How to Check a Driver's License Status in Texas
by Mary Jane FreemanThe Texas Department of Public Safety gives you a variety of ways to research the status of your driver's license. You can stop by a local office, phone in your inquiry or check online from your home computer. A variety of information is available, from when your new license was mailed to any fees required to renew or reinstate your license.
Eligibility Tool
Texas has set up an online eligibility database on the Department of Public Safety's website. To gain access, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number, driver's license number, and date of birth in the MM/DD/YY format. A variety of things can be checked with the online system. For example, if your license was suspended, you can log into the system and find out if you're eligible to reinstate it. The system will disclose any reinstatement requirements, such as compliance documents you must submit along with reinstatement fees.
License Delivery Update
The Texas Department of Public Safety also provides another online tool. If you recently applied for, renewed or changed information on your driver's license and haven't received it yet, you can check on its status online. Click on the "Where is my DL or ID Card?" link located at the bottom of DPS' website. On the next page, click the "Check the status of your driver license or ID card" link. Enter your eight-digit license number and birthdate in MM/DD/YY format then press "Search" button to get the latest information about your license.
Email Communication
If there isn't any license information available online or you have questions about the information provided, you can contact the Department of Public Safety by email. DPS provides a submission form on its website, so there's no need to send an email directly from your email account. Provide your name, driver's license number, date of birth, physical and email address, and phone number. In the "Question" field, describe the information you are seeking. Be as specific as possible. DPS will respond by email within four to five business days.
Phone and In-Person Inquiries
You also can check the status of your license by speaking with a customer service representative at the Department of Public Safety. This can be done over the phone by calling (512) 424-2600. Representatives are available weekdays between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. However, DPS advises that calls made between 7 and 8 a.m. and 5 and 6 p.m. are usually answered the fastest, with Fridays being the best day out of the week to call. If you prefer speaking to a representative face-to-face, you can check the status of your license at a local DPS office. DPS provides a list of locations on its website, searchable by zip code, city or county.
References
- Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division: License Eligibility
- Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division: License Eligibility, Frequently Asked Questions
- Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division: General Information, Document and Fee Processing
- Texas Department of Pubic Safety: Online Services
- Texas Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division: Contact Us
Things You'll Need
- Driver's license number
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Texas Department of Public Safety audit number
- Adobe Acrobat
- Printer
Writer Bio
Based on the West Coast, Mary Jane Freeman has been writing professionally since 1994, specializing in the topics of business and law. Freeman's work has appeared in a variety of publications, including LegalZoom, Essence, Reuters and Chicago Sun-Times. Freeman holds a Master of Science in public policy and management and Juris Doctor. Freeman is self-employed and works as a policy analyst and legal consultant.