Drivers license waiver to end April 14
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced that the waiver on expiration dates for driver licenses (DLs) and identification cards (IDs) will end April 14, 2021. Customers who need to renew are urged to make an appointment soon.
The waiver, granted by Gov. Greg Abbott last March due to the pandemic, applied to DLs, commercial DLs, commercial learner permits, ID cards and election identification certificates that expired on or after March 13, 2020.
Expanded Hours
To assist customers needing DL services, designated offices are offering expanded hours from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday. The participating offices were selected based on the volume of customer transactions.
Online Renewals
Many Texans are eligible to skip the trip to the office entirely by renewing their DL/ID card or changing their address online at Texas.gov.
Customers can also renew by phone at 1-866-357-3639 (1-866-DL-RENEW). The requirements and cost for online and phone renewal are the same as in-person transactions.
Appointments
DPS launched a new appointment solution when DL offices reopened in May, and all services are now conducted by appointment only. To schedule an appointment or check availability, visit the online appointment scheduler. If you are unable to find an appointment at the office of your choice, check back for availability at that office or other locations nearby.
The appointment system is designed to provide additional convenience, reducing time Texans wait in line. Customers can book appointments for a specific day and time, and show up 30 minutes or less before their scheduled time. Customers can check in using a kiosk inside the office or from their mobile device.
Those unable to make scheduled appointments are asked to change them ahead of time.
Many offices are offering customers without an appointment a spot on a “standby” list. These customers are required to wait in the office and are assisted in the event of a cancellation or no-show.
Also, a limited number of same-day appointments will be available. These appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Customers who book these appointments can leave the DL office until their designated time.
