Chapter 1:
Your License to Drive
Texas Driver Handbook
Code
Description
Code
Description
P26
If CMV, for operation of mobile crane
P34
No expressway driving
P27
HME expiration date MM/DD/YY
P36
Moped
P28
FRSI CDL valid MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY
P37
Occupational license (no CMV); see court order
P29
FRSI CDL MM/DD/YY - MM/DD/YY or exempt B vehicles
P38
Applicable vehicle devices
P30
FRSI CDL MM/DD/YY - MM/DD/YY or exempt A vehicles
P39
Ignition interlock required
P31
Class C only: no taxi/bus/emergency vehicle
P40
Vehicle not to exceed Class C
P32
Other
Removing or Adding Restrictions
Visit your local driver license office for more information concerning the removal or addition of any restrictions from your driver
license or learner license.
Replacement (Duplicate) or Change of a Driver License or ID Card
You should apply for a replacement license or ID card at your local driver license office if your license or ID card has been lost or
destroyed, or for any change in information. Please bring the required application (DL-43) and documents to verify your citizenship
and identity. For more information on acceptable documents, visit our website at www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/.
A change of name or address must be reported to DPS within 30 days. A license expiring in less than 12 months, or in less than 30
days for a provisional license, should be renewed not duplicated.
Fee (replacement or change of license): $10 for license + $1 fee for transactions made in-person or online = $11
To change your name, you must apply in-person at any driver license office and bring the required documents. For more information
visit our website at www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/.
To change the address on your Texas driver license or ID card you can visit any driver license office. You may also apply online at
www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/ (you must have your card in your possession to apply online), by phone at 1-866-DL-RENEW or
mail an Application for Change of Address Certificate (DL-64). If you do not have the required DL-64, you can download one from
our website at www.dps.texas.gov/InternetForms/.
Mailing Address: Texas Department of Public Safety
License and Record Service
PO Box 149008
Austin, TX 78714-9008
Upon receipt of a $10 fee and proper notification, a new license or ID card with the correct address information, with your previous
photograph or valid without photo, will be mailed to you.
Out-of-State Licensees
If you are out-of-state but maintaining a Texas driver license, you may apply for a duplicate license by mail. Download the Out-of-
State Packet (DL-16P) or Out-of-Country Application (DL-16) from the website, http://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/. Complete
and submit the required application with a $10 fee to:
Mailing Address: Texas Department of Public Safety
License and Record Service
PO Box 149008
Austin, TX 78714-9008
NOTE: Some driver licenses are not eligible for online, phone or mail-in transactions. These include CDLs, limited term, sex
offender and licenses issued to persons 79 years of age and older.
Renewing a License
A renewal notice invitation may be mailed to the last address you provided to DPS about six weeks before your license expires. If
you do not receive this courtesy notice, it is your responsibility to renew your license.
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Chapter 1:
Your License to Drive
Texas Driver Handbook
Application for Renewal
A Texas driver license must be renewed every six years. A renewal application must be made in person at any driver license office
unless you are eligible to renew online at www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/, by mail, or by phone at 1-866-DL-RENEW. To check
your eligibility to renew, visit us online or call the number provided.
A person must appear in a driver license office at least once every twelve (12) years for a vision exam and to update the photo,
signature and fingerprints. Some of our larger office locations offer the ability to get in line on-line. Please check the website at
www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/ to find out if this service is available at a location near you.
Alternate methods to renew will not be extended to:
1. Any person whose license is suspended, cancelled, revoked, or denied
2. Commercial driver license (CDL) holders
3. Holders of an occupational license, provisional license, or learner license
4. Licensees restricted because of driving ability or a medical condition that requires periodic reviews, including any medical or
physical condition which may result in progressive changes to a licensee’s ability to safely drive a motor vehicle
5. Driver license or ID card holders who are subject to sex offender
6. Driver license holders who are 79 years of age or older
7. Driver license holders who do not have a social security number or photo on file
8. Non-U.S. citizens, due to a verification process
When you are at the driver license office you will be asked questions concerning your medical history. If you have certain medical
limitations, your case may be referred to the Medical Advisory Board (MAB) for their opinion about
how your condition may affect your driving. For more information on MAB, visit our website at
http://www.dps.texas.gov/driverlicense/MedicalRevocation.htm
Individuals Returning to Texas from Military Service
Within 90 days of being honorably discharged, military personnel returning from duty must present a Texas driver license and
separation papers to obtain a renewal license without taking the knowledge and driving exams when the license has been expired
for over two years.
Out-of-State Texas Licensees
Eligible individuals who do not currently reside in Texas but whose true, permanent home is in Texas may mail in their application
for renewal. Download the Out-of-State Packet (DL-16P) or Out-of-Country Application (DL-16) from the website, http://www.dps.
texas.gov/internetforms. The following individuals who are out-of-state are not eligible to renew by mail and must renew in-person.
1. A person subject to sex offender registration requirements
2. A person 79 years of age or older
3. A person holding a commercial driver license (CDL)
4. A person who is not a U.S. citizen
The proper fee and the results of your vision exam, performed by an eye specialist or an authorized driver license employee,
must be included with your application. The license will be renewed and will be valid to expiration date shown or until
45 days after return to Texas, whichever comes first.
Make check or money order made payable to: TX DPS. Do not send cash. Mail to:
Mailing Address: Texas Department of Public Safety
Central Cash Receiving
PO Box 15999
Austin, TX 78761-5999
Suspensions and Revocations
Operating a motor vehicle is a privilege. If this privilege is abused, it may result in a driver license suspension or revocation.
Mandatory suspensions, revocations, and convictions for certain offenses involving fraudulent government records require an ad-
ditional $100 reinstatement fee. Administrative License Revocations (ALR) require an additional $125 reinstatement fee. Some
mandatory suspensions also require filing a Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22).
Mandatory Suspension
Convictions for the following offenses will result in the automatic suspension of your license and driving privilege. For minors, see
the Suspensions and Revocations (Under 21) section in this chapter.
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