Press Releases

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has rolled out a new design on Texas driver license (DL) and identification (ID) cards. Beginning today, Aug. 18, all newly issued Texas DL and IDs will feature a new look, which has increased security features. The previously issued cards, with the current design, are still valid until their expiration date.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces the capture of another fugitive from Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants List in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Jose Antonio Marquina-Bonilla was arrested on Sunday, Aug. 3.

AUSTIN – In an effort to generate more investigative tips from the public, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has once again elevated Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive Carlos Jose Ayala Morales to Featured Fugitive status. The reward for information leading to his arrest is increased to $6,000 during August if the tip is received this month.

AUSTIN – Today, at the August meeting of the Public Safety Commission (PSC), Chairman Stephen P. Mach, Nelda Luce Blair, Dan Hord, Larry Long and Steven Stodghill, along with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Colonel Freeman F. Martin, recognized the service of Trooper Joseph Sherman (Corsicana) by presenting him with a Purple Heart.

AUSTIN – Today, in honor of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) 90th Anniversary, DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin kicked off a new statewide public safety initiative: 90 Days of Safety. During a press conference at DPS Headquarters in Austin, Colonel Martin, along with DPS officials, announced details of the new campaign—including the rollout of a new “Keeping Texas Safe” coloring and activity book that will be available to children statewide.

AUSTIN – Today, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) proudly marks its 90th anniversary, honoring nine decades of unwavering commitment to public safety, service and innovation. Since 1935, DPS has grown into one of the nation’s most comprehensive public safety agencies, encompassing divisions that lead in law enforcement, technology, forensics, aviation, intelligence and more.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Regulatory Services Division (RSD) is now accepting new and updated applications for Texas’ Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) dispensing organization licenses.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces several changes to key leadership positions across the department, which were confirmed by the Public Safety Commission (PSC) during its meeting today. The changes are a result of personnel retiring after many years of dedicated service or new positions being created in various divisions throughout the department.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is proud to announce the creation of the new Homeland Security Division following the passage of Senate Bill 36 by the 89th Texas Legislature. This landmark legislation marks a significant step forward in the state’s effort to modernize and enhance its security posture by formally establishing a division dedicated to unifying, coordinating, and leading statewide homeland security efforts.

AUSTIN – In celebration of its 90th anniversary, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) held its largest Legacy Run this morning ahead of Friday’s graduation for Recruit Class A-2025. Just under 200 DPS personnel, both past and present, from across the state, joined the recruit class for the special six-mile run from Camp Mabry, the original home of DPS, to the Texas State Capitol. Colonel Freeman Martin also took part – his first time running the Legacy Run since becoming Colonel in Dec. 2024.

EL PASO – During the past week, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), in conjunction with several partner law enforcement agencies, conducted a human trafficking operation in El Paso, Texas.

AUSTIN – As students begin heading back to school, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds all Texans to exercise heightened caution and adhere to safety measures implemented to protect students, staff and fellow drivers this school year. This includes tips on how to safely drop off and pick up your child from school, drive cautiously through school zones and talk to your family and loved ones about staying safe this school year and beyond.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking information on the 2019 murder of 37-year-old Courtney Allan Sholar. The reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for his death is now increased to $6,000 if the tip is received before the next featured Texas Rangers cold case is announced. Anyone with information in this case is asked to please come forward.

SAN ANGELO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), in coordination with the Tom Green Co. Sheriff’s Office, captured an assault suspect after a miles-long pursuit that ended in Mertzon this week.

DEL RIO – The man arrested by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for smuggling more than a dozen illegal immigrants inside a cloned home improvement store delivery truck last year will spend the next decade behind bars. Cezanne Megel Patterson, 29, of Jackson, Miss., was sentenced to 10 years of confinement in a Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) prison on July 24, 2025.