How to Check a Driver's License Status in Texas

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The 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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