Senior Drivers - Age 65 or Older

September 28, 2020

Apply Online for an Identification Card – Seniors 65 years of age or older

Seniors, 65 years of age or older, may voluntarily surrender their driver license and apply for an identification card (ID) without visiting a driver license office if they are a U.S. Citizen and hold a REAL ID compliant driver license or commercial driver license.

How to use this option:

  1. Create or sign in to your Texas-by-Texas (TxT) account.
  2. Select the Surrender DL for ID option and submit the required information to verify identity, citizenship, and age.

Customers may call 1-866-DL-RENEW (1-866-357-3639) to check the status of their surrender request.

Senior Drivers - Age 79 or Older

When you are 79 years or older in Texas, you are required to renew your driver license in person at your local driver license office. The renewal period depends on your age:

  • Ages 79 to 84: An 8-year license will be issued.
  • Ages 85 and Over: A 2-year license will be issued.

Driver License Office Visit:

  1. Visit Driver License Services - Appointments to schedule an appointment at your local driver license office.
  2. Complete the application, available online or at the driver license office.
  3. A specialist will review your application regarding your medical history to determine if any additional testing is required.
  4. Provide the following documentation to the specialist:
    1. Completed driver license application
    2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship (if not already on your record) or Lawful Presence (if not a U.S. Citizen)
    3. Proof of Identity
  5. Provide Biometric Information (signature and thumbprints)
  6. Have your picture taken.
  7. Pay the application fee.
  8. Pass the vision exam.

Driver Safety: A Shared Responsibility

The Department of Public Safety prioritizes the safety of all drivers on the road, regardless of age.  Our responsibility is to ensure that all licensed individuals possess the necessary physical and mental capabilities to operate a motor vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.

Testing Based on Individual Needs

There are not any mandatory driving tests based solely on age.  However, if there's a concern about your driving ability, a skills evaluation or additional medical information from your doctor may be requested.  Additional information is available on the Texas Medical Evaluation Process for Driver Licensing page.

Maintaining Your Skills

We encourage all drivers to regularly assess their driving skills.  Several organizations offer valuable resources to help you stay confident behind the wheel, including

  1. National Safety Council
  2. AARP
  3. Texas Department of State Health Services