A Texas driver license has become more than a photograph and an expiration date. The state has changed its cards, tightened identification requirements, and expanded renewal options, while older rules still surprise Texans who have driven for decades.
Does Texas Allow Initials?
Texas requires a documented full name on driver license applications. Under 37 Texas Administrative Code § 15.23, applicants must use their documented first name, even if they normally go by a middle name. Married applicants have choices involving birth surnames, spouses’ surnames, and hyphenated names.
How Often Must You Renew In Person?
Most Texans with standard licenses can renew every eight years.
DPS requires online or telephone renewal applicants to have renewed in person the previous time, so eligible motorists generally must return for an office visit every other renewal, or about once every 16 years. Other eligibility requirements apply.
One important exception: drivers age 79 and older must renew in person. DPS issues eight-year licenses to eligible drivers ages 79 through 84 and two-year licenses starting at age 85.
What About The Eye Test?
At an in-person license renewal, DPS administers a vision exam.
Drivers who qualify for online renewal avoid an in-office vision test for that transaction, but DPS requires them to confirm that changes in their vision, physical health, or mental health have not significantly affected their driving ability.
Do Teens Still Have To Take Driver’s Ed?
Yes.
Texas requires driver education for applicants younger than 18.
Applicants ages 18 through 24 must complete a six-hour adult driver education course. People age 25 or older do not have to complete driver education, although they must satisfy other licensing and testing requirements.
Teenagers can pursue instruction through certified schools, online programs, parent-taught driver education, or participating public schools.
The Star Changed Color, Too
DPS introduced a new license design on August 18, 2025.
The new cards use tamper-resistant polycarbonate and feature a black, laser-engraved REAL ID star instead of the gold star on the prior design. Existing cards remain valid until their expiration dates.
The 2020 redesign had already added prominent identifiers for veterans, disabled veterans, and people with communication impediments that could affect interactions with officers.
And Texas has more technology on the horizon.
DPS describes a planned online application and virtual-issuance program for eligible transactions, although its public overview still labeled the system “Coming Soon” as of October 27. Motorists should not assume every renewal can happen virtually.
Are Texas Drivers Getting Better Or Worse?
Texas recorded 4,150 traffic deaths in 2024, down from 4,291 in 2023. The statewide fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled also declined.
But distraction remains a problem.
TxDOT attributes 86,384 crashes and 299 deaths in 2025 to distracted driving.
