Drivers License Division FAQs
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions for the
Driver License Division

Click one of the following:
 
 
 

Driver License or Identification Card
Click one of the following:
 

  Click on any question below for the answer


Driver License Questions
First Time Age 18 and over
1) I am new to Texas, what do I need to do in order to get a Texas license?
2) I am a Texas resident and have never had a Texas license, what do I need to do in order to apply for one?
3) Is there a driver license fee for disabled veterans?

Under Age 18
1) What are the requirements for a Minors Restricted Driver License (MRDL/Hardship)?
2)  I am under 18 years of age and have an out-of-state driver license. What do I have to do to change my driver license to a Texas license?

Renewal
1) How can I renew my valid or expired Texas driver license? What exams and documents are required?
2) My child needs to renew his/her license. What documents are required at renewal time?
3) Does Texas honor active duty military licenses after expiration?
4) My Texas driver license has expired for more than 2 years and I live in another state, how can I renew my driver license?
5) How can I renew my Texas driver license while out of state? (Military or Non-Military)
6) What is the processing time for an out-of-state renewal?
7) Why was my out-of-state renewal packet returned?
8) My Texas license is expired, is there a grace period for the renewal?

Replacement of my License
1) I have lost my Texas license, identification card, permit or MRDL. Where do I go to get a replacement?
2) I am currently out-of-state, how do I replace my Texas Driver License? (Military and Non-Military)
3) My Texas license or identification card has been stolen or lost and someone has committed fraud using my information. Can this be reported online and is it possible to have a new number assigned to me?

Change Information on my License
1) How do I change the address on my Texas Driver License?
2) Can I change my address online?
3) I have recently married. How long do I have to change the name on my license? Can I change my name online?
4) May I have my license mailed to a different address other than my residential address?

Driver License Numbers
1) If I get my child a Texas identification card, will the same number be their Texas driver license number?
Go back to Driver License and Identification Card Menu
Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu

Instruction Permit
Information/Requirements
1) What is an instruction permit and what is the minimum age to obtain one?
2) What is a motorcycle instruction permit?
3) How do I obtain an instruction permit?
4) What is the new law regarding licensing applicants under the age of 18?
5) What is a TEA certificate (Verification of Attendance and Enrollment in school) and how long is it valid?
6) I have lost my Texas instruction permit or MRDL. Where do I go to get a replacement?
Go back to Driver License and Identification Card Menu
Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu

Motorcycle License/Permit
Information/Requirements
1) What is a motorcycle instruction permit and what is the minimum age to obtain one?
2) How do I obtain a motorcycle instruction permit?
3) How can I get a license to drive a motorcycle?
4) How do I obtain a motorcycle operator manual?
5) The motorcycle classification that I held on my previous state’s driver license was not applied to my Texas Driver License. How can I correct this?
6) I am currently out-of-state and want to add a motorcycle classification to my Texas license. How can this be done?
Go back to Driver License and Identification Card Menu
Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu

Commercial Driver License
First Time
1) What do I need to do to get a Texas Commercial Driver License (CDL)?
2) How do I transfer my out-of-state commercial driver license (CDL)?

Renewal – Vision Waiver
1) Can I renew my Texas Commercial Driver License (CDL) online, by phone or mail, or while out-of-state?
2) I am applying for or renewing my Texas Commercial Driver License (CDL)and need a vision waiver. What do I do?
3) If my license is suspended, am I still eligible for a Texas Commercial Driver License (CDL)?
4) I previously held a Texas Commercial Driver License (CDL). Can I get my CDL back without testing?

Change Information on my Commercial Driver License
1) Can I change my name, address or license class/endorsements of my Texas Commercial Driver License (CDL) online, by phone or mail, or while out-of-state?

Special Mailing Address
1) May I have my commercial license mailed to a different address other than my residential address?

Commercial Driver License Numbers
1)If I apply for a Texas Identification Card, will the same number appear on my Texas Commercial Driver License number?
Go back to Driver License and Identification Card Menu
Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu

Occupational License
Information/Requirements
1) What is an occupational license?
2) Is the court order the occupational license?
3) Can you drive a commercial motor vehicle with an occupational license?
4) What are the requirements for the occupational license?
Go back to Driver License and Identification Card Menu
Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu

Restricted Interlock License
Information/Requirements
1) What is a restricted interlock license?
2) What is an ignition interlock device?
3) When is the ignition interlock required?
4) How long is the ignition interlock required?
5) Can an individual drive if the ignition interlock is required?
Go back to Driver License and Identification Card Menu
Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu

Out-of-Country Driver License
1) How long can I drive with an out-of-country driver license?
Go back to Driver License and Identification Card Menu
Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu

Identification Card
First Time
1) Do I need to bring any special paperwork or documents to obtain an original Texas Identification Card? Is there an age limit for getting a Texas Identification Card?

Renewal
1) How can I renew my identification card while out-of-state?
2) What is the processing time for an out-of-state renewal?

