Thread: New rules to obtain TX driver's license

Updated: Monday, 07 May 2012, 5:33 PM CDT
Published : Monday, 07 May 2012, 4:56 AM CDT
Kate Weidaw
kxan.com

Must show proof of residency

AUSTIN (KXAN) - New rules starting Monday will change the way Texas residents receive their driver’s license.

These rules were a last minute addition by lawmakers to the budget bill passed last year.

Under the new law DPS officials are required to ask all new applicants for a driver’s license or ID card to present two documents showing the person's name and address to establish proof of residency in the state.

Those documents have to show a person has lived in Texas at least 30 days. Residents with less than 30 days can have that requirement waived by surrendering a valid out-of-state driver license.

Prior to the new rules, DPS officers were allowed to ask for proof of your citizenship or legal status in the country - with something like a passport or birth certificate.

Some lawmakers called the driver's license measure a way to hurt the immigrant community with possible racial profiling of Hispanics.

Supporters said it's another way to combat illegal immigration.

Critics believe it might cause problems for some.

"Sometimes it becomes difficult even for people who are here legally to prove, because immigration law is so complex somebody may not be able to easily prove their status here, even though they are here legally," said Esther Reyes, Austin Immigrant Rights Coalition.

Some groups like the Austin Immigrant Rights Coalition said there are a few positive things with the legislation.

People on short-term visas could get driving privileges and legal immigrants can receive licenses that look the same as citizen licenses.

One Old Vet

New rules to obtain TX driver's license | KXAN.com

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http://www.alipac.us/f19/new-texas-d...-today-256887/

Originally Posted by Jean

Under the new law DPS officials are required to ask all new applicants for a driver’s license or ID card to present two documents showing the person's name and address to establish proof of residency in the state.

Those documents have to show a person has lived in Texas at least 30 days. Residents with less than 30 days can have that requirement waived by surrendering a valid out-of-state driver license.

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Is Rick Perry thinking about all the light shed on his pro-illegal alien governorship and now wants to appear to make a few things right before he runs for reelection?

Sob and cry drama... The new law only effects new license applicants.

How To Apply For A New Texas Drivers License

If you're applying for a new Texas driver license, the first thing you should do is generate and download your driver license form and checklist. These documents can help save you time in the event that you need to visit the DMV office in person. To apply for a Texas drivers license for a new Texas driver license are:
•In person: Download your forms and make an appointment at a nearby driver license office.

The driver cannot new Texas drivers license online. The new Texas drivers license information, however, can be found online. In order to apply for a new Texas drivers license, a new Texas drivers license form must be filled out. This form can be found online, or at the Texas driver's license office. The driver should make an appointment at a nearby state driver license office to complete the process.

Steps To Apply For A New Texas Drivers License In Person

There are three types of documents that are needed when applying for a new Texas drivers license. Along with the new Texas drivers license form, the driver needs:
•Proof of identity
•Proof of lawful presence
•And proof of Social Security.

Bring all the necessary new Texas drivers license information to the Department of Motor Vehicles office. Examples of the documents are listed below.

Proof Of Identity:
•Texas driver license
•United States passport
•United States Citizenship Certificate
•Certificate of Naturalization


Proof Of Lawful Presence:
•Original or certified copy of Birth Certificate
•Original or certified copy of court order with name and date of birth

Proof Of Social Security:
•Social Security card
•W-2 Forms
•1099 Form
•Driver License issued by another U.S. state

For a complete checklist of the required documentation Click Here

In addition, the driver will need proof of Texas vehicle registration and liability insurance on all the vehicles.



Miscellaneous Information To Apply For A New Texas Driver License

If the driver is over eighty-five years old, their new license is only valid for two years maximum. Every two years they must complete the requirements for a new Texas drivers license for safety reasons.

The driver must agree to:
•Be fingerprinted
•And photographed.
•Also, the driver must provide their signature at the time of application.
• In order to apply for a new Texas drivers license, the written knowledge test must be passed to prove that the driver knows the drivers license information.
•One of the items on the drivers license checklist is the vision exam, which must be passed.
•The driver will also have to take the driving test, using his or her own vehicle.
•They will have to provide proof of registration and insurance at the time of test.

The required fee can be paid with the following:
•Credit card
•Cash
•Money order
•Non-temporary check

If a driver is in between the age of eighteen and twenty-four and does not have a valid drivers license from any other state or country, then proof of adult driver education must be shown. Once the fees are paid, and all the required new Texas drivers license forms are accepted and accounted for, the driver will get a temporary receipt. The driver needs to check the receipt to make sure all the new Texas drivers license information is correct. This will be their temporary driver's license until the official new Texas drivers license comes in the mail. The driver cannot apply for a new Texas drivers license online, but having all the required documents ensures a smooth process.

New Texas Driver Licence