Governor waives some DMV requirements, closes driver license offices
In an effort to reduce the need for in-person transactions, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) worked with Gov. Greg Abbott and their stakeholders to temporarily waive certain requirements for vehicle registration, vehicle titling and disabled parking placards.
On March 13, Abbott issued a proclamation, declaring a state of disaster for all counties in Texas due to the threat of COVID-19. He also issued a statement on March 16, granting a temporary extension to obtain initial registration, renewal of registration, vehicle titling, and renewal of a permanent disabled parking placard.
Abbott also granted a temporary extension for an individual with an expired 30-day temporary permit to obtain another permit or Texas registration.
The temporary waiver applies to vehicle owners in all Texas counties as set forth in the above-referenced proclamation and statement. This temporary waiver is in effect until 60 days after TxDMV notifies the public that normal vehicle registration, vehicle titling and related services have resumed. The 60-day period will be the same for all counties.
The purpose of the waiver is to prevent customers from having to physically visit a county tax assessor-collector office to obtain initial registration, to obtain a 30-day temporary permit, to transfer title; or to renew registration or a permanent disabled parking placard.
Customers may continue to renew their registration online at www.TxDMV.gov. At this time, TxDMV continues to fill online registration sticker requests and process all other online services.
TxDMV has informed law enforcement agencies and the offices of the county tax assessor-collectors of the temporary waiver.
Additionally, Abbott announced this week that Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Offices across the state are closing immediately.
The temporary closure will not apply to those seeking an initial Commercial Driver License (CDL). DPS offices that provide CDL testing will remain open solely for the purpose of providing initial CDLs. Visits will be by appointment only, and can be scheduled by emailing cdlappointments@dps.texas.gov. This exception will allow commercial drivers to continue to ship goods across the state of Texas.
This announcement follows the governor’s suspension of certain provisions of the Texas Transportation Code to delay the expiration date for driver licenses, commercial driver licenses, and other identification documents.
“Our commercial drivers are essential to the consistent flow of goods throughout the state, and we will continue to ensure those seeking an initial CDL can do so,” he said. “Closing driver license offices to those not seeking an initial CDL is another step the state is taking to encourage social distancing in our communities.”
Though expiration dates have been temporarily suspended, individuals seeking to renew their driver license or personal identification certificate during this period should check the DPS website to see if they are eligible to renew online.
