If your Texas driver's license and driving privileges have been suspended by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), you'll need to reinstate your license by satisfying the requirements and paying your reinstatement fees. The DPS can suspend or revoke your driver's license for various reasons, including: Being evaluated as medically unable to drive. Terms Used In Texas Transportation Code Chapter 523. Affidavit: means a statement in writing of a fact or facts signed by the party making it, sworn to before an officer authorized to administer oaths, and officially certified to by the officer under his seal of office. Driver License Endorsements and Restrictions Endorsements. Individuals may apply for an endorsement to be placed on their driver license. Depending on the type of endorsement, an individual may be required to provide additional information, complete a separate application, or pass a knowledge test specific to the type of endorsement the individual is seeking. A Class CM license in Texas means I can drive a car and a motorcycle? Does anyone else have a class CM license in Texas? I'm just trying to make sure I can drive my car and a motorcycle.
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In Texas, a Class C driver's license will allow you to operate most standard passenger vehicles. However, a special license or certificate may be required for certain types of vehicles or driving professions not meeting the definition of a passenger vehicle.
Below are the requirements for vehicles that may need additional licenses as outlined by the laws and regulations of the state of Texas.
TX Commercial Driver's License
To operate commercial vehicles in Texas, a commercial driver's license (CDL) may be required.
Whether or not you need to apply for a Class A, B, or C Texas CDL will depend on:
- Vehicle type.
- Weight of thevehicle OR of the combination of vehicles being towed.
- Number of potential passengers.
- Materials being transported.
In addition to obtaining a commercial driver's license, some vehicles may also require an additional endorsement.
A few of the common vehicles that may require a CDL include:
- A tractor-trailer.
- A school bus.
- Tankers.
- Double or triple trailers.
- Shuttles.
- City buses.
- Some construction vehicles.
For more information about the requirements for a CDL, which endorsements you may need, and how to apply, here are some guides that may help you:
For-Hire Driver Requirements
In the state of Texas, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) does not have state-wide requirements in place for hired drivers to obtain a special driver's license.
However, each city or district within the state may have its own requirements. This includes for:
- Taxi drivers.
- Limousine drivers.
- Other chauffeurs.
Depending on the company you'll be working for and the city you'll be working in, for-hire drivers may be required to:
- Meet a minimum age requirement.
- Provide proof of citizenship.
- Agree to a criminal background check.
- Agree to a driving history check.
- Submit an application to the city.
- You may also be required to have a contract from an approved company. Some cities require for-hire drivers to be represented by a company before you can apply.
- Complete required training, such as:
- Training classes conducted by the city.
- On-the-job company training.
- Complete a medical examination completed by a registered medical doctor.
- Pass a written examination.
- Pay the required fees.
Upon completion of the requirements, the city will provide documentation and permits stating your qualifications to operate for-hire vehicles within the specified district. For more information on the exact requirements to operate as a taxi driver, chauffeur, limousine driver, or similar occupation, contact your city transportation department.
Other Vehicle Licensing Requirements
For some vehicles in the state of Texas that are exempt from a CDL, you may still be required to apply for a Class A, B, C, or M non-commercial driver's license.
These vehicles include:
- Firefighting or emergency vehicles.
- Military vehicles.
- Recreational vehicles (RVs).
- Farming vehicles.
- Motorcycles.
You may be required to adhere to safety guidelines and meet minimum age requirements unless you are accompanied by a supervising driver.
19 Sep Do you have a gold star on your Texas Driver’s license or ID card?
If you do not have a gold star, you may not be able to use your Texas driver’s license or identification card at the airport! The Real ID Act begins October 1, 2020, only state-issued driver licenses and identification cards that are fully compliant with the REAL ID Act will be accepted for official federal government purposes such as boarding domestic flights.
The Texas Department of Public Safety website explains how the Real ID Act will impact Texas residents. Below are some of the questions and answer provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The link to the website is at the bottom of this page.
What is REAL ID?
REAL ID is a coordinated effort by the states and the federal government to combat terrorism, identity theft, and other crimes by strengthening the integrity, accuracy, and security of the driver license and identification card issuance process.
The REAL ID Act was part of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and the Tsunami Relief Act and was passed by the U.S. Congress in 2005.
How did the REAL ID Act impact the Texas driver license and identification card issuance process?
The REAL ID Act established new minimum issuance standards, which include:
- Requiring proof of identity, date of birth, social security number, lawful status, and primary residence address
- Verifying the authenticity of the documents presented for issuance
- Incorporating additional security features into the card, and
- Increasing security and privacy of personal information collected during the issuance process.
The Texas driver license and identification card issuance process are in compliance with these standards. These requirements are not based upon age, but for providing for the security of the driver license and identification card issuance process.
What do I need to do?
Because Texas is in compliance with the REAL ID Act, all Texas driver licenses and identification cards, are currently valid forms of identification for federal purposes.
If your card expires before October 1, 2022, and you don’t have a star in the upper right-hand corner, renew your driver license or identification card before the October 1, 2020 deadline. You are eligible to renew up to two years in advance of your card’s expiration date.
Texas Driver's License Code Cm
If your card expires after October 1, 2022, and you want a REAL ID compliant card, you can request a duplicate card either in person or through Texas.gov. If you have been issued a card on or after October 10, 2016 and see a gold star in the upper right-hand corner, you already have a REAL ID Act compliant card, and no further action is required on your part.
If you received your renewal notice in the mail, be sure to bring the required documents that are listed in your renewal notice. If you did not receive a renewal notice, are obtaining a replacement, or are not sure what to bring with you, download this checklist to determine which documents you may have that will meet these requirements. While these documents may already be on file with the Department, bringing them with you will minimize any delays in renewing or replacing your driver license or identification card.
To determine if you are eligible to renew online or need to obtain a replacement card, visit www.texas.gov.
Does the REAL ID Act create a national database of driver information?
Texas Driver License Restriction Codes
No. Driver information is securely maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety and is not entered into a national database.
What happens if I do not currently have a REAL ID-compliant Texas driver license or identification card and do nothing until after October 1, 2020?
If your driver license is still valid, you may continue to use it for non-federal purposes, such as operating a motor vehicle, voting, or banking. You will not be able to use it for federal identification purposes, such as boarding domestic flights or entering secure federal facilities, after October 1, 2020. If you attempt to present a non-compliant Texas driver license or identification card after October 1, 2020, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or other federal agency responsible for security will determine whether to permit you access/entrance or subject you to additional screening as prescribed by that agency.
Additional information regarding the REAL ID Act can be found on the DHS website.