What Restriction B Means and How to Remove It
Restriction B on a Texas driver license means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) whenever you drive. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) places this restriction on your license if your vision does not meet the standard 20/40 requirement without correction, but does meet it with correction.
To remove Restriction B, you must pass a vision test without corrective lenses — meaning your uncorrected vision must reach 20/40 or better in at least one eye. This typically requires either refractive eye surgery (such as LASIK or PRK) or a change in your actual vision. You cannot straightforward request removal; you must demonstrate that your vision now meets the standard.
The process involves scheduling a vision screening at a DPS office, passing the test, and paying a fee to update your license. There is no process form or waiting period — the change happens at your appointment if you pass.
Key Takeaways
- Restriction B requires you to wear glasses or contacts while driving; it stays on your license until your uncorrected vision reaches 20/40 or better.
- You must visit a DPS office in person for a vision screening; you cannot remove the restriction by mail or online.
- LASIK, PRK, or other refractive surgery is the most common way people achieve uncorrected vision that meets the standard.
- If you pass the vision test at DPS, you pay a fee (currently $25 for a license renewal or correction) and receive an updated license on the spot or by mail within days.
- Wearing corrective lenses while driving with Restriction B is a legal requirement; driving without them is a violation and can result in a ticket.
When You Need a Vision Screening at DPS
You do not need to wait for your license to expire to remove Restriction B. You can request a vision screening at any DPS office at any time. Walk in during business hours or schedule an appointment online through the DPS website (texas.gov/dps) — appointment availability varies by location, but many offices have same-day or next-day slots.
Bring your current Texas driver license and a form of identification. The vision screening itself takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing. You will read a chart at a specific distance while covering one eye at a time. The examiner will test both eyes uncorrected (without glasses or contacts).
If you pass — meaning at least one eye reads 20/40 or better without correction — the examiner will note this on your record. You then proceed to pay the fee and update your license. If you do not pass, the restriction remains, and you can try again at any future date.
The Fee and License Update Process
Once you pass the vision screening, you must pay a fee to update your license. Texas charges $25 for a license correction or renewal. This fee is separate from any vision screening cost (which is free).
After you pay, you have two options for receiving your updated license. You can request it be mailed to your address on file — this typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Or, in some DPS offices, you can receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed.
Your updated license will show no Restriction B. All other information (address, license class, other restrictions if any) remains the same. Keep your old license until the new one arrives; do not destroy it until you have the replacement in hand.
Refractive Surgery and Vision Improvement
Most people who remove Restriction B have had LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) or PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) eye surgery. These procedures reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), or astigmatism. After surgery and healing, many patients achieve 20/20 or better uncorrected vision.
If you are considering surgery, schedule it with an ophthalmologist or optometrist who performs refractive procedures. Recovery time varies — PRK typically takes 3 to 6 months for vision to stabilize, while LASIK is often faster (1 to 3 months). Do not visit DPS for a vision screening until your surgeon confirms your vision has stabilized.
Not everyone is a candidate for refractive surgery. Age, corneal thickness, prescription strength, and eye health all factor into whether surgery is an option. Your eye doctor will evaluate these during a consultation. If surgery is not possible or you choose not to pursue it, Restriction B remains on your license for as long as you need corrective lenses to drive safely.
What Happens If Your Vision Changes Again
If you remove Restriction B and later your vision changes — for example, if you develop presbyopia (age-related vision changes) or your refractive error returns — DPS may place Restriction B back on your license. This typically happens during a routine renewal or if you fail a vision screening at a traffic stop.
If an officer stops you and you are not wearing corrective lenses, you can be cited for violating Restriction B. The officer may also require you to take a vision screening at a DPS office within a set timeframe. If you fail that screening, the restriction is reinstated.
To avoid this, wear your corrective lenses whenever you drive if you need them — even if Restriction B is no longer on your license. Your actual vision, not your license, determines what is safe.
DPS Office Locations and Hours
Texas has DPS driver license offices in most counties. To find the office nearest you, visit texas.gov/dps and use the office locator tool. Enter your city or zip code to see addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation.
Hours vary by location. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some offering limited Saturday hours. Call ahead or check the website before you go, as hours change seasonally and some offices close for holidays.
If you live in a rural area far from a DPS office, you may be able to have a vision screening done by an optometrist or ophthalmologist and submit the results to DPS. Ask your eye doctor whether they can perform a DPS-approved vision screening and submit the paperwork on your behalf. Not all offices offer this service, so confirm with DPS first.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not wear your corrective lenses to the vision screening if your goal is to remove Restriction B. The examiner will test your uncorrected vision. If you show up wearing glasses or contacts, they will ask you to remove them for the test.
Do not assume your vision has improved without testing. Many people believe their vision is better than it actually is. Only a DPS vision screening or an eye doctor's exam can confirm whether you meet the 20/40 standard uncorrected.
Do not drive without corrective lenses while Restriction B is on your license, even if you think your vision is good enough. This is a violation and can result in a ticket. Wait until you have passed the DPS vision screening and received your updated license.
Do not lose your updated license in the mail. If it does not arrive within 10 business days, contact DPS to request a replacement. You can drive on your old license until the new one arrives, but once the new license is issued, the old one is no longer valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove Restriction B if I have had LASIK but my vision is still not 20/40 uncorrected?
No. You must pass the DPS vision screening, which means at least one eye must read 20/40 or better without correction. If your uncorrected vision is 20/50 or worse, you do not meet the standard, and Restriction B remains. You can try again in the future if your vision improves further or if you pursue additional surgery.
What if I fail the vision screening at DPS?
If you fail, the restriction stays on your license. You can return to DPS at any time to try again — there is no waiting period and no limit on how many times you can test. Many people schedule another screening after additional healing time or after consulting with their eye doctor about other options.
Do I have to remove Restriction B, or can I keep it on my license?
You do not have to remove it. If you prefer to wear corrective lenses while driving and do not want to pursue surgery or other vision correction, you can keep Restriction B on your license indefinitely. It is a legal requirement to wear the lenses while driving, but the restriction itself does not expire.
Can an optometrist or eye doctor remove Restriction B for me?
No. Only DPS can remove the restriction from your license. Your eye doctor can perform a vision exam and confirm that your uncorrected vision meets the standard, but you must visit a DPS office to have the restriction officially removed and your license updated.
How long does it take to remove Restriction B from start to finish?
If you already have uncorrected vision that meets the standard, the process takes one day — you visit DPS, pass the screening, pay the fee, and receive a temporary license or have your permanent license mailed within 7 to 10 days. If you need refractive surgery first, the timeline depends on your surgery type and recovery, which can take weeks to months.