Not everyone behind the wheel in Texas needs a Texas license. New residents, visitors and military members each get specific windows and conditions. DPS also issues photo ID cards and offers fee exemptions and designators for qualifying veterans.
Know the rule
New residents exchanging a valid out-of-state license have 90 days to establish residency and get a Texas driver license.
Handbook p. 7 ↗Know the rule
A person temporarily operating a road machine, farm tractor, or implement of husbandry on a highway doesn't need a Texas license, unless the vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle.
Handbook p. 7 ↗Nonresidents and military who may drive without a Texas license
- Nonresidents 16+ with a valid home-state or Canadian license: vehicles allowed under Class C or Class M
- Nonresidents 18+: any vehicle they're licensed for at home, if that state/country grants Texans reciprocity
- Drivers of official U.S. or state military vehicles, unless it's a commercial motor vehicle
- Nonresident active-duty members, spouses and dependent children with a valid home-state license
- Active-duty members with a license from the U.S. armed forces abroad: 90 days after returning to the U.S.
Know the rule
A Texas license held by someone who enters or is in the U.S. armed forces stays valid while service continues and until 90 days after honorable separation or return to Texas, unless suspended, cancelled, revoked or denied.
Handbook p. 7 ↗Know the rule
Honorably discharged veterans receiving compensation for a service-related disability of at least 60 percent pay no driver license or ID card fees. CDL applicants and required sex-offender registrants are not eligible.
Handbook p. 11 ↗Texas ID cards
| Applicant age | Fee | Valid for |
|---|---|---|
| 59 or younger | $16 ($15 + $1) | Six years |
| 60 or older | $6 ($5 + $1) | Six years |
Know the rule
ID cards can be issued to a person of any age. Cards for anyone under 21 say "Under 21" and are vertical; cards for 21 and older are horizontal.
Handbook p. 11 ↗Know the rule
DPS does not print medical information on cards. To note a drug that causes an allergic reaction, write it on the back of your card in permanent ink.
Handbook p. 11 ↗Know the rule
On an original, renewal or replacement application you may list two people to contact if you are injured or killed.
Handbook p. 11 ↗Know the rule
If you choose to be an organ donor, a small heart with the word "donor" is printed on the front of your card.
Handbook p. 12 ↗Know the rule
A $1 administrative fee is included in most transactions. It is charged only once when you do several transactions at the same time, and never on transactions by mail.
Handbook p. 7 ↗Put it into practice
You move to Houston from Ohio with a valid Ohio license on March 1. You have 90 days to establish residency and get a Texas license, and you must surrender the Ohio license to receive it.