Texas driver's licenses are not black and white — they are full color with a blue header and a photograph

Texas driver's licenses have been printed in full color since 2000. The card features a blue band across the top with the Texas state seal, your photograph on the right side, and your personal information printed in black text on a white background. The back of the card is also full color and includes your signature, driving restrictions, and endorsements.

If you have an older Texas license that appears to be black and white or mostly white, it was issued before the color redesign. Texas does not require you to renew early just because your license is an older style, but you will receive a full-color card when you renew at your next scheduled renewal date or when you update your address or other information.

The blue header and color design are security features that make the license harder to counterfeit. They also help law enforcement and businesses quickly identify a valid Texas license.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas driver's licenses have been printed in full color with a blue header since 2000, not in black and white.
  • Older licenses issued before 2000 may appear mostly white or lack the blue header, but they remain valid until renewal.
  • You do not need to renew early to get a color license — you will receive one automatically at your next renewal.
  • The color design includes security features that make the license harder to forge and easier for officials to verify.

When your old black and white license is still valid

A Texas driver's license issued before 2000 is still legally valid for driving and identification purposes. The state does not invalidate older licenses based on their appearance or design. You can continue to use your license until the expiration date printed on it.

However, some businesses or government offices may question an unusually old license or ask for a second form of identification. If you renew your license for any reason — whether because it expired, you changed your address, or you updated your name — you will receive a new full-color card in the mail.

How to get a color license if you have an old one

You do not have to do anything special to receive a color license. When you renew your Texas driver's license through the normal renewal process, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will issue you a full-color card automatically.

You can renew your license by mail, online, or in person at a DPS office. Mail and online renewals are available if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions that require a vision test, and you are not changing your address or other information. If you need to make changes or your license is expiring soon, you can visit a local DPS office to renew in person and receive your new card faster.

Texas driver's licenses are valid for six years for most adults under 85. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Why Texas switched to color licenses

The color design was introduced as a security measure to reduce fraud and counterfeiting. The blue header, photograph, and color printing make it much harder for someone to forge a fake license or alter an existing one. The design also helps police officers and business owners quickly verify that a license is authentic and current.

Many other states made similar changes around the same time. Today, nearly all U.S. driver's licenses are printed in color with security features like holograms, microprinting, and color-shifting elements.

What information appears on a current Texas license

The front of a Texas driver's license includes your photograph, full name, date of birth, address, license number, and expiration date. The blue header at the top displays "TEXAS" and the state seal. Your eye color, height, and sex are also listed.

The back of the card shows your signature, any driving restrictions (such as corrective lenses required), and any endorsements (such as commercial driving privileges). The back also includes a barcode and magnetic stripe that contain encoded versions of your information.

If you have a REAL ID-compliant license, there will be a gold star in the upper right corner of the front of the card. This indicates that your license meets federal standards for air travel and entry to federal buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use a black and white Texas license to fly?

If your old license does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not REAL ID-compliant and cannot be used for domestic air travel. You will need a passport, passport card, or a REAL ID-compliant license to board a flight. You can renew your license to get a REAL ID-compliant card, which will be in full color.

How long does it take to get a new color license in the mail?

Texas typically mails renewed licenses within 7 to 10 business days after your process is processed. If you renew online or by mail, allow extra time for delivery. If you need your license quickly, you can renew in person at a DPS office and receive a temporary paper license on the spot.

Do I have to pay extra to get a color license?

No. The renewal fee for a color license is the same as it has been for years. You pay the standard renewal fee, which varies depending on whether you renew for four or six years. There is no additional charge for the color design or security features.

What if my old license is damaged or faded?

You can request a replacement license at any time if your current license is damaged, faded, or illegible. Visit a DPS office or renew online if you are may be able to access. A replacement license costs less than a full renewal and will be issued in full color.