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The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requires every school to purchase state-issued certificate numbers. The TDLR also requires specific security features on each document so they can be validated by the Department of Public Safety when you apply for your instructional permit or license at a Driver License Office. Texas Commercial Driver License Self-Certification Affidavit. Federal Regulations along with the State of Texas Administrative Rules require a commercial driver to certify in one of the 4 categories listed below to determine if a medical certificate is required. Persons applying for or holding a Texas driver license and having a physical or mental condition, the extent of which cannot be determined by the department, are referred to the Medical Advisory Board for further evaluation. (1) The criteria for referral for physical conditions are as follows: (A) Eye disorders.
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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.
How to Change Information on Your Driver License or ID Card
To change your Address and Zip Code, Name or Gender on your driver license or ID card, you must apply for a replacement (also known as a duplicate) and pay the required fee.
Address Change
In Texas, your address on a driver license or ID card must be changed within 30 days after moving to your new residence.
There are three ways you can request a replacement driver license and change your address:
- Online
- Mail-In
- In-Person
Online Address Change
Using this online feature is the fastest and most convenient method to change your address. Learn more about the eligibility requirements to change your address online. If you know you meet these requirements, begin the process by selecting 'Go' in the link below.
Mail-In Address Change
If you are unable to change your address online, you can complete the Application for Change of Address and mail it to the Department for processing. You must meet the following requirements to change your address by mail:
- Your driver license is not expired.
- You have a non-commercial driver license, Class C or CM or Class A or B non-CDL driver license. You cannot use the mail services to change your address on a Commercial Driver License.
- You are at least 18 years of age and your driver license is not a provisional or learner license.
- Your driver license is valid (not suspended or revoked).
- Your Social Security Number is already on file.
- You are a U.S. citizen.
Complete the application, sign and include the required fee. Both the application and fee must be mailed to the address located at the top of the form for processing. Please allow an additional ten days to the processing time due to mailing your request.
In-Person Address Change
If you are unable to change your address online or mail-in your application request, you can take your completed Application for Change of Address to any driver license office. Locate the office nearest you. (This form is also available at the driver license office.)
Alternative Address Option for Peace Officers, Special Investigators, and State and Federal Judges
If you are a qualified peace officer, special investigator, federal judge (and spouse) or state judge (and spouse), you may have an alternative address printed on the face of your non-commercial driver license or ID card as an alternative to using your residential address.
To change the address on your non-commercial driver license or ID card, you must:
- Apply in person at any driver license office (online transactions are not allowed because applicants must verify employment);
- Pay the required fee;
- Surrender any driver license or ID card previously issued;
- Provide your current residential address on the application (required for DPS records and mailing purposes).
In addition to the requirements above;
Peace officers, defined in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure §2.12, must:
- Be commissioned in Texas
- Be currently employed by a law enforcement agency
- Present your license issued by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE)
- Present your peace officer identification card and badge issued by your employing agency
Special investigators, defined in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure §2.122, must:
- Present your federal ID card* and badge; or
- *Present letter with required information if employing agency policy disallows copying or scanning the ID card
Federal judges, defined in Texas Election Code § 1.005, and spouses must:
- Present your (or your spouse’s) official identification card issues by the Administrative Office of United States Courts
State judges, defined in Texas Election Code 1.005, and spouses must:
Moving To Texas Driver's License
- Present your (or your spouse’s) official identification card issued by the Texas Secretary of State; or
- Present your (or your spouse’s) business card along with additional identifying documentation, issued by a state agency affiliated with the judiciary including Office of Court Administration, Office of the Attorney General, Secretary of State and Texas courts.
If you are applying for an original, renewal or replacement driver license or ID card, you must meet all other eligibility requirements.
Name Change
If you want to change your name, you must:
Texas Drivers License Class Code Cm
- Visit any driver license office within 30 days of the change; and
- Provide one of the documents listed below that verifies your name change. The document must be an original, as copies are not accepted. If the document is not in English, a certified English translation must also be submitted with the original document.
- Locate the office nearest you.
Marriage-Related Name Change
If your name change is marriage related, bring one of the following documents:
- Marriage license
- Divorce decree
- Annulment
- Department of State Health Services marriage verification letter
Other Types of Name Change
If your name change is not marriage related, bring one of the following documents:
- Certified court order
- Amended birth certificate
- Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550, N-570 or N-578)
Gender Change
If you want to change your gender, you must bring an original certified court order or an amended birth certificate verifying the change.