Where to find the information on your card

Your Texas driver's license is a small plastic card packed with information that law enforcement, employers, and you yourself will need to read and understand. The front of the card holds your photo, name, and the most commonly used details. The back contains additional information about restrictions, endorsements, and your driving record status. Learning to read both sides takes only a few minutes and helps you spot errors before they cause problems.

Texas redesigned its driver's license format in recent years, so the exact placement of some fields may differ slightly depending on when your license was issued. The core information — your name, license number, and expiration date — appears in the same general area on all current licenses, but it's worth checking your specific card as you read through this guide.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Texas driver's license number is a unique eight-digit code that identifies you in the state's system, and it appears in the upper right area of the front of the card.
  • The class of your license (Class A, B, C, or M) determines what vehicles you are legally permitted to drive, and this appears near your photo on the front.
  • Restrictions and endorsements are printed on the back of your card and limit or expand what you can do with your license — for example, corrective lenses required or motorcycle endorsement.
  • Your expiration date is printed on the front, and renewing before that date is your responsibility; Texas does not send automatic reminders.
  • The magnetic stripe and barcode on the back contain encoded versions of your front-side information and are used by law enforcement and businesses to verify your identity.

Your license number and personal identification

The eight-digit number in the upper right corner of the front of your card is your driver's license number. This is your unique identifier in Texas's licensing system. You will need this number to renew your license, to check your driving record, and to provide to insurance companies. Write it down or take a photo of it and store it separately from your wallet, because if your license is lost or stolen, you'll need this number to report it.

Below or near your license number, you'll see your full legal name, date of birth, and the address where you registered your license. Check that your name and date of birth match your birth certificate or passport exactly. If there's a mismatch, you'll need to correct it at your local Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office before it causes problems with employment, voting, or travel.

Your address on the license should match your current mailing address. If you've moved, you can update your address online through the Texas DPS website or in person at a DPS office. You do not need to renew your entire license just to change your address.

License class: what you're allowed to drive

The class of your license appears on the front of your card and tells you exactly what vehicles you are legally permitted to operate. Texas has four main license classes for drivers:

  • Class C: Standard passenger vehicles — cars, pickup trucks, and vans under a certain weight. This is the most common class for everyday drivers.
  • Class B: Single vehicles heavier than Class C limits, or certain combinations of vehicles. You need this to drive a large truck or RV.
  • Class A: Tractor-trailers and other heavy commercial combinations. This requires a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and additional testing.
  • Class M: Motorcycles only. You cannot operate a motorcycle on a Class C license.

If your license shows a class you don't remember choosing, double-check it against what you actually drive. Driving a vehicle outside your license class is illegal, even if you own the vehicle. If you need to upgrade your class — for example, from Class C to Class M to ride a motorcycle — you'll need to pass the written test and road test for that class at a DPS office.

Restrictions: limits on how you can drive

The back of your license lists any restrictions that explore to your driving. Restrictions are codes that limit when, where, or how you can drive. Common restrictions include:

  • Corrective lenses required (B): You must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive. Driving without them is a violation.
  • Automatic transmission only (E): You can only drive vehicles with automatic transmissions, not manual.
  • Daylight driving only (D): You cannot drive between sunset and sunrise. This restriction is rare and usually applies only to drivers with severe vision limitations.
  • Ignition interlock device required (A): You must have an ignition interlock installed in your vehicle. This applies to drivers convicted of certain alcohol-related offenses.

If you have a restriction and you violate it — for example, driving without your required glasses — you can be cited and fined. If you believe a restriction on your license is incorrect or no longer applies, contact your local DPS office to request a review.

Endorsements: what extra you're allowed to do

Endorsements are the opposite of restrictions. An endorsement is a code on the back of your license that gives you permission to operate a specific type of vehicle or perform a specific function beyond what your base license class allows. Common endorsements include:

  • Motorcycle endorsement (M): Allows you to legally ride a motorcycle. You need this even if you also have a Class C license.
  • Hazmat endorsement (H): Allows you to transport hazardous materials. Requires a background check and additional testing.
  • Passenger endorsement (P): Allows you to drive a vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers, such as a bus.
  • Tanker endorsement (T): Allows you to drive a vehicle that carries liquid in bulk, such as a fuel truck.

If you want to add an endorsement to your license, you'll need to pass the written test for that endorsement and, in some cases, a road test. You can add endorsements at any DPS office.

Expiration date and renewal information

Your license expiration date is printed on the front of your card. In Texas, driver's licenses are valid for six years from the date of issue. You are responsible for renewing your license before it expires — Texas does not send automatic reminders in the mail.

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, either online through the Texas DPS website (if you meet certain requirements), by mail, or in person at a DPS office. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew it online or by mail; you must renew in person. Driving on an expired license is illegal, even if you've already submitted a renewal process.

Your renewal date depends on your birth date and when you first received your license. Check the expiration date on your card now and mark your calendar, or set a phone reminder for two months before that date.

The barcode and magnetic stripe

The back of your license contains a barcode and a magnetic stripe. These encode the same information that appears on the front of your card — your name, license number, address, class, restrictions, and endorsements. Law enforcement officers use barcode scanners to pull up your information quickly during traffic stops. Businesses may also scan your license to verify your identity or age.

Do not attempt to alter, scratch, or damage the barcode or magnetic stripe. Doing so can render your license unreadable and may be treated as tampering with an official document. If your barcode or stripe is damaged, request a replacement license at your local DPS office.

How to spot errors on your license

Before you leave the DPS office with a new or renewed license, take a moment to check it for errors. Look for mistakes in your name spelling, date of birth, address, license class, restrictions, and endorsements. If you spot an error, ask the DPS employee to correct it when ready while you're still there. Correcting errors after you leave the office is much more time-consuming.

If you discover an error after you've left, contact your local DPS office as soon as possible. Bring your license, proof of your correct information (such as your birth certificate or a utility bill for address changes), and request a corrected license. There is usually no fee to correct errors that the DPS made.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the letter codes on the back of my license mean?

Each letter code represents either a restriction or an endorsement. Restrictions (like B for corrective lenses) limit how you can drive. Endorsements (like M for motorcycle) expand what you're allowed to drive. Your DPS office can provide a full key of all codes if you need to look up a specific one.

Can I drive if my license is about to expire but I've already applied for renewal?

Yes, you can continue driving while your renewal process is being processed, as long as you applied before your license expired. However, you should carry proof of your process with you. If your license has already expired before you applied, you cannot legally drive.

What happens if I drive a vehicle that's outside my license class?

Driving outside your license class is illegal and can result in a traffic citation, fines, and points on your driving record. Your insurance may also deny a claim if you were driving a vehicle you weren't licensed to operate at the time of an accident.

Do I need to update my license if I change my name?

Yes. If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update your license within 60 days. Bring your license, proof of your legal name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and visit your local DPS office to request a corrected license.

What should I do if my license is lost or stolen?

Report it to your local DPS office or police department as soon as possible. Bring your driver's license number (if you have it written down elsewhere) and proof of identity. You can request a replacement license in person, and the DPS will issue you a new card with a new license number.