DPS Reminder: Skip the Trip to Drivers License Offices During Busy Summer Months
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The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding residents that many customers can skip the trip to a driver license (DL) office altogether, which is especially convenient during the busy summer months. Most residents who are eligible to skip the trip are not taking advantage of the option to quickly renew their Texas DL or identification (ID) card online (or by phone). Address changes can also be taken care of online (or by mail) in many instances. Find out if you are eligible to renew online by visiting Texas.gov.
“Summer is one of the busiest times at Texas driver license offices, but taking advantage of technology options can save you time,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “If you qualify for online renewal, you can skip the trip to an office altogether. However, if you must go to an office in person, we encourage residents to visit a high-capacity Mega Center or to ‘get in line’ remotely before heading to the DL office, if those options are available.”
High-capacity DL Mega Centers are primarily available in major metropolitan areas. In addition, many offices across the state also leverage a queuing system that offers customers the convenient option of reserving a spot in line through the DPS website, by mobile phone or a landline before going to the office. For a list of the high-capacity Mega Centers, as well as the offices that offer the “Get in Line, Online” feature, visit the DPS website.
Another underutilized option available to customers who are required to make an office visit is renewing their DL or ID card early, which allows customers to choose a convenient time that best fits their schedule, and potentially avoid the busiest times at DL offices. Did you know you can renew up to two years in advance of the expiration date on your current card if you go into an office, or up to one year in advance if you are renewing online? The new expiration date will remain the same – even if you renew early. Visit the DPS website to make sure you have the proper paperwork (including documents needed for residency requirements) before making a trip to the office.
To be eligible to renew online, the cardholder must be a U.S. citizen and the expiration date on the card must be within one year. Additionally, in order to renew online, the card cannot have been expired for more than two years. Requirements for renewing online are available at Texas.gov, the official website of the State of Texas. Customers can also renew by phone at 1-866-DL-RENEW (1-866-357-3639). The eligibility requirements for phone and online renewal are the same. The fee is the same for online, in-person and telephone renewals. Licenses must be renewed in person every 12 years, so a new photo can be taken and eyesight can be tested. For additional information about renewing your driver license or ID card, visit the DPS website.
Customers may obtain a replacement DL or ID card online, if they are able to provide the 20-character code on the front of their current license or card.
Additional information about online services can be found on the DPS website.
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