Drivers in Texas may get a brief reprieve from the chore of renewing their licenses.
Among many of the changes brought by the coronavirus pandemic, Texas announced residents with identification cards expiring after March 13 would get an extension because of the state’s emergency declaration.
Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen announced the change on Sunday. Texans will have until 60 days after Gov. Greg Abbott lifts the COVID-19 virus emergency declaration to renew their expired cards. The decision was made to limit crowding in public offices that have limited hours and remain open for essential services.
Important info from TX DPS re: a temporary extension of expired DLs and Texas ID cards… #txlege pic.twitter.com/VvHgFZZ5nV
— Speaker Dennis Bonnen (@RepDennisBonnen) March 16, 2020
In a letter announcing the decision, the state explained the change only affects the expiration date on the card and will not change any other restrictions drivers may carry.
“This extension applies to expiration date only,” the letter said. “A person who is not eligible to drive due to an active enforcement action (suspension, revocation or denial) may use the card for identification purposes only. DPS has notified law enforcement agencies and has asked for their understanding and cooperation in this matter.”
Abbott announced the emergency declaration on Friday. As of Monday, Texas had 56 confirmed cases of the coronavirus.
