Governor Greg Abbott has extended the expiration date of Texas identification cards (ID), driver licenses (DL), commercial DLs (CDL) and election identification certificates (EIC) due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The governor issued a State of Disaster Declaration Thursday to prevent the spread of the virus.
Driver license offices have also been directed to close effective Thursday, March 19 until reopened by the governor.
The temporary closure will not apply to those seeking an initial Commercial Driver License (CDL). DPS offices that provide CDL testing will remain open solely for the purpose of providing initial CDLs.
Visits will be appointment only and can be scheduled by emailing cdlappointments[@]dps.texas.gov. This exception will allow commercial drivers to continue to ship goods across Texas.
If your Texas ID, driver license, commercial driver license or election identification certificate expires on or after March 13, 2020, it falls under the period that encompasses the State of Disaster Declaration related to COVID-19. Those licenses and certificates will remain valid for 60 days after which time DPS issues public notice that the extension period for the disaster declaration has been lifted.
The extension only applies to the expiration date. A person who is not eligible to drive due to an active enforcement action, such as a suspension, revocation or denail, may use the card for identity purposes only.
DPS is encouraging Texans to call 1-866-DL-RENEW (1-886-357-3639) or visit online to see if you’re eligible to conduct your transaction online. The fee is the same for online, in-person and telephone renewals.
For additional information about renewing your DL or ID card, visit the DPS website. Address changes and replacement of a lost DL or ID can also be taken care of online or by mail in many instances.
