Abbott announces temporary closure of driver license offices
AUSTIN, Texas - Gov. Greg Abbott has announced that all Texas Department of Public Safety offices across the state are closing immediately.
According to a release from the governor's office, this follows the suspension of certain provisions of the Texas Transportation Code to delay the expiration date for driver licenses, commercial driver licenses, and other identification documents.
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The closure will not apply to those seeking an initial Commercial Driver License (CDL). DPS offices that provide CDL testing will remain open solely for the purpose of providing initial CDLs, says the governor's office. Visits will be by appointment only and can be scheduled by emailing cdlappointments@dps.texas.gov. This exception will allow commercial drivers to continue to ship goods across the state of Texas.
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"Our commercial drivers are essential to the consistent flow of goods throughout the state, and we will continue to ensure those seeking an initial CDL can do so," said Abbott. "Closing driver license offices to those not seeking an initial CDL is another step the state is taking to encourage social distancing in our communities."
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Though expiration dates have been temporarily suspended, individuals seeking to renew their driver's license or personal identification certificate during this period should check the DPS website to see if they are eligible to renew online.