The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), in partnership with the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities (GCPD), has updated Texas driver licenses (DL) and identification (ID) cards under the Texas Driving with Disability Program.
Participants can now have either “Communication Impediment” or the new “Deaf/Hard of Hearing” designation placed on the front of their DL or ID card.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), in partnership with the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities (GCPD), has made changes to Texas driver license (DL) and identification (ID) cards under the Texas Driving with Disability Program to improve communication… pic.twitter.com/6WTrHQr0hM
— Texas DPS (@TxDPS) May 19, 2026
The change aims to improve interactions between law enforcement and Texans who have disabilities or health conditions that may affect communication, per DPS.
Previously, only the “Communication Impediment” option was available, and it appeared on the back of cards in earlier designs. The new indicators are now prominently displayed on the front of newly issued or renewed cards.
The updates build on Texas Transportation Code §521.142, which allows DPS to include such notices on licenses or IDs for individuals with qualifying health conditions. To add the indicator, applicants must submit a completed Physician/Psychiatrist’s Statement (Form DL-101) from a licensed physician or psychiatrist at a driver’s license office.
DPS announced the card design changes on May 19, 2026. The “Deaf/Hard of Hearing” option is new, expanding the program’s visibility for those conditions.
Qualifying conditions under the program have included autism, cerebral palsy, brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, PTSD, and others that may slow responses or impede verbal communication.
The program, often associated with initiatives such as the ‘Texas Driving with Disability’ program, formerly known as ‘Driving with Autism’, allows for optional disclosure. The indicator alerts trained officers during traffic stops via the Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (TLETS) or directly on the card. Medical information provided remains protected and is not subject to release under the Public Information Act.
A similar option exists for vehicle registration through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV), where participants can note a communication impediment.
The program originated from efforts to enhance safety and understanding during law enforcement encounters. It has expanded over time, with earlier card designs placing the indicator on the back before moving it forward in recent years.
These updates apply statewide in Texas. The indicators appear on new or renewed DLs and IDs processed under the program. Existing cards remain valid until expiration.
DPS and GCPD encourage qualifying Texans to consult their physicians about eligibility. More details, including Form DL-101, are available on the DPS website and the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities page.
