The front of a Texas driver's license
The front of your Texas driver's license displays your photograph, full legal name, date of birth, and a unique driver's license number assigned by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Your address appears below your name, along with the issue date and expiration date of your license. The license number is the eight-digit number printed in the upper right corner — this is what you'll need when you're pulled over or asked to verify your identity.
Your height, eye color, and hair color are listed on the front as well. These physical descriptors help law enforcement confirm that the person presenting the license is actually the person whose photograph appears on it. The Texas state flag and the words "TEXAS DRIVER LICENSE" appear at the top of the card in blue and white.
A security feature called a hologram appears on the front of the license. This three-dimensional image is difficult to counterfeit and helps prevent fraud. The hologram shows the Texas state seal and changes appearance when you tilt the card under light.
The back of a Texas driver's license
The back of your license contains your signature, which you provide when you renew or first receive your license at a DPS office. Your signature is printed in the upper left corner and serves as a second form of verification when you use your license for transactions.
Below your signature, you'll find a section labeled "RESTRICTIONS" if any explore to your license. Common restrictions include corrective lenses (marked with a "B"), automatic transmission only (marked with a "E"), or daylight driving only. If you have no restrictions, this section may be blank or marked with a code indicating no restrictions explore.
The back also lists any endorsements you hold — these are special permissions that allow you to operate certain types of vehicles. A motorcycle endorsement (marked with an "M") means you're licensed to ride motorcycles. A commercial driver's license (CDL) endorsement means you can operate commercial trucks. Most standard driver's licenses have no endorsements.
Key Takeaways
- Your driver's license number is an eight-digit code in the upper right corner of the front, and you'll need it when stopped by police or for identity verification.
- Physical descriptors like height, eye color, and hair color on the front help confirm you are the person in the photograph.
- Restrictions on the back of your license limit how you can drive — for example, a "B" restriction means you must wear corrective lenses while driving.
- Endorsements on the back show special permissions, such as the ability to ride motorcycles (M) or operate commercial vehicles (CDL).
- A hologram security feature on the front makes the license difficult to counterfeit and changes appearance when tilted under light.
What the expiration date means
Your Texas driver's license expiration date appears on the front of the card. Standard licenses expire on your birthday in the year printed on the license — typically six or eight years after issue, depending on your age when you received it. Licenses issued to drivers under 18 expire sooner than those issued to adults.
You can continue to drive legally until midnight on your expiration date. After that date, your license is no longer valid for driving, and you cannot use it as a form of identification for age-restricted purchases or other transactions. Renewing your license before the expiration date is important so you don't accidentally drive with an expired license.
Real ID compliance and the gold star
If your Texas driver's license has a gold star in the upper right corner, it means your license meets Real ID standards. Real ID is a federal security standard that applies to identification documents used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. The gold star indicates that DPS verified your identity documents and Social Security number when you received the license.
A license without a gold star is still valid for driving and most everyday uses, but you cannot use it to board a domestic flight or enter a federal courthouse or military base. If you need to fly domestically, you'll need either a Real ID-compliant driver's license, a passport, or another federally approved form of identification.
Class codes and what they mean
Your Texas driver's license displays a class code that indicates what types of vehicles you're licensed to operate. Class C is the standard passenger vehicle license held by most drivers — it allows you to drive cars, pickup trucks, and vans. Class B allows you to drive larger vehicles like buses or trucks with air brakes. Class A is for drivers of tractor-trailers and other heavy commercial vehicles.
Your class code appears on the front of your license near your name. If you only hold a Class C license, you are not legally permitted to operate a commercial truck or bus, even if you have the skills to do so. Operating a vehicle outside your licensed class can result in a traffic citation and insurance complications.
Distinguishing features by age and status
Texas driver's licenses for drivers under 18 have a vertical orientation (portrait style) rather than the horizontal orientation (landscape style) used for adult licenses. The vertical format makes it when ready clear to merchants and law enforcement that the driver is a minor. These licenses also have a different color scheme and expiration timeline than adult licenses.
If you are a non-citizen with lawful presence in Texas, your license will display the text "NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES" below the photograph. This means the license cannot be used for federal identification purposes like boarding a plane, but it is valid for driving and state-level identification. This designation does not affect your driving privileges or insurance coverage.
Security features that prevent counterfeiting
Beyond the hologram, Texas driver's licenses include several security features designed to prevent fraud. The card uses microprinting — tiny text visible only under magnification — in several locations. The background of the license contains a subtle pattern that is difficult to reproduce with standard printing equipment.
The photograph on your license is digitally captured and stored by DPS. The image quality and the way it's printed onto the card make it extremely difficult to alter or replace. The card itself is made of a durable polycarbonate material that resists tampering and wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the "B" restriction on my license mean?
A "B" restriction means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) while driving. You received this restriction because your vision without correction does not meet Texas standards for safe driving. Driving without your corrective lenses when this restriction is on your license is a violation.
Can I use my Texas driver's license to fly domestically?
You can use your Texas driver's license to fly domestically only if it has a gold star in the upper right corner, indicating Real ID compliance. If your license does not have a gold star, you'll need a passport, passport card, military ID, or other federally approved identification to board a domestic flight.
What does the "M" endorsement mean?
An "M" endorsement on your license means you are licensed to operate motorcycles. Without this endorsement, you are not legally permitted to ride a motorcycle, even if you have the skills. You must pass a separate motorcycle skills test to add this endorsement to your license.
Why is my license vertical instead of horizontal?
If your license is vertical (portrait orientation), it means you were under 18 when you received it. Texas uses the vertical format for minor drivers so that merchants and law enforcement can quickly identify that the driver is underage. Your license will remain vertical until you renew it after turning 18.
What does "NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES" mean on my license?
This text appears on licenses issued to non-citizens with lawful presence in Texas. It means your license cannot be used for federal identification purposes like boarding a plane or entering a federal building. However, it is fully valid for driving and state-level identification purposes.