How to Remove Restriction B From Your Texas Driver License

What Restriction B means and why you might want to remove it

Restriction B on a Texas driver license means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) whenever you drive. The restriction appears on your license as a condition — it does not prevent you from driving, but it is a legal requirement tied to your license.

You may want to remove Restriction B if your vision has improved since you first received the restriction, or if you have had corrective eye surgery. Texas allows you to request removal through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), but the process requires current vision test results showing you meet the state's standards without correction.

The online option exists, but it has limits. You cannot complete the entire removal process online — you will need to visit a DPS office or an approved vision testing location to have your eyes tested. However, you can start the process and handle some steps online through your DPS account.

Key Takeaways

Restriction B requires you to wear corrective lenses while driving and can only be removed with proof from a current vision test.
You must visit a DPS office or an approved vision testing provider in person to have your eyes tested; this step cannot be done online.
After you pass the vision test, you can renew your license online through your DPS account if you have no other changes needed on your license.
The vision test must show you meet Texas standards without correction — typically 20/40 vision or better in each eye.
Processing time is usually one to two weeks after you submit your renewal, though it can vary depending on DPS workload.

Step 1: Get your vision tested at a DPS office or approved location

You must start with an in-person vision test. You have two options: visit a DPS Driver License office directly, or go to an approved vision testing provider. Both will perform the same test and provide the same documentation.

To find a DPS office near you, go to the Texas DPS website and use the office locator tool. You can also search for approved vision testing providers in your area — these are often optometrists or vision clinics that partner with DPS. Call ahead to confirm they offer vision testing for license restriction removal, as not all locations do.

Bring your current driver license to the appointment. The test itself is free at DPS offices. If you use a private vision provider, there may be a small fee (usually $10 to $25), but confirm the cost before your appointment.

Step 2: Understand what the vision test measures

The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely without corrective lenses. Texas requires at least 20/40 vision in each eye without glasses or contacts. If you have had LASIK, PRK, or other corrective surgery, the test measures your vision after the surgery.

The test does not check for color blindness, depth perception, or other vision qualities — only visual acuity. If you pass this test, you meet the state standard for Restriction B removal. If you do not pass, you will need to keep the restriction on your license.

Step 3: Receive your vision test results and documentation

After you pass the vision test, the testing location will give you documentation of the results. At a DPS office, this is usually a form or receipt showing you passed. At a private provider, you will receive a similar document or letter stating your vision meets the standard.

Keep this documentation — you will need it to complete your license renewal. Some DPS offices can submit the results directly to your DPS record, but private providers typically give the results to you to submit yourself. Ask the testing location whether they will send the results to DPS or whether you need to bring them with you.

Step 4: Renew your license online or in person

Once you have passed the vision test, you can renew your license. If the vision test results have been sent to your DPS record, you may be able to renew online through your DPS account at dps.texas.gov. Log in, go to your driver license section, and look for the renewal option. If Restriction B removal is available as an option, you can complete it there.

If the results were not automatically sent to DPS, or if you prefer to handle it in person, visit a DPS office with your vision test documentation. Bring your current license and the test results. A DPS employee will verify the results and process your renewal. You can also renew by mail if you prefer, though this takes longer.

There is a renewal fee — the cost depends on whether you are renewing for a standard or Real ID license. Check the DPS website for current fees, as they change periodically.

What happens after you submit your renewal

After you submit your renewal, DPS will process it and mail your new license to the address on file. This usually takes one to two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. You can check the status of your renewal through your DPS account online.

Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives. Once you receive the new license, check it to confirm that Restriction B has been removed. Your license should no longer show the corrective lenses restriction.

If your vision test results are not in your DPS record

If you had your vision tested at a private provider and the results were not sent to DPS automatically, you have two options. You can mail the results to DPS along with a renewal process, or you can bring them in person to a DPS office.

To mail them, contact DPS to request a renewal process form, include your vision test results, and mail everything to the address provided. This route takes longer — typically three to four weeks. Visiting a DPS office in person is faster and lets you confirm the results are received before you leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without my corrective lenses while my renewal is being processed?

No. Restriction B remains on your license until your new license arrives with the restriction removed. Driving without corrective lenses while the restriction is active is a violation, even if you have passed the vision test and submitted your renewal. Wait until you receive your new license to drive without glasses or contacts.

What if I fail the vision test?

If you do not meet the 20/40 standard without correction, you cannot remove Restriction B. You must continue to wear corrective lenses while driving. You can retake the test at any time if your vision changes, but there is no waiting period required between attempts.

Do I need a Real ID to remove Restriction B?

No. Restriction B removal works the same way on a standard license and a Real ID license. However, if your current license is expiring soon, you may want to renew for a Real ID at the same time. Ask a DPS employee whether it makes sense to do both at once.

Can I remove Restriction B if my license is suspended or revoked?

No. Your license must be valid and in good standing to renew it. If your license is suspended or revoked, you must resolve that issue first before you can renew or remove restrictions.

How long does the vision test take?

The test itself usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. If you visit a DPS office, you may wait longer depending on how busy it is. Private vision providers often have shorter wait times. Call ahead to ask about typical wait times at your chosen location.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.