What a Texas Limited Term Driver License Is
A limited term driver license in Texas is a standard state ID that expires sooner than the usual eight-year license. Texas issues these licenses to people who cannot provide proof of lawful presence in the United States, including undocumented immigrants, people on certain visa types, and others in temporary legal status. The license works the same way as a regular Texas driver license — you can drive, it's accepted as ID at banks and stores — but it's marked as limited term and typically expires in one to four years depending on your immigration status.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) created this option so people without permanent residency could still drive legally. You don't need a Social Security number to get one. The license shows your name, address, photo, and driving record, but does not indicate your immigration status on the front. You renew it the same way you'd renew any Texas license, though you'll need to bring updated documents each time.
Key Takeaways
- A limited term license lets you drive legally in Texas even if you cannot show proof of lawful presence, and it looks like a regular license to most people.
- You must visit a DPS driver license office in person with a valid passport or travel document, proof of Texas residency, and proof of your immigration status or lack thereof.
- The license expires in one to four years depending on your visa type or immigration category, not the standard eight years.
- You renew a limited term license by returning to a DPS office with the same documents you brought for the original license, before it expires.
Who Can Get a Limited Term License
Texas issues limited term licenses to people in several immigration categories. You can get one if you are undocumented (have no legal status), on a temporary visa such as H-1B or L-1, have a pending asylum case, hold a Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or are in Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. You can also get one if you are a citizen of a foreign country with a valid passport but no U.S. visa or legal status.
You cannot get a limited term license if you hold a green card or are a U.S. citizen — those people get standard eight-year licenses instead. If your visa is expired but you have a valid passport and proof you were once in legal status, you may still be able to get a limited term license; bring all documents to the DPS office and let them determine what you may have access to for.
Documents You Need to Bring
Bring your original passport or travel document issued by your country of origin. This is required — a copy will not work. You also need proof of Texas residency from the last three months, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. A phone bill or insurance document also works.
Bring proof of your immigration status or lack of status. If you are undocumented, bring nothing — the absence of documents is itself proof. If you have a visa, bring the visa stamp in your passport or an I-94 arrival/departure record. If you have DACA, bring your Employment Authorization Document (EAD). If you have TPS, bring your EAD or TPS approval notice. If you have a pending asylum case, bring your receipt notice (I-797) from USCIS. Bring your Social Security card if you have one; if you don't, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for a number.
You'll also need to pass a vision test at the DPS office and provide a thumbprint. Bring your current Texas license if you have one, or a birth certificate or passport if this is your first license.
How Long a Limited Term License Lasts
The expiration date depends on your immigration status. If you are undocumented, your license expires in two years. If you have DACA status, it expires when your DACA authorization expires (usually two years from approval). If you have TPS, it expires when your TPS status expires. If you are on an H-1B, L-1, or other temporary work visa, it expires when your visa expires or in four years, whichever comes first. If you have a pending asylum case, it expires in two years.
You will receive a notice in the mail before your license expires, though you should not rely on it — mark the expiration date on your calendar. Renewing before it expires is much faster than explore for a new one after it has lapsed. If your license expires, you cannot legally drive until you renew it.
How to Get Your Limited Term License
Go to the Texas DPS website and find the driver license office nearest you. Call ahead or check online to confirm they issue limited term licenses — not all offices do, and some require an appointment. Bring all documents listed above, plus the fee (currently $16 for a two-year license, though fees vary by term length and can change).
At the office, tell the clerk you want a limited term license. They will review your documents, take your photo, and administer a vision test. You'll sign the process and provide a thumbprint. The office will tell you when your license will be ready — usually within two to three weeks. You can pick it up in person or have it mailed to your address.
If the office denies your request, ask for the reason in writing. Common reasons include missing documents, an address that doesn't match your residency proof, or a passport that is expired (though an expired passport is usually still acceptable for a limited term license). You can return with corrected documents and try again.
Renewing Your Limited Term License
Renew your license before it expires by returning to a DPS office with the same documents you brought for your original license — your passport, proof of residency, and proof of your current immigration status. If your immigration status has changed (for example, you now have a different visa type or your DACA was renewed), bring documentation of the new status.
You can renew in person at any DPS driver license office. Some people renew by mail, but this is risky because if documents are missing or incorrect, your renewal will be rejected and you'll have to start over. Renewing in person takes about 30 minutes and you'll know when ready if there's a problem. The renewed license will have a new expiration date based on your current immigration status.
What Happens If Your License Expires
If your limited term license expires, you cannot legally drive. You must renew it before you drive again. Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic ticket, a fine, and a mark on your driving record. If you are pulled over, tell the officer your license expired and you are in the process of renewing it — bring proof that you have an appointment at a DPS office or documentation of your attempt to renew.
If your immigration status changes while your license is valid — for example, you receive a green card or become a U.S. citizen — you should get a new standard license rather than renew your limited term license. Go to a DPS office with your new immigration documents (green card, naturalization certificate, or passport showing your new status) and explore for a standard license. You can use your old limited term license until the new one arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a limited term license to fly on an airplane?
No. The TSA does not accept limited term licenses for domestic flights. You must use your passport or another federally approved ID. A limited term license works for driving, opening a bank account, and most other everyday purposes, but not for air travel.
What if my passport is expired?
An expired passport is usually still acceptable for a limited term license because it proves your identity and citizenship. Bring it to the DPS office and ask — they will tell you whether it's acceptable. If it is not, you'll need to renew your passport first through your country's consulate or embassy.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a limited term license?
No. If you don't have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for one. The DPS will issue your license without a number.
Can I get a limited term license if I'm on a tourist visa?
No. A tourist visa (B-1/B-2) is not a valid basis for a limited term license in Texas. Limited term licenses are for people without legal status or on work/student visas. If you're on a tourist visa, you must have a standard U.S. address and a Social Security number to get a regular Texas license.
What if my address changes after I get my limited term license?
You can update your address at any DPS office without renewing your license. Bring your current limited term license and proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). The DPS will issue you a new license with the updated address at no charge.