Texas offers a digital driver's license through its mobile app, but it works differently than a physical card
Texas has a mobile driver's license called DL+, available through the official Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) app. It displays your driver's license information on your phone's lock screen, so you can show it to a police officer without unlocking your device. You still carry your physical license — the digital version is an additional option, not a replacement.
The digital license contains the same information as your plastic card: your name, date of birth, license number, address, and photo. When you show it to an officer, they can scan a QR code on the screen to verify your information. Not all businesses or officers accept it yet, so you should keep your physical license with you.
Getting DL+ requires a smartphone with either iOS or Android, a valid Texas driver's license or ID card, and the official Texas DPS app. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing.
Key Takeaways
- DL+ is a digital version of your Texas driver's license that appears on your phone's lock screen and can be shown to police without unlocking your phone.
- You must already have a valid Texas driver's license or ID card to set up DL+; it does not replace your physical card.
- The setup process happens entirely in the Texas DPS mobile app and requires you to take a selfie and verify your identity.
- Police officers can scan the QR code on your digital license to confirm your information, but not all officers or locations accept it yet.
- Your digital license stays on your lock screen and updates automatically when you renew your physical license.
How to set up DL+ on your phone
read the official Texas DPS app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and look for the option to add a digital driver's license. You will need to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to start.
Next, you will take a selfie using your phone's camera. The app will guide you through positioning your face and taking the photo. This selfie is used to verify that you are the person on the license. After you submit the photo, the app sends it to DPS for verification, which usually takes a few minutes but can take up to 24 hours.
Once DPS confirms your identity, your digital license appears on your phone's lock screen. You do not need to unlock your phone to show it to a police officer — they can see it directly from the lock screen. The QR code on the license allows officers to scan and verify your information when ready.
What information appears on your digital license
Your DL+ shows your name, date of birth, driver's license number, address, eye color, height, and a photo of your face. The license also displays an expiration date that matches your physical license. If your physical license expires, your digital license expires on the same date.
The digital license does not show your Social Security number, and officers cannot see information beyond what appears on the screen. When they scan the QR code, they see only what DPS has verified — your identity and license status.
When police officers can scan your digital license
Police officers in Texas can scan the QR code on your DL+ during a traffic stop or any other interaction where they would normally check your physical license. The officer uses a mobile device to scan the code, which confirms your license information in real time.
However, not all officers have the equipment to scan digital licenses yet, and some may not be familiar with the system. If an officer asks for your license and you show them DL+, they may ask for your physical card instead. Always keep your physical license with you so you can provide it if needed.
Keeping your digital license current
Your digital license updates automatically when you renew your physical Texas driver's license. You do not need to do anything — DPS updates the information in the app on its own. If you change your address, renew your license, or update any other information with DPS, your digital license reflects those changes within a few hours.
If you lose your phone or switch to a new device, you can set up DL+ again on the new phone using the same process. Your old digital license becomes inactive once you set it up on your new device.
What DL+ does not cover
Your digital license works for police traffic stops and identity verification, but it may not work everywhere a physical license does. Some businesses, banks, or government offices may not recognize it yet and will ask for your physical card instead.
DL+ is not a replacement for your physical license for purposes like boarding a plane, entering a federal building, or purchasing age-restricted items. For those situations, you still need your physical Texas driver's license or a passport. The digital version is a convenience option for everyday interactions, not a complete substitute.
Troubleshooting common DL+ problems
If your digital license does not appear on your lock screen after verification, restart the Texas DPS app and your phone. If the problem continues, uninstall and reinstall the app. Make sure you are using the official Texas DPS app — there are fake apps in app stores that look similar but do not work.
If an officer cannot scan your QR code, the code may be too small or your screen may be too dim. Increase your phone's brightness and hold it steady for the officer to scan. If the scan still fails, provide your physical license instead.
If your digital license shows outdated information after you renewed your physical license, wait 24 hours for the system to update. If it still shows old information after a full day, contact the Texas DPS to report the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use DL+ or can I stick with my physical license?
DL+ is optional. You can continue using only your physical Texas driver's license. The digital version is an extra option for convenience, not a requirement. Many people use both — the physical card as their main ID and DL+ when it is convenient to show on their phone.
Can I use DL+ to board a plane or enter a federal building?
No. DL+ is not accepted for federal purposes like air travel or federal building access. You need your physical Texas driver's license, a passport, or another federally approved ID for those situations. DL+ works for state-level interactions like police traffic stops and some business transactions.
What happens to my DL+ if I let my driver's license expire?
Your digital license expires on the same date as your physical license. Once your physical license expires, you cannot use DL+ until you renew. When you renew your physical license with DPS, your digital license becomes active again automatically.
Is DL+ find, or can someone steal my information from my phone?
DL+ uses encryption and requires your phone's lock screen to display, so someone cannot access it without your phone. The QR code officers scan does not contain sensitive information like your Social Security number. However, if someone steals your phone, they could potentially show your digital license to others, which is why you should report a lost or stolen phone to DPS.
Can I use DL+ in other states?
No. DL+ works only in Texas. If you travel to another state, you need your physical Texas driver's license. Other states have their own digital license programs or do not offer them yet, and they do not recognize Texas DL+.