HOUSTON – Driver license offices in Texas are back open for business. However, if you are trying to book an appointment, the earliest available may be weeks or even months away. Margo Shea’s Wednesday afternoon appointment at the South Gessner Road office in Houston was booked about two months ago. When we checked for appointments for a new driver’s license, the earliest we found in the Houston area was Sept. 8 at the southeast office on Galveston Road. Madeleine Gibson, 17, said she made an appointment for a state ID about two months ago.

Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Public Safety announced the limited reopening of driver license offices on May 26. DPS will launch a statewide driver license (DL) appointment system that allows customers to book appointments up to six months in advance. “This phased opening of our driver license offices and the launch of DPS’ online appointment system prioritizes the health and safety of our communities and ensures Texans have access to the services they need at their local driver license offices,” Abbott said. Phase 2: Offices in DPS’ South and Central Texas regions will reopen with limited services beginning May 29, 2020. Phase 3: Offices in DPS’ North and Southeast Texas regions will reopen with limited services beginning June 3, 2020.