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Drivers license office to reopen May 29 with limitations

Posted at 11:21 PM, May 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-22 20:14:09-04

Texas Department of Public Safety offices will begin to reopen on instructions from Gov. Greg Abbott, it said in a news release Thursday.

South Texas offices are scheduled to open May 29. Those needing appointments will be able to schedule them here.

The drivers license offices will only be open to those with appointments, and available services will be limited.

Like the governor's Reopen Texas initiative, the offices will be reopened in phases. Northern region offices open Friday, and eastern region offices open June 3.

Heightened safety measures will be in place when offices open, including:

  • All staff members and customers who are taking a driving test will be required to wear face masks or facial coverings.
  • Every person (staff members and customers) will be screened for symptoms prior to coming into a DL office; this includes having their temperature checked.
  • Customers may be asked to reschedule their appointment if they do not pass the safety screening.
  • Only actual customers will be allowed into DL offices. This will help limit capacity and ensure everyone can maintain a safe social distance. Exceptions include: persons needing ADA accommodations; elderly persons; parents with small children; and parents and legal guardians needed to complete a transaction.
  • DPS staff will sanitize workstations and equipment between each customer transaction.
  • Eye examinations will no longer require physical contact with an eye testing machine.
  • Customers must pay with a credit card, check or money order. No cash payments will be accepted.

The 60-day extension for all licenses that expired on before March 13 still is in place. It also applies to identification cards and election identification certificates.