Texas driver’s license offices to soon reopen by appointment only for limited services
Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday that Texas’ driver’s license offices will begin a phased reopening next week after being closed for two months due to the novel coronavirus’ outbreak.
The Texas Department of Public Safety will reopen offices by region and customers must book an appointment online in order to visit, according to a news release. DPS will launch a statewide system that will allow people to book appointments up to six months in advance.
DPS’ North and Southeast Texas regions will reopen June 3, and Tarrant County residents will be able to book appointments online starting at 1 p.m. May 29. Services will be limited to those who don’t have a driver’s license, commercial driver’s license, learner permit or ID card, in addition to those who need a driving test.
Some of the counties served in DPS’ North Texas region include Tarrant, Dallas, Denton, Collin, Erath, Hood, Wise, Palo Pinto and more, according to the region’s Facebook page.
DPS’ Northwest and West Texas regions will be the first to reopen on May 26, followed by the South and Central Texas regions on May 29.
The fourth phase of reopening will allow customers to schedule appointments online for all driver’s license office services across the state. It is expected to begin midsummer, and more details will be announced closer to.
In March, DPS temporarily waived expiration dates for Texas driver’s licenses due to the outbreak. The extension for expiration dates will remain in effect until phase four of the reopening plan, according to Thursday’s news release.
“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,” Abbott said in a statement.
Since mid-March, there have been a dozen cases of DPS employees testing positive for COVID-19 at driver’s license offices across Texas, with a handful of cases stemming from a driver’s license office in Hurst at 624 Northeast Loop 820. Positive cases have also been reported at driver’s license locations in Garland, Carrollton and McKinney, according to DPS.
In an email earlier this week, DPS said it continues to follow best practices and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines related to office sanitation, employee screening, employee quarantining and the use of personal protective equipment, like face masks.
Eligible Texans can renew their licenses online or by phone if they meet certain requirements, including if you are 78 younger, your last renewal was completed in person, your Social Security number is on file with DPS, you have no outstanding traffic tickets or warrants or your license is not suspended or revoked.
In addition, address changes can be completed online or by mail. A full list of eligibility requirements can be found online at Texas.gov.
In March, Abbott also temporarily suspended various rules related to vehicle registration, titling and disabled parking placards.
This story was originally published May 21, 2020 at 1:13 PM.
