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Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

After taking the online course will i still have to pay for the license card, or did it get paid already when i paid for the test?
No, the online testing center fee does not include the price of the driver’s license.You will be responsible for paying $16 if you are under 18 years of age, or $25 if you are 18 years old or more.

The DPS now accept credit cards as well as cash, checks and money orders.

Do I need to file a police report if my license was lost or stolen?
Yes, you are required to file a police report if you have a lost drivers license or a stolen drivers license. By doing so, you reduce the chances of identity theft or fraud. File your report by visiting a local police station and speaking to an officer about the incident. Thereafter, make sure to bring a copy of the police report to a Texas DMV branch. You can seek one in your area by using our convenient DMV locator.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Texas Driver’s License or ID Card

How can I obtain a copy of the driver manual?
Before you apply for drivers license documentation, take a look at the Texas Driver s Handbook by visiting this link. Inside this manual, you will find information about various driving-related topics, including the following:
  • Signals, signs and markers
  • Special driving situations
  • Your license to drive
  • Parking, stopping or standing
  • How alcohol affects your driving
  • Bicycle vehicle laws
  • Safety tips
  • Pedestrian safety
  • Speed and speed limits

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Texas

How can I renew my drivers license?
In Texas, you can apply for drivers license renewal in one of four ways: online, by phone, in person or by mail.

Online

To renew your driver license online, you must meet a set of eligibility requirements. Thereafter, you will be able to proceed with your renewal process. Get started by visiting the Texas DPS License Renewal page.

By Phone

Call 1-866-DL-RENEW to renew your drivers license by phone. Keep in mind that you will also need to meet the same eligibility requirements if you were renewing online.

In Person

Visit a nearby DPS office. You can use our DMV locator to find one that is close to you.

By Mail

If you received a mail-in notice, then you can renew your driver s license by mail. Make sure to follow the guidelines listed on the DMV renewal notice to properly renew your license by mail.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Texas

How do I apply for a drivers license?
To get a new drivers license from the Texas DPS, follow the instructions below:

If you have recently moved to Texas, you have up to 90 days to get a new driver s license. If you have a valid out-of-state drivers license, you will not be required to take a written or road skills test.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Texas

How do I get a hardship license?
In order to be issued a Texas occupational drivers license, you will need to follow the steps below:
  • Hand a certified copy of the petition and a certified copy of the court order that grants you the occupational license to the Texas DPS. However, if you are currently taking part in a drug court-ordered program, then a petition won t be necessary.
  • Submit a Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22) from your insurance provider.
  • Pay any necessary fees, both occupational license and reinstatement.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Texas

How do I get a replacement license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?
If you happened to lose your drivers license while stationed in a different state, you can get a drivers license replacement by following these simple steps:

Keep in mind that when sending your replacement payment by mail, the Texas Department of Public Safety will only accept check or money order. Make sure to address it to Texas DPS.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Texas Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I know if my license was mailed after it has been restored?
You can contact the Texas DPS at 512-424-2600 to find out if your suspended drivers license reinstatement has been sent out. If you prefer to make an in-person visit, you can stop by a nearby driver license office as well.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Texas

How do I obtain a duplicate license?
The state of Texas requires drivers to order a drivers license replacement in person by paying a visit to a drivers license office. To complete the process, you will need to do the following:

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Texas Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I reinstate my suspended license?
In order to reinstate a suspended driving license, you will need to complete all the requirements set forth by your suspension notification. Once you have waited out the suspension period and paid all necessary traffic fines, visit the Texas DPS Check Driving Eligibility & Pay Reinstatement Fees page to begin the process of reinstating your license.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Texas

How do I renew my license if I am in the military and stationed elsewhere?
If you are currently on active duty outside of Texas, you can still renew license documentation by filling out the Out of State or Out of Country Renewal/Replacement/Change of Texas Driver License or Identification (DL/ID) Card. The application will ask you to include the following details about yourself:
  • Date of birth
  • Address information
  • Contact information
  • Citizenship information
  • Eye color
  • Race/ethnicity
  • Height

You will also be required to sign your name and add the date at the bottom of the application.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Texas

How do I replace my license if I am a non-U.S. citizen?
If you are a non-U.S. citizen who wants to replace DMV drivers license credentials, you must present documents that show proof of your legal status, such as the following:
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Employment Authorization Card
  • Passport or I-94 stamped “Approved I-551” or “Processed for I-551”

For a full list of acceptable documents, take a look at the Texas Driver License Documents Requirements brochure.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Texas Driver’s License or ID Card

How do I replace my license if I lost it out of state?
If you happened to lose your drivers license while outside of Texas, you can get a drivers license copy by following these simple steps:

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Texas Driver’s License or ID Card

