TITLE 37. PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

PART 1. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

CHAPTER 15. DRIVER LICENSE RULES

SUBCHAPTER A. LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

The Texas Department of Public Safety (the department) proposes amendments to §15.6, concerning Motorcycle License. The proposed amendment aligns operator training and safety curriculum standards with current Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation administrative rules.

Mickey Godfrey, Management Analyst, Driver License Division, has determined that for each year of the first five-year period this rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government or local economies.

Mr. Godfrey has also determined that there will be no adverse economic effect on small businesses, micro-businesses, or rural communities required to comply with the section as proposed. There is no anticipated economic cost to individuals who are required to comply with the rule as proposed. There is no anticipated negative impact on local employment.

Mr. Godfrey has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of this rule will be enhanced accuracy and precision of the rule text through the updated reference to the applicable curriculum standards. This clarification will ensure that the rule continues to align with current TDLR-approved motorcycle operator training requirements, thereby supporting the uniform administration of licensing provisions and contributing to the ongoing delivery of consistent and effective motorcycle safety instruction statewide.

The department has determined this proposal is not a "major environmental rule" as defined by Texas Government Code, §2001.0225. "Major environmental rule" means a rule the specific intent of which is to protect the environment or reduce risks to human health from environmental exposure and that may adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, or the public health and safety of the state or a sector of the state. This proposal is not specifically intended to protect the environment or reduce risks to human health from environmental exposure.

The department has determined that Chapter 2007 of the Texas Government Code does not apply to this proposal. Accordingly, the department is not required to complete a takings impact assessment regarding this proposal.

The department prepared a Government Growth Impact Statement assessment for this proposed rulemaking. The proposed rulemaking does not create or eliminate a government program; will not require the creation of new employee positions nor eliminate current employee positions; will not require an increase or decrease in future legislative appropriations to the agency; nor will it require an increase or decrease in fees paid to the agency. The proposed rulemaking does not create a new regulation. The proposed rulemaking does not expand, limit, or repeal an existing regulation. The proposed rulemaking does not increase or decrease the number of individuals subject to its applicability. During the first five years the proposed rule is in effect, the proposed rule should not impact positively or negatively the state's economy.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mickey Godfrey, Driver License Division, Texas Department of Public Safety, P.O. Box 4087 (MSC 0300), Austin, Texas 78773; by fax to (512) 424-5233; or by email to DLDrulecomments@dps.texas.gov. Email submission only is preferred. Comments must be received no later than thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this proposal. Persons required to comply with the proposed rules or any other interested person may provide information to the department related to the cost, benefit, or effect of the proposed rule, including any applicable data, research, or analysis.

This proposal is made pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the Public Safety Commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the department's work; and Texas Transportation Code, §521.005, which authorizes the department to adopt rules necessary to administer Chapter 521 of the Transportation Code.

Texas Government Code, §411.004(3); and Texas Transportation Code, §§521.005, 521.148, 662.0033, and 662.0068, are affected by this proposal.

§ 15.6. Motorcycle License.

A driver who qualifies to operate a motorcycle will be issued a Class M license. When a driver is also qualified to operate a motor vehicle with a Class A, B, or C license, one license with any applicable restrictions will be issued. Parent or guardian authorization is required for applicants younger than 18 years of age.

(1) Class M license.

(A) The minimum age is 16 years with completion of the classroom phase of driver education and a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) approved motorcycle operator training course.

(B) This authorizes operation of all motorcycles and three-wheeled motorcycles.

(2) Restricted Class M license.

(A) The minimum age is 16 years with completion of the classroom phase of driver education and a TDLR approved motorcycle operator training course specific to the operation of a three-wheeled motorcycle.

(B) The minimum age is 15 years with completion of the classroom phase of driver education and a TDLR approved motorcycle operator training course specific to 250 cubic centimeter piston displacement or less.

