Texas Driver Handbook 2017

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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