Replacement Identification Card
1) I have lost my Texas Identification Card. Where do I go to get a replacement?
2) My Texas Identification Card has been stolen or lost and someone has committed fraud using my information. Can this be reported online and is it possible to have a new number assigned to me?

Change of Information on my Identification Card
1) How do I change the address?
2) Can I change my address online?
3) I have recently married. How long do I have to change the name on my identification card? Can I change my name online?
4) May I have my identification card mailed to a different address other than my residential address?

Identification Card Numbers
1) If I get my child a Texas Identification Card, will the same number be their Texas Driver License number?
Go back to Driver License and Identification Card Menu
Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu

Errors on Licenses or Identifications Cards
1) I just received my Texas Driver License or Identification Card and there is an error on it. How can I get this corrected?
Go back to Driver License and Identification Card Menu
Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu

Check on the Status of my Renewal or Address Change
1) I renewed my Texas Driver License or Identification Card recently and have not received it. How can I check on the status?
Go back to Driver License and Identification Card Menu
Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu

 
 

Driver Records

Click on a sub category below


Driver Record Report

Driver Record Request
1) How do I obtain a copy of my driver record?

Available Driver Records
1) What types of driver records are available?

Certified Abstract Request
1) How can I obtain a certified abstract record?

Driver Record Information
1) What method is currently being used to process the sale of large volume driver record requests?
2) Will out-of-state convictions appear on my driver record?
3) How many years does a moving violation appear on a driver record?

Online Driver Record Requests
1) Can I go online and request my driver record?

Check on the Status of my Driver Record Request
1) I have not received the record I previously requested. What should I do?

Status or Clearance Letter request
1)I am applying for a license in another state and need a
letter from Texas showing my status as a driver.  How do I obtain a status letter?
Go back to Driver Records Menu
Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu

Obtain Ticket Information/Location
1) I have a Failure to Appear on my record. How do I clear this?
2) How do I find out where I received my Texas traffic ticket?
Go back to Driver Records Menu
Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu


Alcohol Related Suspensions
Why is my license suspended?
1) A blood or breath test refusal or failure
2) A conviction for driving while intoxicated
3) Alcohol related offenses by a Minor
Go back to Suspensions and Reinstatements Menu
Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu

Drug Offenses
Why is my license suspended?
1)A conviction for a drug offense
Go back to Suspensions and Reinstatements Menu
Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu

Out-of-State Offenses
Why is my license suspended?
1) Suspended driving privilege in another state/jurisdiction
2)An unpaid traffic citation in another state
3)Out-of-State Offense
Go back to Suspensions and Reinstatements Menu
Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu

Traffic Violations
Why is my license suspended?
1)Habitual traffic violations
2)Driving while license suspended/invalid
3)Violation of a driver license restriction
Go back to Suspensions and Reinstatements Menu
Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu

Insurance Requirements
Why is my license suspended?
1)Second or subsequent ticket for no liability insurance
2)Cancelled Insurance
3)What are the minimum liability coverage amounts in Texas?

SR-22 Information
1)What is an SR-22 and how can I obtain an SR-22?
2)If I do not own a car, how can an SR-22 be obtained?
3) Can an insurance card or insurance policy be accepted toward the requirement of filing the SR-22?
4) How long is proof of financial responsibility (SR-22) required in crash, conviction or judgment cases?
5) What happens if my SR-22 is cancelled?
Go back to Suspensions and Reinstatements Menu
Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu

Crash Suspension
Why is my license suspended?
1)Uninsured Crash
2)Liability Judgment
3)What documents must be submitted to the Department to process an unsatisfied judgment?
Go back to Suspensions and Reinstatements Menu
Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu

Commercial Motor Vehicle Disqualifications
Why is my license disqualified?
1)Serious traffic violations
Go back to Suspensions and Reinstatements Menu
Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu

Delinquent Child Support Revocation
Why is my license revoked?
1)Delinquent Child Support
Go back to Suspensions and Reinstatements Menu
Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu

Medical Revocation
1)What is the Medical Advisory Board?
2)Why am I required to provide medical information?
3) How do I report an unsafe driver?
Go back to Suspensions and Reinstatements Menu
Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu

Ignition Interlock Information
1)What is an ignition interlock device?
Go back to Suspensions and Reinstatements Menu
Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu

Suspension Notification
1) Why wasn't I notified of my license suspension?

Reinstatement Address
Reinstatement Address
Go back to Suspensions and Reinstatements Menu
Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu

Directions to the
Texas Department of Public Safety
Click on a sub category below
 


Headquarters in Austin
1) How do I get to the Texas Department of Public Safety Headquarters in Austin?

Texas Driver License Office Locations
Texas Driver License Office Rolodex

E-Mail Addresses




Downloadable Forms

Listed below are forms that are available in PDF format. You must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader application installed on your PC to be able to view these forms.

If you do not have the Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can download it free of charge by clicking on the icon below.


Click on a form to download
 

Go back to Main DLD FAQ Menu