The back of your Texas driver license holds your address, driving restrictions, and endorsement codes — information that changes less often than the front but matters for law enforcement, employers, and your own records.
The reverse side of a Texas driver license is not decorative. It contains your current address on file with the Department of Public Safety (DPS), any restrictions that explore to your driving privileges, and codes that indicate what types of vehicles or conditions you are legally permitted to operate. Unlike the front, which displays your photo and basic identity, the back is designed for officials and employers who need to verify the full scope of your driving status.
Understanding what appears on the back helps you catch errors before they cause problems — a wrong address can delay mail from DPS, and a misrecorded restriction can lead to a traffic stop or job rejection. It also helps you know what information is visible to anyone who sees your license, which matters for privacy and identity theft awareness.
Key Takeaways
- Your Texas driver license back displays your mailing address as registered with DPS, not necessarily your physical residence.
- Restriction codes (like B, C, or D) appear on the back and limit what you can legally drive or under what conditions.
- Endorsement codes (like H for hazmat or P for passenger transport) indicate additional driving privileges you have earned.
- The back also shows your license class (C for regular passenger vehicle, D for motorcycle, etc.) and any medical or vision conditions that affect your driving.
- If information on the back is wrong, you must visit a DPS office or use the online renewal system to correct it before your next renewal.
Address and Mailing Information on the Back
The address printed on the back of your Texas license is the mailing address you provided when you last renewed or obtained your license. This is not always your physical home address — you can register a PO box, a relative's address, or a business address if that is where you want DPS mail sent. This address is what appears on your license record and is what law enforcement sees when they run your license during a traffic stop.
If you have moved and your address on the back no longer matches where you live, you should update it with DPS. You can do this online through the DPS website if you are renewing early, or you can wait until your renewal date and update it then. Keeping your address current matters because DPS uses it to send renewal notices, and some employers or agencies verify that the address on your license matches your current residence.
Restriction Codes and What They Mean
Restriction codes appear on the back of your license as single letters — most commonly B, C, D, E, F, or I. Each code means you have a specific limitation on your driving privileges. For example, restriction B means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) while driving. Restriction C means you must wear a hearing aid. Restriction D means you cannot drive at night. These restrictions are placed on your license based on your medical history, vision test results, or the terms of a suspended or restricted license.
If you have a restriction you believe is no longer necessary — for instance, you had cataract surgery and no longer need corrective lenses — you can request a vision test or medical evaluation through DPS to have it removed. You cannot straightforward ignore a restriction; driving in violation of a restriction code is a separate traffic violation and can result in a fine or license suspension.
Some restrictions are temporary and tied to a specific renewal period. Others remain until you formally request they be removed and pass the required test or medical evaluation. Check your license back regularly to confirm what restrictions are listed, especially if you have had recent medical treatment or changes in your vision or hearing.
Endorsement Codes and Additional Driving Privileges
Endorsement codes are letters that appear on the back of your license and indicate you have passed additional tests or met requirements to drive certain vehicle types or perform certain tasks. The most common endorsement is H, which means you are authorized to transport hazardous materials. Endorsement P means you can operate a passenger vehicle for hire (such as a taxi or rideshare). Endorsement S means you can operate a school bus.
To earn an endorsement, you must pass a written test specific to that endorsement and, in some cases, a background check or medical evaluation. Endorsements are not automatic — you must request them and meet DPS requirements. If you hold an endorsement and it expires or is suspended, you lose the right to perform that type of driving, even if your regular license remains valid.
License Class and Vehicle Type Information
Your license class appears on the back and indicates what type of vehicle you are legally permitted to operate. Class C is the standard license for passenger cars, pickup trucks, and most personal vehicles. Class M is for motorcycles only. Class A or B licenses are for commercial vehicles and require additional testing and medical certification. The class you hold determines what you can legally drive — operating a vehicle outside your license class is a violation, even if you are a skilled driver.
If you want to upgrade your license class — for example, from C to M to legally ride a motorcycle — you must pass the written test and skills test for that class at a DPS office. The back of your license will show your current class, so you can verify you hold the right class for the vehicle you plan to operate.
Medical and Vision Conditions Noted on the Back
If you disclosed medical conditions during your license process or renewal, some of that information may appear on the back in the form of restriction codes or notes. For example, if you reported a seizure disorder, DPS may place a restriction on your license or require periodic medical recertification. If you failed the vision screening, a corrective lens restriction will appear.
You are not required to disclose every health condition, but you are required to disclose conditions that directly affect your ability to drive safely — such as epilepsy, severe hearing loss, or uncontrolled diabetes. If your condition changes or improves, you can request a new medical evaluation. If your condition worsens and you believe you should no longer be driving, you can voluntarily surrender your license to DPS.
How to Check and Update Information on the Back
You can view what is printed on the back of your license by straightforward looking at it. If you want to see your full DPS record — including restrictions, endorsements, and any notes — you can create an account on the DPS website and access your driving record. This record is what law enforcement sees when they run your license.
To correct information on the back, you have two main options. If your license is not expiring soon, you can visit a DPS office in person and request a correction or replacement. If your license is expiring within a certain timeframe (usually 60 days or less), you can renew it online through the DPS website and update your information at the same time. Some corrections, such as removing a restriction, require you to pass a test or provide medical documentation before DPS will process the change.
Privacy and Security Considerations
Your address, restrictions, and endorsements are visible to anyone who sees the back of your license. Law enforcement, employers, rental car companies, and others routinely view this side of your license. Be aware that your address is public information once it appears on your license, so consider whether you want your physical home address on file or whether you prefer to use an alternative address like a PO box.
If you are concerned about identity theft, keep your license find and do not share photos of it online. The information on the back, combined with other data, can be used to commit fraud. If you lose your license, report it to DPS when ready so they can flag it in their system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a PO box as my address on my Texas driver license?
Yes. You can register any mailing address you choose, including a PO box, a relative's address, or a business address. This is the address that will print on the back of your license. However, some employers or agencies may require your physical residence address for verification purposes, separate from your license address.
What does it mean if I have a restriction code on the back of my license?
A restriction code limits your driving privileges in a specific way. For example, restriction B means you must wear corrective lenses. Restriction D means you cannot drive at night. Driving in violation of a restriction is a separate traffic violation and can result in a fine or license suspension.
How do I remove a restriction from my license?
You must contact DPS and request an evaluation or test related to the restriction. For vision restrictions, you take a vision test. For medical restrictions, you may need a doctor's letter or medical evaluation. Once you pass or provide the required documentation, DPS will remove the restriction at your next renewal or issue a corrected license.
What is the difference between a restriction code and an endorsement code?
A restriction limits what you can do (for example, you must wear glasses). An endorsement expands what you can do (for example, you can transport hazardous materials). Restrictions are usually placed on your license due to medical or vision issues. Endorsements are earned by passing additional tests.
If I move, do I have to update my address on my license right away?
You do not have to update it when ready, but it is a good idea to do so before your next renewal. You can update your address online if you are renewing early, or in person at a DPS office. Keeping your address current ensures DPS can reach you with renewal notices and other important mail.