(3) A motorcycle operator training program certificate of completion issued by TDLR [~~Motorcycle Operator Training Program Certificate of Completion (Form MSB-8)~~] or a completion card from a state or military motorcycle safety training program showing that the applicant has completed a course in basic motorcycle safety instruction that meets or exceeds the requirements outlined in 16 TAC §98.112 (relating to Curriculum Standards--Entry Level Course) [~~Motorcycle Safety Foundation curriculum standards~~] will be used as proof of successful completion of a TDLR approved motorcycle operator training course.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 12, 2026.

TRD-202602414

D. Phillip Adkins

General Counsel

Texas Department of Public Safety

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 424-5848

SUBCHAPTER B. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS--ORIGINAL, RENEWAL, DUPLICATE, IDENTIFICATION CERTIFICATES

37 TAC §15.21

The Texas Department of Public Safety (the department) proposes amendments to §15.21, concerning Signature. The proposed amendment modifies the ink signature requirement to include an exception allowing for electronic signature for online or digital applications.

Mandy Edwards, Management Analyst, Driver License Division, has determined that for each year of the first five-year period this rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government or local economies.

Ms. Edwards has also determined that there will be no adverse economic effect on small businesses, micro-businesses, or rural communities required to comply with the section as proposed. There is no anticipated economic cost to individuals who are required to comply with the rule as proposed. There is no anticipated negative impact on local employment.

Ms. Edwards has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of this rule will be convenience to the public by expanding the signature requirements to include electronic signature for applications submitted digitally or online.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Mandy Edwards, Driver License Division, Texas Department of Public Safety, P.O. Box 4087 (MSC 0300), Austin, Texas 78773; by fax to (512) 424-5233; or by email to DLDrulecomments@dps.texas.gov. Email submission only is preferred. Comments must be received no later than thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this proposal. Persons required to comply with the proposed rules or any other interested person may provide information to the department related to the cost, benefit, or effect of the proposed rule, including any applicable data, research, or analysis.

Texas Government Code, §411.004(3); and Texas Transportation Code, §521.005 and §521.142, are affected by this proposal.

§ 15.21. Signature.

The applicant's usual signature is required on all applications for a driver license or identification certificate.

(1) The usual signature is preferred. If a man's name is John Henry Jones and his usual signature is J.H. Jones, he should so sign it. This section also applies to women. The usual signature is asked for simply because it will not disturb the applicant so much as it would to require the full name.

(2) The signature on the application must be in ink, except when the application is completed digitally or online requiring an electronic signature. The license or certificate must include a facsimile of the license holder's signature or a space on which the holder shall write the holder's usual signature in ink immediately on receipt of the license or certificate.

(3) The primary purpose of the signature is to identify the applicant and verify the information given on the application.

(4) If an applicant cannot write his name, he may make his "mark." This is usually a cross in the place of his signature followed by the applicant's printed name. The Driver License field employee shall sign under the applicant's "mark" showing who printed the applicant's name.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 12, 2026.

TRD-202602415

D. Phillip Adkins

General Counsel

Texas Department of Public Safety

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 424-5848

37 TAC §15.24

The Texas Department of Public Safety (the department) proposes amendments to §15.24, concerning Identification of Applicants. The proposed amendments update the acceptable documents for proof of identity to align with the REAL ID Act of 2005.

Christopher Major, Management Analyst, Driver License Division, has determined that for each year of the first five-year period this rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government or local economies.

Mr. Major has also determined that there will be no adverse economic effect on small businesses, micro-businesses, or rural communities required to comply with the section as proposed. There is no anticipated economic cost to individuals who are required to comply with the rule as proposed. There is no anticipated negative impact on local employment.

Mr. Major has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of this rule will be secure issuance of REAL ID compliant credentials.

