Section 1: Applying for or Renewing a DL/ID/CDL

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Yes. All first time applicants and those transferring from another state will need to visit their driver license office for assistance. Driver license services are available by appointment only. You may schedule an appointment up to 180 days in advance at your local driver license office by using our online appointment solution. This will allow you to schedule an appointment for the service you need and avoid any lines.

2. This is the first time I am applying for a Texas driver license or identification card. What documents do I need to bring with me to the office?

There are several documents you will need to bring with you to apply for your first driver license or identification card. To make sure you are prepared for your visit, please review and/or print our checklist on What to bring with you when applying for a Texas Driver License or Identification Card. We also recommend you visit our webpage on How to apply for a Texas Driver License for more information on the steps you will need to take in order to complete the process.

3. When is the best time to visit a driver license office?

If you are renewing your driver license or identification card, you may be eligible to renew online and avoid an office visit. Visit our webpage on How to renew your Texas Driver License, Motorcycle License or Identification card for more information. If you are not eligible to renew online, or are applying for the first time, you will need to visit your local driver license office. Driver license services are available by appointment only. You may schedule an appointment up to 180 days in advance at your local driver license office by using our online appointment solution. This will allow you to schedule an appointment for the service you need and avoid any lines.

Our full-time driver license offices are open Monday through Friday, with Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays being our busiest days. The busiest times of the year are usually during spring break, summer and after all major holidays.

4. Can I renew my driver license or identification card online?

You may be eligible to renew online if you did not renew online last time and you meet certain criteria. For more information and to see if you are eligible, visit our webpage on How to renew your Texas Driver License, Motorcycle License or Identification card .

5. What are the different ways you offer to renew a driver license or identification card?

Most driver licenses and identification cards can be renewed up to two years before and after the expiration date. You have several convenient options to renew your Texas driver license or identification card during this time, including:

6. Why am I unable to renew online even though my last transaction was done in a driver license office?

Although you may have visited a driver license office to change your address or get a duplicate of a lost or stolen card, the reason you may not be eligible to renew online is because that every other renewal (specifically) must be completed in person at a driver license office. For more information regarding the requirements to renew your driver license online, please visit our Online Renewal Eligibility Requirements webpage.