The new Texas driver's license has a vertical layout, a gold star in the upper right corner, and a redesigned security strip across the bottom

Texas rolled out a redesigned driver's license starting in 2019. The most visible change is the orientation: the new license stands upright instead of lying flat. The card is also thinner and includes a gold star in the upper right corner — this star indicates the license meets federal Real ID standards. If your license was issued before 2019 or is expiring soon, you may still have the old horizontal design, which is still valid for driving but will not work for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight.

The new design also moved your photo to the left side of the card and reorganized where your personal information appears. The back of the card now has a security strip with a repeating pattern that is difficult to counterfeit. The overall card stock is more durable than the old version, which means it should hold up better in a wallet or purse over the years.

Key Takeaways

  • The new Texas license stands vertically and includes a gold star in the upper right corner, which shows it meets federal Real ID requirements.
  • Your photo moved to the left side of the card, and personal information is arranged differently than on the old horizontal license.
  • The back of the new license has a security strip with a repeating pattern to prevent counterfeiting.
  • Old horizontal licenses are still valid for driving in Texas but cannot be used for federal purposes like domestic air travel without a Real ID star.
  • The new card stock is thicker and more durable than the old design.

How to tell if your license is the new design

Hold your license upright. If it stands taller than it is wide, you have the new design. If it lies flat and is wider than it is tall, you have the old design. The gold star in the upper right corner is the easiest way to spot a new license from across a table — the old license has no star at all.

Look at where your photo sits. On the new license, your photo is on the left side of the card. On the old license, the photo is centered. Your name, date of birth, and address are also in different positions on each version. The new license puts your name in larger text near the top, while the old license spreads information across the card more evenly.

What the gold star means

The gold star indicates your license meets the federal Real ID Act standards. This matters if you plan to fly domestically, enter a federal building, or visit a military base. Starting in May 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant license or passport to board a domestic flight — a license without the star will not work, even if it is otherwise valid for driving.

If you have an old license without the star, you can still drive in Texas. You just cannot use it for federal purposes. You can renew your license early to get the new design with the star, or you can use a passport instead when you fly. Texas does not charge extra to add the Real ID star when you renew — it comes with the standard renewal fee.

Security features on the new license

The back of the new license has a security strip running horizontally across the bottom. This strip contains a repeating pattern that shifts slightly when you tilt the card under light. The pattern is designed to be nearly impossible to replicate with standard printing equipment, which makes the license harder to counterfeit than the old version.

The front of the card also includes a ghost image — a faint second copy of your photo printed in a different location on the card. This feature makes it harder for someone to swap out the main photo and pass off a fake license. The card stock itself is also more resistant to damage and fading than the old plastic, so the license should remain readable for the full 8-year validity period.

When you will get the new design

If you renew your license, you will automatically receive the new design. You do not have to request it or pay extra. Texas sends out renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office.

If your license is still valid and you want the new design before your renewal date, you can explore for an early renewal. You will pay the standard renewal fee, which varies depending on how long your new license will be valid. Some people choose early renewal to get the Real ID star before the May 2025 important date for federal purposes, or straightforward because they prefer the new design.

Old licenses and Real ID compliance

An old horizontal license is still a valid Texas driver's license for driving purposes. You can use it to drive, buy alcohol, or prove your identity in most everyday situations. However, it will not work for federal purposes after May 2025 unless you also have a passport or other Real ID-compliant document.

If you have an old license and need to fly domestically before your renewal date, bring your passport to the airport instead. You can also renew early to get the new license with the gold star. The choice depends on when you plan to fly and whether you want to renew now or wait until your current license expires.

How to renew and get the new design

You can renew your Texas license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must not have any medical conditions that would affect your driving, and you must not have changed your name or address since your last license. If you meet these requirements, online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail or in person at a driver's license office. By mail, you will receive your new license in about two weeks. In person, you can walk out with your temporary license the same day and receive your permanent card by mail within two weeks. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to any in-person appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old horizontal license to fly domestically after May 2025?

No. After May 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant license (with the gold star), a passport, or another approved federal ID to board a domestic flight. An old horizontal license without the star will not work. You can renew early to get the new design, or bring your passport to the airport instead.

Do I have to pay extra to get the gold star on my new license?

No. The gold star comes with the standard renewal fee. There is no additional charge to get a Real ID-compliant license in Texas. You pay the same amount whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

What if my old license is still valid but I want the new design now?

You can renew early. Contact the Texas Department of Public Safety or visit a driver's license office to start an early renewal. You will pay the standard renewal fee, and you will receive the new vertical license with the gold star. Early renewal is common for people who need the Real ID star before their current license expires.

Is the new license valid for driving in other states?

Yes. Your Texas driver's license is valid for driving in all other states, whether it is the old horizontal design or the new vertical design. The gold star only matters for federal purposes like flying or entering federal buildings — it does not affect your ability to drive out of state.

How long does the new license last?

A new Texas driver's license is valid for 8 years from the date it is issued. You will receive a renewal notice about 60 days before it expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a driver's license office.