In Texas, a Class C driver's license will allow you to operate most standard passenger vehicles. However, a special license or certificate may be required for certain types of vehicles or driving professions not meeting the definition of a passenger vehicle. Below are the requirements for vehicles that may need additional licenses as outlined by the laws and regulations of the state of Texas. The Texas Transportation Code prohibits a driver's license application from including an inquiry regarding the applicant's mental health other than a general inquiry as to whether the applicant has a mental condition that may affect the applicant's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Driver License Services – Appointments
The Department has resumed all in-office driver license (DL) and identification (ID) card services by appointment only. These services include renewal transactions. Please review the following information before scheduling your appointment below.
NOTE: The waiver on expiration dates for DL and ID cards ends on April 14, 2021. DPS encourages customers who need to renew to schedule an appointment at their local driver license office online.
The waiver, granted by the Governor’s office in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, applied to DLs, commercial DLs, commercial learner permits, ID cards and election identification certificates that expired on or after March 13, 2020.
If your driver license is currently expired, you may download a copy of the Verification of Driver License Expiration Extension (PDF) notice to use until April 14th, 2021 or the date your driver license is renewed, whichever occurs first. All local and state law enforcement officials have been notified of this expiration waiver.
The Department encourages all eligible customers to conduct their driver license services online. For more information, please visit our webpage on Driver License Services, Extensions, Waivers, and Covid-19 Information.
To assist customers needing DL services, designated offices will be offering expanded hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Fridays, beginning January 4, 2021.
To ensure the safety of all customers, as well as our driver license office personnel, you will be required to comply with the following for your appointment:
- Services are by scheduled appointment only. Walk-in appointments will be available on a limited basis at all driver license office locations.
- If you are having difficulty scheduling an appointment on a preferred day, please know all DL offices do have a limited number of same-day appointments available on a first-come, first served basis, that fill up quickly. Customers who book these appointments at the office can then leave and return at their designated appointment time. Individuals without an appointment will receive instruction and assistance in setting an appointment for a future date and time.
- All customers will be screened prior to entering the building. Screening will include having your temperature taken, and you will be asked if you or any person you have been in contact with for the previous 14 days has had any of the following symptoms:
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
- Fever/Chills
- Body Aches
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- All customers visiting the driver license office will be required to wear a face mask or facial covering
- Social distancing must be followed (6 feet apart)
- Only customers will be allowed into the building, with the following exceptions:
- ADA accommodations
- Customers with small children
- Elderly persons
- Business needs (parental authorization, residency/address change, etc.)
- Credit cards are the preferred payment. Money orders, cashier's and personal checks will be accepted (for the correct amount)
- Cash will not be accepted
If these requirements are not met, you may be required to reschedule your appointment at a later date.
For additional information, see the Frequently Asked Questions provided below.
To schedule an appointment please visit our website at https://public.txdpsscheduler.com.
If you arrive at a driver license office without an appointment, you will be able to use a self-service kiosk in the driver license office to schedule an appointment if one is available that day, or schedule an appointment for another day or different location.
If your local office is not listed, there are currently no available appointments. Please select the next closest office to review eligible appointment dates.
If you are having difficulty scheduling an appointment on a preferred day, please know all DL offices do have a limited number of same-day appointments available on a first-come, first served basis, that fill up quickly. Customers who book these appointments at the office can then leave and return at their designated appointment time.
Texas Drivers License Codes
All driver license and identification card services are available for you to schedule. In addition to this, the appointment scheduler will also advise you if you are eligible to complete the service online at https://texas.gov/ without visiting a driver license office.
No. The appointment scheduler will ask you a series of questions to determine if you have previously established a driver license or identification card in Texas. The scheduler will allow appointments for new and existing Texas customers.
Yes, provided you have all of the required information; however, this is not recommended.
If there are no appointments available at your local driver license office, you will need to schedule your appointment at another location or you can check back at a later time to see if there is a cancellation. Walk-in appointments will be available on a limited basis at all driver license office locations.
Please check to see if you are eligible to renew your driver license or identification card online at https://texas.gov/. If you are not eligible for online renewal, you will need to schedule your appointment as soon as possible at a driver license office. Texas allows customers to renew driver licenses and identification cards up to two years in advance of the expiration date.
If the service you need is not listed in the service types provided to you, please select “Service Not Listed” to schedule your appointment.
Please note – REAL ID and Texas law only permits a person to hold a driver license or identification card, but not both (Texas Transportation Code Section 521.183). Customers in possession of either of these will not be offered the option to schedule an appointment for the other. Customers needing to make this type of appointment will need to use the “Service Not Listed” option when scheduling the appointment, and be prepared to surrender the existing DL or ID.
Appointments may be scheduled up to six months in advance.
Please arrive no earlier than 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Please visit the appointment scheduler to reschedule. Your existing appointment will be automatically cancelled upon your confirmation of a new appointment.
Confirmation information is provided at the time the appointment is made, and can be obtained at anytime by logging back in to the appointment scheduler.
You will have the option to receive reminders by way of email or text message when you make your appointment.
New Texas Drivers License
When you make your appointment, you will have the option to receive an email or text message reminder.
Yes. You can check your eligibility and complete these transactions by visiting https://texas.gov/.
You may reschedule immediately after cancelling an appointment.
From the job opportunities in Texas' fast-growing cities to its natural beauty and its delicious BBQ, there are plenty of reasons to move to the Lone Star State. Though relocating to Texas can be a rewarding decision, out-of-state moves can also be stressful due to the logistical challenges. Among them, of course, is transferring your out-of-state license to Texas. Fortunately, if you follow these steps and you have a clean driving record, you'll have your Texas drivers license in no time.
Step 1: Get Your Vehicle Inspected
New residents with a valid out-of-state drivers license have 90 days to transfer it to Texas, but vehicle owners only have 30 days to register their car in the Lone Star State. Before you can register your car in Texas, you'll need to have it inspected at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) certified inspection station. In Texas, vehicles must be inspected annually to ensure that all their safety features are in working order. Don't forget to bring along your proof of insurance to complete this step.
Step 2: Register Your Vehicle
Once your inspection is taken care of, the next step toward becoming a legal Texas driver is registering your vehicle at your county tax collector's office. To do this, you'll need to bring along:
- Proof of your completed vehicle inspection
- Your insurance card and your printed policy (if you still have an out-of-state plan) to ensure that you have the necessary coverage
- A completed 130-U application form
- Your car title or proof of ownership
Though registering your car in Texas is a fairly straightforward process, keep in mind that your initial registration can cost more than $200.
Step 3: Get Your Texas Drivers License
The final step toward becoming a legal Texas driver is turning in your out-of-state ID for a brand new Texas drivers license. To do this, you'll need to visit a Texas DPS office. Though the DPS doesn't allow you to make appointments for this type of visit, residents of the state's busiest metropolitan areas (Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin) are able to add their names to the DPS's waiting list online.
On your visit to the DPS, you'll need to bring:
- Original documents proving your identity, social security number and legal status (more info on the required documents is available here)
- Proof of your Texas residency
- Your vehicle's registration and your insurance card
- Your out-of-state drivers license, which you'll be required to forfeit
Once you've completed this step, you're official ... almost. You'll get a temporary license at the DPS and your official Texas drivers license will be sent to you in the mail. Happy driving!
Texas
Adult Drivers Ed
Texas Drivers License Code B
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