The Department of Public Safety announces the implementation of State-to-State Verification Service (S2S), and S2S Driver History Record (DHR) functionality beginning September 5, 2023.
The S2S processes meet the goal of “one driver, one card, one record” as required by the REAL ID Act, which prevents fraud, protects a person’s identity, improves the process of transferring a card from one state to another, and improves public safety on our roadways.
If you have multiple driver license or identification cards in more than one state, only your Texas driver license or identification card will remain valid. All other cards will be invalid.
The S2S Verification Service allows Texas to electronically check with other participating states to determine if the applicant currently holds a driver license or identification card in another state and invalidates those cards. This limits a person to one REAL ID compliant card.
As of September 5, 2023, residents new to Texas that apply for a driver license or identification card or existing residents that renew their cards, will have their credentials verified to ensure they have no other card in another state. If a credential is found, the S2S service will send a notice to the other state to invalidate the card(s) in that state.
Highway safety is of utmost importance to the Department and the S2S Driver History Record (DHR) functionality supports the ability to transmit out-of-state convictions and enforcement actions between states for non-commercial drivers. This functionality already exists for commercial drivers. DHR includes the real-time exchange of information for individuals who may have a driver history record in more than one state and establishes standards that prevent ineligible customers from obtaining a driver license to keep ineligible drivers off the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the State-to-State Service?
A: State-to-State Verification Service (S2S) is an electronic tool that allows states to determine whether an applicant already holds a driver license or identification card in another state. In addition, it prevents ineligible drivers from obtaining a driver license, which improves highway safety.
Q: What happens when a state discovers that a person has more than one license?
A: When a record for the customer exists in another state(s), Texas will transfer the existing record(s) from the other state(s) and any card in the other state(s) will be cancelled and made invalid.
Q: What information, including personal information, is contained in the S2S Verification Service?
A: This system contains the minimum amount of information needed to identify a record by the inquiring state against the state with the individual’s record. This information is used solely for states to locate the record and transfer it between states.
Q: Is the Social Security Number (SSN) required or optional?
A: Yes, the SSN is part of the S2S Verification Service; however, the service provides for individuals who are not eligible for a SSN. To learn more about why a SSN is required, click here.
Q: Does the federal government have access to the data through the S2S process?
A: No, the REAL ID Act prohibits the use of funds to create any new means of Federal access to state driver information or any new Federal system of records based on state data. The S2S Verification Service is owned and governed by the participating states (eventually every U.S. state), and they do not allow any Federal agency access to S2S data. To learn more about the REAL ID Act, visit https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/federal-real-id-act.
Q: If obtaining a new driver license or identification card from Texas, what happens with any driver license or identification card I may possess from another state?
A: If Texas issues you a driver license or identification card, any other card held in another state will be canceled and made invalid.
Q: What happens if I possess a Texas driver license or identification card and I am issued a new driver license or identification card by any other state?
A: Texas will cancel all driver license or identification cards issued by Texas.