How does the DMV check my vision?
The DMV will check your vision in person when you are applying or renewing a driver s license. You must meet their vision standards in order to be issued a license to drive. If you fail to meet their vision standards, you may be referred to see an eye specialist who will be required to fill out a vision form about your eyesight for you to present to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Find out more about the Texas DPS vision standards by contacting them at 512-424-2600.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Texas

How long will I have a suspended license for not taking a chemical test?
If you refuse to take the chemical test, you will face a 180-day drivers license suspension for your first time offense. If you are convicted of driving under the influence, this suspension will be added onto any other suspension you incur.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Texas

How soon can I renew my driver’s license?
Drivers can renew driving licenses up to one year before it expires. With plenty of time to renew your license, it is highly recommended that you take advantage of this period to do so. Driving with an expired driver’s license in the state of Texas can result in fines and other penalties, including a driver’s license suspension.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Texas

I paid my license reinstatement fees and got SR-22 insurance, but my drivers license status still shows suspended. What do I do?
To reinstate your driving privileges, you need to visit your local DPS office and bring proof of having SR-22 insurance as well as your suspended driver’s license.
If I file a police report, will my replacement fee be waived?
Your replacement fee may be waived if you submit a police report upon requesting a duplicate drivers license. However, to be certain, contact the Texas Department of Public Safety for more information.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Texas Driver’s License or ID Card

Is there an age limit to renew your license?
As long as you meet the renewal requirements, Texas has no age limit on when you can renew drivers license. Keep in mind, though, that if you are 79 or older, you will be required to pass a vision test upon the time of renewal. If you are 85 or older, your drivers license will need to be renewed every two years instead of six.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Texas

What address will my replacement license be mailed to?
Your drivers license copy will be sent to the address you have on file with the Texas Department of Public Safety. If you have recently changed your address, make sure to notify the DPS within 30 days of your move.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Texas Driver’s License or ID Card

What are requirements for seniors to renew a driving license?
Seniors must fulfill the same requirements as other drivers in order to renew their drivers license. For example, you will be required to show proof of identity, such as your Texas driver’s license. If you are 85 or older though, keep in mind that your license renewal will be due every two years instead of six. You will need to make an in-person visit in that instance.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Texas

What are some violations that may constitute in a suspended license?
The following traffic violations may result in a suspended drivers license:
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Medical-related revocation
  • Failure to pay child support
  • Failure to get car insurance
  • Numerous traffic offenses

For more information: Suspended License Information for Texas

What are the consequences of driving with a suspended license?
Depending on the traffic offense you have committed, there are several consequences you may face with a revoked drivers license. For example, your suspension will be lengthened and you may also incur jail time, additional fines, reinstatement fees, alcohol awareness courses, community service and other serious penalties, depending on the reason you were pulled over.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Texas

What are the fees for a duplicate drivers license?
The fee for a Texas duplicate drivers license is $11 (fees may vary). You can request a duplicate by visiting a Texas Department of Public Safety office in your area. To find one that is close by, use our DMV locator.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Texas Driver’s License or ID Card

What are the reinstatement fees I will have to pay for a suspended license?
Administrative License Revocation fees are $125. Texas driver license offices accept payments in the form of cash, check, money order or credit card.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Texas

What are the suspensions eligible for a hardship license?
Before reinstating suspended drivers license documentation, the state of Texas allows a driver to receive an occupational drivers license for “certain offenses other than medical or delinquent child support.” Occupational drivers licenses can only be used to operate a noncommercial vehicle for the purposes of school, work or important household activities.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Texas

What do I need to do to get my driver’s license if I fail the driving test?
If you fail your driving license test, schedule another appointment to retake the exam at a later date. You can prepare for your exam by reviewing the Texas driver’s manual and becoming familiarized with road safety tips and guidelines. The more you learn, the more confident you will feel behind the wheel.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Texas

What documents do I need to get my drivers license?
To apply for your Texas license to drive, you need to present documentation that proves the following:
  • Your identity
  • Your Social Security Number
  • Your legal status in the country
  • Your Texas residency

Additionally, you will be asked to fill out the Application for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (DL-14A) form and present proof of car registration.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Texas

What documents do I need to present to renew my drivers license?
If you have not previously presented documents that show proof of your legal status in the United States, then you will be required to do so before renewing drivers license. For a list of acceptable documents, take a look at the Texas DPS Verifying Lawful Presence brochure. Some acceptable documents may include the following:
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Immigrant Visa with Temporary I-551 language
  • Employment Authorization Document

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Texas

What documents will I need to present to replace my drivers license?
When you replace drivers license credentials, you will need to turn in a completed Application for Renewal/Replacement/Change of a Texas Driver License or Identification Card. You are also required to submit proof of your identity and legal status in the United States.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Texas Driver’s License or ID Card

