You need an eye exam showing you meet vision standards without correction, then request a restriction removal at the Texas Department of Public Safety
A corrective lenses restriction on your Texas driver's license means you are legally required to wear glasses or contacts while driving. To remove it, you must pass a vision test that shows you can read the required line on the eye chart without correction — meaning your uncorrected vision meets the state standard of 20/40 or better in at least one eye. Once you have that test result, you visit a DPS office or mail in the paperwork to update your license.
The restriction exists because your vision at the time of your last license renewal or issuance did not meet Texas standards without correction. Removing it requires proof that your vision has changed, usually through surgery, contact lens fitting, or natural improvement. The process takes a few weeks if you mail it in, or you can walk out the same day if you visit a DPS office in person.
Key Takeaways
- You must have an eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist showing your uncorrected vision meets Texas standards (20/40 or better in at least one eye).
- Texas DPS will not remove the restriction based on your word or a doctor's letter alone — they conduct their own vision test at the office.
- You can request removal in person at any DPS driver license office and get the updated license the same day if you pass their test.
- If you mail in your eye exam results, DPS will schedule you for an in-person vision test before making any change to your license.
- The restriction removal is free; you only pay the standard fee if you need to renew your license at the same time.
What the vision standard actually is in Texas
Texas requires uncorrected vision of 20/40 or better in at least one eye to drive without a corrective lenses restriction. This means you can read the line marked 40 on the eye chart from 20 feet away without glasses or contacts. If your vision is worse than that without correction — for example, 20/60 or 20/100 — the restriction stays on your license.
The 20/40 standard applies whether you are renewing, getting your first license, or requesting a restriction removal. Some states use 20/50 or other thresholds, but Texas uses 20/40. If you have had LASIK, PRK, or another vision correction surgery, your uncorrected vision may now meet this standard even though it did not before.
How to get the eye exam you need
You need an eye exam from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist — not a vision screening at a pharmacy or online service. The doctor must test your vision without correction and document the results. You do not need a special form; a standard eye exam report that shows your uncorrected visual acuity is enough.
Bring the exam results with you when you go to the DPS office, or mail them ahead. However, understand that DPS will conduct its own vision test regardless of what your doctor found. The DPS test is what determines whether the restriction comes off. Your eye exam is proof that you have had your vision checked and gives you confidence you will pass the DPS test, but it does not may provide removal.
If you have had vision correction surgery, the surgery center or your follow-up eye doctor can provide documentation of your current uncorrected vision. This is often the clearest proof that your vision has changed since your license was issued.
Removing the restriction in person at a DPS office
Visit any Texas DPS driver license office with your current license and eye exam results. Tell the clerk you want to request removal of your corrective lenses restriction. They will direct you to take a vision test at the office. If you pass — meaning your uncorrected vision is 20/40 or better in at least one eye — they will issue you a new license on the spot without the restriction.
The vision test at DPS uses a standard eye chart and takes a few minutes. You will read letters or symbols at different sizes from a set distance. The test is the same one used for all license applicants. If you pass, your new license is printed and ready to pick up the same day. If you do not pass, the restriction remains and you can try again after another eye exam or procedure.
Bring your current license, proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your eye exam results. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary. Check the DPS website for your local office hours and current wait times before you go.
Mailing in your request with eye exam documentation
You can mail your eye exam results to DPS along with a written request to remove the restriction. Include your current license number, date of birth, and a copy of your eye exam showing your uncorrected vision. Mail it to the DPS headquarters address listed on the Texas DPS website under "Mail Services."
DPS will review your submission and schedule you for an in-person vision test at a local office. They will send you a notice with the date and time. You must pass the DPS vision test to have the restriction removed. If you pass, they will mail you a new license. If you do not pass, they will notify you and you can request another test after additional eye care.
This route takes longer — typically four to eight weeks — because DPS must receive your mail, process it, schedule your test, conduct the test, and then print and mail your new license. If you need the restriction removed quickly, visiting an office in person is faster.
What happens if you fail the DPS vision test
If you take the vision test at DPS and do not pass, the restriction stays on your license. You can request another test, but DPS will ask you to wait and have additional eye care — either another exam with your doctor or a follow-up procedure if you had surgery. You cannot take the DPS test again when ready.
If you believe the test result was wrong, you can request a retest after a reasonable time has passed, usually at least 30 days. Bring documentation from your eye doctor supporting your vision improvement. DPS will conduct another test. If you still do not pass, the restriction remains until your vision genuinely improves.
Fees and what you need to bring
Removing a restriction from an existing license is free if your license is not expiring soon. If your license expires within 90 days, DPS may require you to renew it at the same time you request the restriction removal. A standard license renewal in Texas costs $16 for a two-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, depending on your age and license type.
Bring your current Texas driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail with your current address), and your eye exam results. If you are mailing your request, include copies of your license and eye exam, not originals. DPS will return your old license when you receive your new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special form to request restriction removal?
No. You can straightforward tell the DPS clerk you want the restriction removed, or write a brief letter with your license number and request if you are mailing it in. DPS does not require a specific form for this request.
Will my eye doctor's letter saying I can drive without glasses be enough?
No. DPS conducts its own vision test and does not rely on a doctor's letter or recommendation. Your eye exam is useful as proof you have had your vision checked, but the DPS test is what determines whether the restriction comes off.
Can I drive without the restriction before my new license arrives?
No. You must carry your current license with the restriction until your new license arrives. Driving without the restriction while it is still on your license is a violation. Once your new license is issued and you have it in hand, the restriction no longer applies.
How long does it take to get my new license after I pass the vision test?
If you pass the test in person at a DPS office, your new license is printed the same day and you can pick it up when ready or have it mailed to you. If you mail in your request, the entire process takes four to eight weeks from the time DPS receives your paperwork.
What if I had LASIK or another eye surgery — do I need anything special?
Bring documentation from your surgery center or eye doctor showing your current uncorrected vision. This helps DPS understand why your vision has changed since your last license. You still must pass the DPS vision test, but the surgery documentation strengthens your request.