What a Texas driver license looks like and what the numbers mean
A Texas driver license is a laminated card about the size of a credit card. The front shows your photograph, name, date of birth, and a series of numbers and letters that identify you to law enforcement and other agencies. The back lists restrictions, endorsements, and other driving privileges tied to your license class.
The most important number on your license is your Driver License Number, which appears in the upper right corner of the front. This is an eight-digit number unique to you in Texas. It is not your Social Security number, though it is sometimes confused with one. Texas generates this number based on your name and date of birth using a formula, so two people with the same name and birth date could theoretically receive similar numbers — but the state adds a check digit to prevent exact duplicates.
Below your photograph you will see your name, address, date of birth, and height. Your date of birth appears in the format MM/DD/YYYY. Your license expiration date is printed near the top right and tells you when you must renew. Standard licenses expire eight years after issue for adults over 85, and four years for those under 85.
Key Takeaways
- Your Driver License Number is an eight-digit code unique to you in Texas, printed in the upper right corner of the front of your card.
- The front of your license shows your photograph, name, address, date of birth, and expiration date; the back lists your license class and any restrictions or endorsements.
- License class letters (A, B, C, D, E, F) determine what vehicles you are permitted to operate and appear on the back of your card.
- Restriction codes on the back (such as 25 for corrective lenses or 27 for hearing aid) indicate conditions you must follow while driving.
- Endorsement codes (such as H for hazmat or M for motorcycle) show additional driving privileges you have earned beyond your base license class.
Understanding license class codes
Your license class appears on the back of your card and determines what type of vehicle you are legally permitted to operate. Texas uses single letters to denote each class.
Class C is the standard license for passenger vehicles. It allows you to drive a car, pickup truck, or van that does not require a commercial license. Most adult drivers in Texas hold a Class C license.
Class B is a commercial license for vehicles weighing more than 26,001 pounds, or any vehicle designed to carry more than 15 passengers (including the driver). Class B requires a written test and a road test beyond what Class C requires. Class A is for tractor-trailers and other combinations of vehicles where the towed unit weighs more than 10,000 pounds.
Class D is for mopeds only. Class E is a restricted license issued to certain drivers, such as those with medical conditions that limit their driving. Class F is issued to drivers who do not have legal presence in the United States but meet other requirements; it cannot be used for federal identification purposes.
Restriction codes and what they require you to do
Restriction codes appear on the back of your license as two-digit numbers. They tell you what conditions you must follow while driving. You are legally required to comply with every restriction on your license, even if you disagree with it.
Restriction 25 means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) while driving. Restriction 27 means you must wear a hearing aid. Restriction 35 means you cannot drive at night (usually between sunset and sunrise). Restriction 36 means you cannot drive on interstate highways.
Restriction 37 means you cannot drive outside a specified radius from your home, usually for work purposes only. Restriction 38 means you must use an automatic transmission vehicle. Restriction 39 means you must use a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device, which prevents the engine from starting if alcohol is detected on your breath.
If you receive a license with a restriction you believe is incorrect, you can request a hearing with the Texas Department of Public Safety. The restriction will remain in effect until the hearing officer rules otherwise.
Endorsement codes and additional driving privileges
Endorsements are marked on the back of your license with letters and indicate driving privileges beyond your base license class. Unlike restrictions, endorsements are optional — you only have them if you have passed the required test or met the requirements.
Endorsement H means you are permitted to transport hazardous materials. Endorsement M means you are permitted to operate a motorcycle. Endorsement T means you are permitted to operate a tractor. Endorsement P means you are permitted to operate a passenger bus.
To add an endorsement to your license, you must pass a written test specific to that endorsement and, in some cases, a road test. You can add endorsements at any Texas Department of Public Safety office. The fee varies by endorsement type.
How to verify your license information is correct
Your license information is stored in the Texas Department of Public Safety database. If you notice an error on your physical card — a misspelled name, wrong address, or incorrect date of birth — you should correct it as soon as possible, because law enforcement will see the same information when they run your license.
To correct information on your license, visit a Texas Department of Public Safety office in person with proof of the correct information. For example, if your name is misspelled, bring a certified copy of your birth certificate or marriage certificate. If your address is wrong, bring a utility bill or lease agreement showing your current address. You will need to pay a replacement fee, which varies.
You can also check your license status online through the Texas Department of Public Safety website. This tool does not show your full license number for security reasons, but it will confirm whether your license is valid, suspended, or expired.
Differences between a standard license and a Real ID license
Texas offers two types of driver licenses: a standard license and a Real ID license. The Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards set by the Department of Homeland Security.
A Real ID license can be used for federal purposes such as boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. A standard license cannot. Both licenses work the same way for driving purposes in Texas. The choice between them is yours when you renew or replace your license.
To obtain a Real ID license, you must provide additional documents beyond what a standard license requires. These typically include proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. The Real ID license costs more than a standard license.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the numbers on the back of my Texas license mean?
The numbers on the back are restriction and endorsement codes. Two-digit numbers are restrictions (conditions you must follow), and letters are endorsements (additional privileges you have earned). A code like "25" means corrective lenses required; "H" means hazmat endorsement. Your license class letter (C, B, A, etc.) also appears on the back and determines what vehicles you can drive.
Can I drive with an expired Texas license?
No. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas and can result in a traffic citation. If your license has expired, you must renew it before driving. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety office, depending on your situation.
What is the difference between a restriction and an endorsement?
A restriction is a condition you must follow (such as wearing glasses). An endorsement is an additional privilege you have earned (such as the right to drive a motorcycle). Restrictions limit what you can do; endorsements expand what you can do.
How long does a Texas driver license last?
A standard Texas driver license is valid for four years if you are under 85 years old, or eight years if you are 85 or older. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You should renew before the expiration date to avoid driving with an expired license.
Where can I find my Driver License Number if I lost my card?
Your Driver License Number is printed on your physical license card in the upper right corner. If you have lost your card, you can contact the Texas Department of Public Safety or visit their website to request a replacement. You will need to provide identification and pay a replacement fee.