What languages is the written test available in?
When applying for drivers license credentials, the written knowledge test can be taken in either English or Spanish; however, a potential Texas driver must be familiar with road signs in English. You can start familiarizing yourself with road safety and road signs by taking a practice test.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Texas

What penalties will I face if I do not renew my expired drivers license?
You will be unable to renew expired drivers license documentation if it has been expired for more than two years. For this reason, it is important to keep your Texas driver’s license valid and in good standing. You can also request a copy of your driving record in order to verify that you have no pending issues or violations on your driver’s license.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Texas

What should I do if I have not received my renewed license?
If you have not received your drivers license renewal, call the Texas Department of Public Safety at 512-424-2600 to find out about its status. It is recommended that you give a sufficient amount of time, particularly around the holidays, to receive your driver’s license in the mail. However, if you believe a lengthy period has passed, contact the DPS so to avoid getting a fine for driving with an expired driver’s license.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Texas

What tests will I need to take for my drivers license?
As part of your requirements for obtaining a Texas driving license, you will be required to take a multitude of exams. Be prepared ahead of time by knowing what they are exactly, that way you feel confident when making a visit to your local Texas Department of Public Safety office branch. The tests you will be required to pass include the ones listed below:
  • A written knowledge test
  • A road skills test
  • A vision test

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Texas

What type of noncommercial license will I need?
Texas offers the four following types of standard drivers licenses:
  • Class A
  • Class B
  • Class C
  • Class M

When applying, you will also need to pass a few exams in order to obtain a standard driver’s license. These exams include the following:

  • A written knowledge test
  • A road skills test
  • A vision exam

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Texas

What’s the cost to take a driving test?
The cost of the driving test is $11, this amount is separate from the cost of the driver’s license.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Texas

When can I reinstate my license after it has been suspended?
In order to reinstate suspended drivers license, you will first have to complete your suspension period. Thereafter, you may pay any necessary fines and the reinstatement fee and submit compliance documents. For more information, visit the Texas Department of Public Safety Reinstating a Driver License page.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Texas

When will I need to renew my license?
TX drivers must renew licenses every six years in order to avoid any penalties or late fees. If you are between the ages of 79 and 84, you will always be required to renew in person. There is currently no option for seniors to renew their Texas driver’s license online. Individuals who are 85 or older are required to renew their driver s license sooner than the average driver. A senior is required to renew every two years in the state of Texas.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Texas

When will I receive a replacement license after applying?
For information regarding when you can expect to receive a drivers license replacement, contact the Texas Department of Public Safety at 512-424-2600 or ask a driving license representative when getting a duplicate in person. You can find a DMV branch near you by using our convenient locator. It is highly recommended that you make an appointment ahead of time in order to avoid long wait times and lines.

For more information: Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Texas Driver’s License or ID Card

Where can I check to see if my license is suspended?
You can check the status of your drivers license on the Texas Department of Public Safety website. Drivers can also order a driving record for information on their license status.

For more information: Suspended License Information for Texas

Where can I find the DMV locations?
Please follow the link below for your nearest DMV location:

Texas DMV Office Contact Information

Where can I get a new drivers license?
You can get drivers license credentials at any DPS branch in your area. Use our DMV locator to find one near you and schedule an appointment. After scheduling your appointment, make sure to gather all necessary documentation to take with you, including but not limited to proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, proof of legal status in the U.S. and verification of your Social Security number.

For more information: How to Apply for a New Driver’s License in Texas

Will I be required to take a vision test for a drivers license renewal?
You may be asked to re-take a vision test when renewing drivers license. However, if you are 79 or older, you will be required to pass this exam during your renewal appointment in person. When making your in-person visit for your appointment, make sure to bring proof of identification, such as your Texas driver’s license. Without such documentation, you will be unable to proceed with the renewal process of your driver’s license.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Texas

Will I get a drivers license renewal notice in the mail?
Yes, you will get a renewal notice to renew license well in advance of your driver s license expiration date. The renewal notice will contain proper instructions about you can renewal your driver’s license. You can renew your license up to a year in advance, therefore if you would like to get started, you can explore the options available to you. Currently the state of Texas allows drivers to renew their license in one of four ways:
  • Online
  • By phone
  • In person
  • By mail

Be aware that in order to renew online or by phone, you will need to meet a set of eligibility requirements.

For more information: How to Renew a Driver’s License in Texas

Will Texas issue a drivers license to an individual if their license is suspended in another state?
No, if your license is on a suspended status in another state or jurisdiction you will not be eligible for a Texas driver license. Also, if a Texas driver license is issued and the individual s driver eligibility status changes in another state or jurisdiction, then the Texas driver license is subject to cancellation.