your Commercial Drivers License. This waiting period allows you time to practice driving a commercial motor vehicle with a licensed CDL holder supervising you.
5. If my Texas limb waiver is about to expire, will an extension be granted to continue driving a commercial vehicle?
No, extensions are not available for limb waivers. Please select the link below for the application.
Texas Intrastate Limb Waiver Application (CDL-37). Once completed, send to TexasCDL@dps.texas.gov for processing.