Texas DPS has temporarily closed driver license offices statewide when their computer systems go down, leaving you unable to renew, replace, or obtain a license in person until service is restored.
When the Texas Department of Public Safety's systems fail, every physical driver license office in the state closes because staff cannot process applications, run background checks, or issue documents without access to the central database. These outages are not scheduled in advance — you may arrive at an office to find it unexpectedly closed, or discover the closure when you check online before going.
The outage affects all license transactions: renewals, replacements for lost or damaged licenses, address changes, and new licenses for first-time applicants. You cannot complete any of these in person until DPS restores its systems, which typically takes several hours to a full day depending on the cause.
Key Takeaways
- DPS closes all driver license offices statewide during system outages; you cannot renew or replace a license in person until systems come back online.
- Check the DPS website or call your local office before driving there, because outages are not announced in advance and closures can last several hours.
- If your license expires during an outage, you can still drive legally — Texas does not penalize you for an outage you cannot control.
- Online renewal through the DPS website works during most outages because it uses a separate system, so that may be your fastest option.
- If you need a license urgently and an outage blocks you, contact DPS directly to learn whether they can process your request by mail or phone instead.
How to learn about an office is closed right now
The Texas DPS website has a real-time status page showing which offices are open or closed. Go to the DPS Driver License Division homepage and look for a link labeled "Office Status" or "Locations and Hours" — this page updates when outages occur and shows which offices are affected.
You can also call the DPS Driver License Information line at 1-888-589-6556 to ask whether your local office is open. Have your county or city ready so the representative can tell you the status of the specific office you plan to visit. If you reach a busy signal or long hold time, that often signals a statewide outage affecting call volume.
Do not assume an office is open just because it is normally open on that day of the week. Outages can happen any time, and showing up without checking first wastes a trip.
What happens if your license expires during an outage
You can legally drive with an expired license if the expiration happened because you could not renew it due to a DPS system failure. Texas law does not penalize drivers for missing a renewal important date when the renewal system was unavailable through no fault of their own. However, you should renew as soon as the system comes back online — the grace period is for the outage itself, not an excuse to delay renewal indefinitely.
If you are pulled over while your license is expired, explain that you attempted to renew during the outage and could not. Keep a record of when you tried — a screenshot of the DPS website showing the outage, or a note of the date and time you called and found offices closed — to show the officer if needed.
This protection applies only to the outage period itself. Once DPS systems are restored, you are responsible for renewing within the normal timeframe.
Renewing online if offices are closed
The DPS online renewal system often stays open during office outages because it runs on a different set of servers. If you are renewing a license that is not expired yet (or expired less than two years ago), you can renew through the DPS website without visiting an office.
Go to the Texas DPS website and select "Online Services" or "Renew Your License Online." You will need your driver license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The system will mail your new license to the address on file, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days after approval.
Online renewal does not work if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address, or if you are explore for a license for the first time. In those cases, you must wait for offices to reopen or contact DPS to ask about alternative options.
Getting a replacement license if you lost yours
Replacing a lost or stolen license normally requires an in-person visit because DPS needs to verify your identity and take a new photo. During an outage, you cannot do this at an office, but you have a few options.
First, check whether your state ID or passport can serve as a temporary form of identification while you wait for offices to reopen. These documents are valid for driving in most situations, though a driver license is preferred.
Second, contact your local DPS office by phone once systems are restored and ask whether they can mail you a replacement without a photo update, or whether they offer any expedited process. Some offices can issue a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is being printed, which gives you time to visit in person for the photo.
What to do if you need a license urgently
If you have a time-sensitive need — a job that requires a valid license, travel plans, or a court-ordered important date — contact the DPS Driver License Division directly at 1-888-589-6556 as soon as offices reopen. Explain your situation and ask whether DPS can process your request by mail, phone, or an expedited in-person appointment.
DPS does not always grant expedited processing, but they may make exceptions for documented hardship. Have your reason ready and any supporting documents (a job offer letter, travel itinerary, or court order) available when you call.
If the outage is still ongoing and you cannot reach DPS by phone, try emailing your local office directly. The DPS website lists email addresses for regional offices, though email responses are slower than phone calls.
Planning ahead to avoid outage delays
Renew your license before it expires, ideally 60 days in advance. This gives you a buffer if an outage happens near your expiration date. Texas allows online renewal up to two years before expiration, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
If you know you will need a license replacement or a new license soon, do not wait until the day you need it. Visit a DPS office or start the online process as soon as you know the need is coming. This way, if an outage occurs, you have already completed the transaction or you have time to wait for the system to come back up.
Save the DPS website and the phone number 1-888-589-6556 in your phone so you can quickly check status before any visit. Bookmark the office status page so you can see real-time updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for offices to reopen?
DPS does not issue temporary licenses during outages. However, once offices reopen, you can ask about a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed. This requires an in-person visit, but it lets you drive when ready while waiting for your card in the mail.
Will an outage show up on my driving record?
No. A DPS outage does not create any mark on your record. Your license status remains valid during the outage, and no penalty is recorded for the closure. Once the system is restored, your record shows no interruption.
What if I have an appointment scheduled during an outage?
DPS will cancel your appointment and notify you if an outage occurs. Once systems are restored, you can reschedule through the DPS website or by calling 1-888-589-6556. You do not lose your place in line — you can book a new appointment when ready.
Can I renew my license by mail during an outage?
Mail-in renewal is not a standard DPS option in Texas. You must renew online, in person, or by phone for certain transactions. During an outage, online renewal may still work, so try that first. If you cannot renew online, wait for offices to reopen.
How long do outages usually last?
Most DPS outages last a few hours to one full business day. Longer outages are rare but do happen. The DPS website updates as soon as systems are restored, so check there or call the information line to find out when your local office will reopen.