AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Driver license offices around the state are expanding their by-appointment services, including now offering renewal and replacements.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has been offering some services by appointment only since May; the agency says all of its services are now available with an appointment. Some offices across the state are even offering Saturday appointments.
DPS says nearly 700,000 licenses expired while offices were closed due to COVID-19, creating a potential backlog of customers needing to renew their licenses.
Despite the backlog, officials emphasize that as long as Gov. Greg Abbott's State of Disaster declaration related to COVID-19 remains in effect, expiration dates for Texas identification cards and driver licenses issued by DPS are being extended. DPS will issue a 60-day public notice when the extension period will be lifted.
Customers can schedule their appointments online. A limited number of same-day appointments will be available at offices on a first-come, first-served basis, along with "standby" appointments.
Many services can also be completed online, saving a trip. Officials say the fee is the same for online, in-person, or telephone renewals. More information is available at www.texas.gov.