The department prepared a Government Growth Impact Statement assessment for this proposed rulemaking. The proposed rulemaking does not create or eliminate a government program; will not require the creation of new employee positions nor eliminate current employee positions; will not require an increase or decrease in future legislative appropriations to the agency; nor will it require an increase or decrease in fees paid to the agency. The proposed rulemaking does not create a new regulation. The proposed rulemaking does limit an existing regulation. The proposed rulemaking does not increase or decrease the number of individuals subject to its applicability. During the first five years the proposed rule is in effect, the proposed rule should not impact positively or negatively the state's economy.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Christopher Major, Driver License Division, Texas Department of Public Safety, P.O. Box 4087 (MSC 0300), Austin, Texas 78773; by fax to (512) 424-5233; or by email to DLDrulecomments@dps.texas.gov. Email submission only is preferred. Comments must be received no later than thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this proposal. Persons required to comply with the proposed rules or any other interested person may provide information to the department related to the cost, benefit, or effect of the proposed rule, including any applicable data, research, or analysis.

Texas Government Code, §411.004(3); and Texas Transportation Code, §521.005 and §521.142, are affected by this proposal.

§ 15.24. Identification of Applicants.

All original applicants for a driver license or identification certificate must present proof of identity satisfactory to the department. All documents must be verifiable. There are three categories of documents that may be presented to establish proof of identity.

(1) Primary identification. These items are complete within themselves and require no supporting instruments: These documents must contain the applicant's complete name and full date of birth:

(A) Texas driver license (DL) or identification certificate (ID) with photo within two years of expiration date;

(B) unexpired United States passport;

(D) unexpired document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services or successor federal immigration agency. The document must contain verifiable data and identifiable photo; or

(E) unexpired United States military ID card for active duty, reserve or retired personnel with identifiable photo.

(F) foreign passport with a valid visa issued by the United States Department of State [~~(valid or expired)~~] with unexpired I-94 marked valid for a fixed duration. If the applicant was not required by federal law to obtain a visa to enter the United States, the visa requirement under this subparagraph may be waived.

(G) foreign passport with a valid visa issued by the United States Department of State [~~(valid or expired)~~] with an I-94 marked valid for the duration of stay accompanied by appropriate documentation. If the applicant was not required by federal law to obtain a visa to enter the United States, the visa requirement under this subparagraph may be waived.

(2) Secondary identification. These items are recorded governmental documents (United States, 1 of the 50 states, a United States territory, or District of Columbia [~~or Canadian province~~]):

(A) original or certified copy of a birth certificate issued by the appropriate State Bureau of Vital Statistics or equivalent agency;

(B) original or certified copy of United States Department of State Certification of Birth (issued to United States citizens born abroad); or

(C) original or certified copy of court order with name and date of birth (DOB) indicating an official change of name [~~and/or gender~~].

(3) Supporting identification. These items consist of other records or documents that aid examining personnel in establishing the identity of the applicant. The following items are not all inclusive. The examining or supervisory personnel may determine that an unlisted document meets the department's needs in establishing identity.

(A) school records;

(B) insurance policy (at least two years old);

(D) military records;

(E) unexpired military dependent [~~dependant~~] identification card;

(F) original or certified copy of marriage license or divorce decree;

(G) voter registration card;

(H) Social Security card;

(I) pilot's license;

(J) concealed handgun license;

(K) Texas driver's license temporary receipt;

(L) unexpired photo DL or photo ID issued by another (United States) state, U.S. [US] territory, the District of Columbia or Canadian province;

(M) expired photo DL or photo ID issued by another (United States) state, U.S. [US] territory, the District of Columbia or Canadian province that is within two years of the expiration date;

(N) a consular document issued by a state or national government; or

(O) an offender identification card or similar form of identification issued by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

(4) Every original applicant must present:

(A) one piece of primary identification, or

(B) one piece of secondary identification plus two pieces of support identification; or,

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the proposal and found it to be within the state agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on June 12, 2026.

TRD-202602416

D. Phillip Adkins

General Counsel

Texas Department of Public Safety

Earliest possible date of adoption: July 26, 2026

For further information, please call: (512) 424-5848