Texans needing to get a new driver's license or state-issued ID card won't have to wait much longer.
On Thursday, Gov. Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Department of Public Safety will begin a four-phased opening of driver's license offices starting May 26 with limited service offerings for those who do not have an active or expired license or ID card.
Those with expired licenses have been granted an exception for 60 days following the return to normal operations, which will not happen until phase four begins.
As part of the governor's four-phase opening plan, DPS will launch a statewide driver license (DL) appointment system that allows customers to book appointments up to six months in advance. The limited services being offered will be by appointment only.
"This phased opening of our driver license offices and the launch of DPS' online appointment system prioritizes the health and safety of our communities and ensures Texans have access to the services they need at their local driver license offices," said Abbott in a statement. "I thank DPS for developing this safe and strategic plan to open their offices and for launching a new appointment system to streamline our driver license services."
The four-phase plan for the opening of driver's license offices is as follows:
Phase 1: Offices in DPS’ Northwest and West Texas regions will reopen with limited services beginning May 26. Customers who currently do not possess a Texas driver's license, commercial driver's license, learner permit or ID card, as well those who are in need of a driver's test, can begin scheduling appointments in these two regions on May 22 at 1 p.m.
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Phase 2: Offices in DPS’ South and Central Texas regions will reopen with limited services beginning May 29. Customers who currently do not possess a Texas driver's license, commercial driver's license, learner permit or ID card, as well those who are in need of a driver's test, can begin scheduling appointments in these two regions on May 26 at 1 p.m.
Phase 3: Offices in DPS’ North and Southeast Texas regions will reopen with limited services beginning June 3. Customers who currently do not possess a Texas driver's license, commercial driver's license, learner permit or ID card, as well those who are in need of a driver's test, can begin scheduling appointments in these two regions on May 29 at 1 p.m.
Phase 4 will allow customers to schedule an appointment for all driver's license office transactions anywhere in the state and is expected to begin midsummer. The DPS will announce details on phase four at a later date.
