Texas made changes to its driver's license and ID card design and security features
Yes, Texas has updated its driver's license and ID card multiple times in recent years. The most recent major change involved new security features and a redesigned card format that Texas began issuing in 2019. The state continues to roll out updated versions as cards expire and people renew them. If you have an older Texas license, you will not be required to replace it until your renewal date — but when you do renew, you will receive the current design.
The changes are part of a nationwide effort to make driver's licenses harder to counterfeit and to meet federal security standards. Texas updates its license design periodically to stay ahead of fraud, so the version you carry today may look different from the one someone else received last year.
Key Takeaways
- Texas driver's licenses issued since 2019 have a new design with updated security features, including a different card layout and color scheme.
- You do not have to replace your current license early — you can keep using it until your renewal date arrives.
- When you renew your license, you will receive whichever design is current at that time.
- The state periodically updates license designs to meet federal standards and prevent counterfeiting.
What the new Texas license looks like
The redesigned Texas driver's license features a vertical format (taller than it is wide) instead of the older horizontal layout. The card is primarily blue and white, with the Texas state seal and flag displayed prominently. The license number, name, and other identifying information are positioned differently than on older cards.
Security features on the new license include microprinting, holograms, and other anti-counterfeiting elements that are difficult to replicate. These features help law enforcement and businesses verify that a license is genuine. The back of the card also contains security information that was not present on older versions.
When Texas started issuing the new design
Texas began issuing the redesigned driver's license in 2019. However, the rollout was gradual — not everyone received the new design when ready. The state issued new licenses as people came in to renew, rather than recalling all existing licenses at once.
If you renewed your license after 2019, you likely have the current design. If your license was issued before 2019 and you have not renewed since then, you may still have the older horizontal format. Both versions remain valid for identification purposes until they expire.
How to know which version you have
Look at the orientation of your license. If it is taller than it is wide (vertical), you have the newer design. If it is wider than it is tall (horizontal), you have an older version. You can also check the color — the new licenses are predominantly blue and white, while older versions had different color schemes.
The license number format and the position of your photograph will also differ between versions. On the new license, your photo appears in the upper right corner, whereas on older licenses it was positioned differently. The expiration date and other details are also laid out in a new arrangement.
Do you need to replace your license before it expires
No. Texas does not require you to replace your current license straightforward because a new design exists. Your license remains valid for identification and driving purposes until the expiration date printed on it. You can continue to use an older-design license for as long as it is not expired.
The only time you must get a new license is when yours expires, when you change your address, when your name changes, or when you renew for other reasons. At that point, you will receive the current design that Texas is issuing.
What to expect when you renew
When you renew your Texas driver's license, you will go through the standard renewal process at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office or through online renewal if you are may be able to access. The renewal process itself has not changed — you will still need to provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number, just as before.
The main difference is that your new license will have the current design and security features. If you renew online or by mail, your new license will be mailed to you. If you renew in person, you may receive it on the spot or have it mailed to you, depending on the type of renewal and the DPS office location.
Why Texas updated its license design
States update driver's license designs to meet federal security standards set by the Real ID Act, which requires states to include certain security features to prevent counterfeiting and fraud. Texas also updates its design periodically to stay ahead of counterfeiters who try to create fake licenses.
The new security features make it much harder for someone to forge or alter a Texas license. These features protect both the state and individuals by reducing identity theft and fraud. When you use your license for identification, the security features help verify that it is genuine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my old horizontal license after the new vertical one came out?
Yes, as long as it has not expired. Texas does not invalidate older licenses when a new design is introduced. You can use your old license for identification and driving until the expiration date. You only need to get a new one when you renew for any reason.
Will my old license work for flying or entering federal buildings?
That depends on when your license was issued and whether it meets Real ID standards. Licenses issued after 2019 in Texas meet Real ID requirements. If your license is older, check with the TSA or the federal facility to confirm whether it will be accepted, or consider renewing early if you travel frequently.
How much does it cost to renew and get the new design?
The renewal fee for a Texas driver's license varies depending on the type of renewal and how long the new license is valid for. Visit the Texas DPS website or call your local DPS office for current fee information, as rates can change.
What if I lost my license — do I have to get the new design?
Yes. If you need a replacement license due to loss or damage, you will receive the current design that Texas is issuing. You will go through the replacement process at a DPS office and pay the replacement fee.
Is the new Texas license Real ID compliant?
Texas licenses issued after 2019 meet Real ID standards. If you have an older license and need it for federal purposes like flying, you may want to renew it to may support compliance. Check the Texas DPS website for details about which licenses meet Real ID requirements.