OUT OF STATE DRIVER LICENSE
RENEWAL/DUPLICATE INSTRUCTIONS

NON - MILITARY

To apply for a duplicate or renewal of a Texas Non-commercial driver license or identification card while residing out of Texas or the Country, please read and follow the instructions below.


The Commercial Driver License Law mandates that a commercial driver license must include the applicants color photograph; therefore, DRIVERS WHO NEED A CLASS A, B, OR C COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE MUST APPLY IN PERSON at a Texas driver license office. If you are not domiciled in Texas you must obtain a license from the state where you currently reside.


Operators of Class A or B vehicles who are exempt from the commercial Driver License Act may renew by mail. If you qualify for a class A or B non-CDL, please complete the CDL-2 (Exemption Certification) form.


When applying for a duplicate or a renewal of a Texas non-commercial driver license or identification card, provide a Texas residence address.  Upon request, the license may be mailed to your current out of state address.  Please provide the mailing address in the designated space on the application. Would you like to register to vote?


Any license issued via the mail will be produced with the previous digital photograph on file.  If there is no digital photograph on file, a “Valid Without Photo” license or identification card will be produced.


Disclosure of your social security account number is mandatory for driver license applicants, but voluntary for identification card applicants.  This information is pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 405 (c) (2)(C)(i), 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(13)(A); 49 C.F.R. 383.153, Texas Family Code Section 231.302(c)(1) and Texas Transportation Code Sections 522.021 and 521.142. The Department will use social security account number information for identification purposes and will only release the number to the Child Support Enforcement Division of the Attorney General’s Office, the U.S. Selective Service Administration and the Texas Secretary of State for statutorily authorized purposes pursuant to Texas Transportation Code, Section 521.044.  You must submit Proof of Social Security Number


Have your vision checked at your local driver license office or by a doctor and report results on form provided, DL-63 (Explanation For Eye Specialist). If you have not been convicted of any traffic violations, within the last 4 years, a vision examination is not required.


When renewing your driver license, answer questions 1-11 on form DL-43 (Texas Driver License & Identification Renewal – Duplicate Application). For renewal/duplicate identification cards or a duplicated driver license answer questions 1-4 on form DL-43 (Texas Driver License & Identification Renewal – Duplicate Application)

Beginning Oct. 1, the Department of Public Safety will require applicants who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States to present proof of their lawful status in the U.S. before they are issued an original, renewal or duplicate Texas driver license or identification card.
Proof of Lawful Status for a Texas DL or ID

Follow the instructions on the Scan Card (LI-50) (Out of State/Country Application). 

Please sign your usual signature in the space located at the bottom of this card stated “Please sign within the brackets”.  All signatures must be in black ink.


Please send the required documents when applying for a:

Duplicate or Name Change- Documents required are as follows: 



Name Change – MUST submit a copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order certifying the name change along with your new signature on a blank sheet of paper.


Renewal: (Class C) – Documents required are as follows:
Renewal: (Class A or B)
Duplicate or Renewal for an Identification Card:

Return the required forms, along with the required fee, in the form of check or money order, made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety:

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
P O BOX 15999
AUSTIN TX 78761-5999

Please allow approximately forty-five (45) days for issuance of the license/identification card.