As the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) continues with the phased re-opening of driver license (DL) offices, the department announced the expansion of in-person services across the state.
This includes offering renewal and replacement appointments, as well as Saturday appointments for these services at select offices.
Nearly 700,000 Texans had their DLs expire while offices were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic — this closure has created a backlog of customers needing to renew their licenses. The expansion of in-person services, as well as the addition of Saturday appointments specifically for renewal and replacement transactions, are both designed to help alleviate this backlog and provide Texans with the ser-vices they need most.
DL offices are resuming in-office services for DL and identification card (ID) renewal and replacements. Previously, as part of the first phase of re-opening, appointments were only available for firsttime Texas DLs, commercial driver licenses (CDL), learner licenses or identification (ID) cards, as well as those who needed to take a driving test.
In order to offer additional convenience for Texans who have been waiting to conduct their DL/ID renewal and replacement transactions, DPS will begin offering Saturday appointments on select dates.
Renewals and replacements will be the only services available on Saturdays. Currently, the department is offering Saturday appointments at select offices on July 11 and July 25. Customers can schedule appointments and check availability online through the DL appointment scheduler. The department plans to continue to add Saturday availability into the appointment system in the coming weeks.
DL services are now offered through the new appointment solution. Customers are able to book appointments for a specific day and time up to six months in advance.
DPS has moved to appointments only as part of our efforts to provide additional convenience, reducing the time Texans spend waiting in line at DL offices.
For customers who do not use the online scheduler to make an appointment in advance, all DL offices do have a limited number of same day appointments available. These appointments fill up quickly and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Customers who book these appointments can then leave the DL office until their designated appointment time.
Additionally, in most offices, customers without appointments may be offered the opportunity to be placed on a ‘standby’ list. These customers are required to wait in the office and are assisted in the event of cancellations or noshows. The number of standby appointments is limited to ensure that all customers are assisted by the end of the day.
DPS encourages Texans to check the expiration date on their card and call 1-866-DL-RENEW (1-886-357-3639) or visit Texas.gov to see if they are eligible to conduct their transaction online, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Address changes and replacement of a lost DL or ID can also be taken care of online (or by mail) in many instances.
DPS continues to follow extensive safety measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 and ensure customers and staff are as safe as possible. The following safety measures have been put into place at DL offices across the state:
• All customers and staff are required to wear face masks or facial coverings. Exceptions under the Governor’s Executive Order GA-29 include anyone under the age of 10 and those with a medical condition or disability that prevents wearing a face covering. View the full list here.
• Every person (staff members and customers) will be screened for symptoms prior to coming into a DL office; this includes having their temperature checked.
• Customers may be asked to reschedule their appointment if they do not pass the safety screening.
• Only actual customers will be allowed into DL offices to help limit capacity and ensure everyone can maintain a safe social distance. Exceptions include: persons needing ADA accommodations; elderly persons; parents with small children; and parents and legal guardians needed to complete a transaction.
• DPS staff will sanitize workstations and equipment between each customer transaction.
• Eye examinations will no longer require physical contact with an eye testing machine.
• Customers must pay with a credit card, check or money order. Cash payments will not be accepted.
