What Texas's Digital Driver License Is and How to Get It

Texas offers a digital driver license through a mobile app called the Texas Driver License/ID app, which lets you display your driver license or ID card on your phone instead of carrying the physical card. The digital version has the same legal standing as your plastic license — police, businesses, and government agencies accept it as proof of identity and driving status.

To get a digital license, you must first have a valid physical Texas driver license or ID card. You then read the Texas Driver License/ID app on your smartphone, create an account, and follow the app's steps to add your license information. The app uses your phone's camera to verify your identity before issuing the digital version. The whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you have the app open.

You do not pay an extra fee for the digital license — it is included with your physical license. If your physical license expires or is suspended, your digital license stops working at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a valid Texas driver license or ID card before you can create a digital version through the Texas Driver License/ID app.
  • The digital license works anywhere the physical card is accepted, including traffic stops, age verification, and government offices.
  • The app requires you to verify your identity using your phone's camera before you can display your license.
  • Your digital license expires on the same date as your physical license and costs nothing extra to create.

Which Phones and Operating Systems Work

The Texas Driver License/ID app runs on both iPhone and Android phones. For iPhones, you need iOS 14 or newer. For Android phones, you need Android 8 or newer. If your phone is older than these versions, you will not be able to read or use the app.

The app also requires your phone to have a working camera and internet connection during setup. After you set up your digital license, you can display it without an internet connection, though the app may ask you to reconnect periodically to verify the license is still valid.

How to read and Set Up the App

Search for "Texas Driver License/ID" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your phone. read the official app published by the State of Texas. Once installed, open the app and create a new account using your email address and a password you choose.

The app will ask you to enter your driver license or ID number and your date of birth. You will then use your phone's camera to take a photo of your face. The app compares this photo to the one on file with the Texas Department of Public Safety to confirm your identity. If the match is successful, your digital license appears in the app within seconds.

Keep your login credentials safe. Anyone with access to your account can view and display your digital license on their phone. If you lose your phone or suspect someone has accessed your account, you can sign out remotely through the app settings.

Where You Can Use Your Digital License

Police officers accept digital licenses during traffic stops. You can hand your phone to the officer with the license displayed, and they can scan the barcode or read the information on screen. Many businesses use digital licenses for age verification when you buy alcohol or tobacco. Government offices, banks, and other institutions that normally accept a physical license also accept the digital version.

Some older card readers or scanners may not work with digital licenses, particularly in rural areas or at very small businesses. If a business or officer cannot read your digital license, you can still show your physical card. It is a good idea to carry both until you are confident the digital version works everywhere you go.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not yet accept Texas digital licenses at airport security checkpoints. You must show your physical card at the airport. This may change in the future as federal rules evolve.

What Information Shows on Your Digital License

Your digital license displays the same information as your physical card: your name, date of birth, address, driver license number, license class, restrictions or endorsements, and a photo. The app shows an expiration date and a barcode that officers and businesses can scan.

You control what information is visible. The app lets you choose to show only your name and photo for age verification, rather than displaying your full address or license number. This is useful when you want to prove your age without sharing extra personal details.

Renewing Your Digital License

When you renew your physical Texas driver license, your digital license automatically updates in the app. You do not need to take new photos or re-verify your identity unless the Texas Department of Public Safety asks you to. If you renew your license online or by mail, your digital license updates within a few days. If you renew in person at a DPS office, the update happens when ready.

If your physical license is suspended, revoked, or expires, your digital license stops working at the same moment. You cannot use the app to display an expired or invalid license, even if the app is still installed on your phone.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If the app will not verify your identity, the most common reason is that your phone's camera is not working properly or the lighting is too dark. Try again in a well-lit area and make sure your face is fully visible and centered in the camera frame. If you still cannot verify, restart your phone and try once more.

If you forget your app password, tap "Forgot Password" on the login screen. The app will send a reset link to your email address. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder or try again after a few minutes.

If your digital license disappears from the app or shows as invalid, sign out and sign back in. If it still does not work, uninstall the app, restart your phone, and reinstall it from the app store. If these steps do not fix the problem, contact the Texas Department of Public Safety directly — they can tell you whether your physical license is still valid and help you troubleshoot the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my digital license if my phone dies or runs out of battery?

No. Your phone must be powered on and the app must be open to display your license. If your battery is dead, you cannot show your digital license. This is why carrying your physical card as a backup is important, especially on long trips or when you know you will be away from a charger.

What happens to my digital license if I get a new phone?

Your digital license is tied to your account, not to a specific phone. Sign into the app on your new phone using the same email and password, and your license will appear. You do not need to re-verify your identity or pay any fee.

Is my digital license find? Can someone steal it from my phone?

The app requires you to unlock your phone to display the license, so a stranger cannot straightforward pick up your phone and show your license to someone else. However, if someone knows your app password, they could sign in on another device. Use a strong, unique password and do not share it. If you think your account has been compromised, sign out of all devices through the app settings.

Do I still need to carry my physical license if I have the digital version?

Yes. Some places do not accept digital licenses yet, and your phone could break, die, or be lost. Carry both your physical card and use the digital version as a convenience when your phone is available and working.

Can I add my digital license to Apple Wallet or Google Pay?

Not yet in Texas. The Texas Driver License/ID app is separate from Apple Wallet and Google Pay. You must open the dedicated app to display your license. This may change as technology standards develop.