Out Of State Driver License
Renewal/Duplicate Instructions

Out of State Driver License Renewal/Duplicate Instructions
To apply for a duplicate or renewal of a Texas non-commercial driver license or identification card (DL/ID card) while residing out of Texas or the Country, please read and follow the instructions below.

The Commercial Driver License (CDL) Law mandates that a CDL must include the applicant’s color photograph; therefore, Drivers Who Need a Class A, B, Or C Commercial Driver License MUST APPLY IN PERSON at a Texas driver license office. If you are not domiciled in Texas, you must obtain a license from the state where you currently reside.  Operators of Class A or B vehicles who are exempt from the CDL Act may renew by mail. If you qualify for a class A or B non-CDL, please complete the CDL-2 Exemption form.

NOTE: If you are 79 years of age or older, all transactions must be completed at a Texas Driver License office. For more information, read about Katie’s Law.

Follow the instructions on the Out of State/Country Application:

  1. Please sign your usual signature in the area stating "Please sign within the brackets". All signatures must be in black ink.
  2. Provide a residence address on your application, if one is applicable. 
  3. The card may be mailed to your current out of state address by providing the mailing address in the designated space on the application. 
  4. Have your vision checked by a doctor.  If you have not been convicted of any traffic violations, within the last 4 years, a vision examination is not required.
  5. When renewing your driver license, answer questions 1-11 on form DL-43.  If you are requesting a duplicate of your DL/ID card or renewing your ID card, answer questions 1-4 only. 
  6. You may also register to vote. 
  7. Any license issued via the mail will be produced with the previous digital photograph on file.  If there is no digital photograph on file, a "Valid Without Photo" DL/ID card will be produced.
  8. The Department requires applicants who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States to present proof of their lawful status in the U.S. before they are issued an original, renewal or duplicate Texas driver license or identification card.

Duplicate or Name Change Forms (complete and submit all forms listed):

  1. Out of State/Country Application (RIS-50)
  2. You MUST submit proof of Social Security Number (not required for an ID card)
  3. DL-43 (Texas Driver License & Identification Card Renewal - Duplicate Application)
  4. DL-15 (United States Selective Service Registration)  (All males 18 years of age but less than 26 years of age must complete this form)
  5. Proof of Lawful Status for a Texas Driver License or Identification Certificate
  6. Required fee
  7. Required forms

NOTE:The Department will accept a foreign marriage or divorce certificate as proof of name change if it is written in English or is accompanied by a certified translation in English.

Renewal Forms (complete and submit all forms listed):

  1. Out of State/Country Application (RIS-50)
  2. You MUST submit proof of Social Security Number (not required for an ID card)
  3. DL-43 (Texas Driver License & Identification Card Renewal - Duplicate Application)
  4. DL-15 (United States Selective Service Registration)   (All males 18 years of age but less than 26 years of age must complete this form)
  5. DL-63 (Explanation For Eye Specialist) if required  (not required for an ID card)
  6. CDL-2 (Exemption Certification)  ONLY required if you are renewing a Class A or B non-commercial driver license
  7. Proof of Lawful Status for a Texas Driver License or Identification Certificate
  8. Required fee
  9. Required forms

Please mail all required documents along with the required fee, in the form of check or money order and made payable to the Texas Department of Public Safety:

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
P O BOX 15999
AUSTIN TX 78761-5999

Please allow approximately forty-five (45) days for issuance of the driver license/identification card.