Purpose of Counseling. Event-Oriented: Counseling for speeding/reckless driving. AR 385-10, Army Safety Program Key Points of Discussion. I am counseling you on driver safety and responsibility. The reason for this counseling is that you were observed speeding and driving recklessly. Many states allow you to register to vote when applying for your driver's license, so we've provided the information you'll need to participate in all elections―even when you're far from home. You can also learn how to replace your lost or stolen driver's license. Veterans, be sure to check out the military.
The men and women of our armed forces have enough to think about without worrying about renewing a drivers license while serving in the military, so many states try to make the process as easy as possible. For license renewal specifics by state, check out our page dedicated to drivers in the military.
Military Personnel Driver License Benefits
If you are on active duty with the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, or any recognized branch of the US military, you may benefit from any or all of the following.
Extended Grace Periods
In states where we civilians are only given 30 days after our license expires to renew, military personnel are often granted up to 90 days (but check your state's guidelines to be sure!).
Non-Pictured Licenses
Because they can't often make it back to their home state to have a new picture taken, some servicemen and women may receive a special military license without a photo. Once back home, though, military personnel usually need to go down to their local motor vehicle agency office and have a new picture taken within a few weeks or months of their return.
Exemptions and Fee Reductions
Some states charge military men and women discounted fees for renewing a driver's license, and some states waive the requirement to get a new drivers license when relocating from state to state. In some places, the servicemember's dependents also may receive discounts.
Military License Requirements
While requirements vary from state to state, typically, you simply need to show proof of active duty in order to qualify for military license benefits.
This may include:
- A copy of your military ID card (front and back).
- Documentation of active duty orders.
- Proof of permanent residence in the state (such as your current license or ID).
As always, you will need to check your state's specific laws (for military personnel) in order to be sure, and keep in mind that nearly every state revokes these privileges when a member of the armed forces leaves the military with anything other than an honorable discharge.
DMV Cheat Sheet - Time Saver
Passing the Texas written exam has never been easier. It's like having the answers before you take the test.
- Computer, tablet, or iPhone
- Just print and go to the DPS
- Driver's license, motorcycle, and CDL
- 100% money back guarantee
Featured ResourceAre You Overpaying for Car Insurance?
If you're on active military duty and stationed outside of Texas, it can be hard to conduct driver's license and car registration business. Thankfully, Texas allows you to complete some routine transactions through the mail or online while you're away serving your country.
How to Renew a TX Driver's Licenses for Military Members
If you are in the military on active duty outside of the state, your Texas driver's license will remain valid unless your license has been suspended, canceled, or revoked. Once you are honorably discharged you will be given an extension of 90 days from the date of your discharge or your return to the state. Your driver's license will be expired after the extension.
If you wish to avoid having to renew your driver's license when you return, you may renew by mail.
When you renew your Texas driver license (or get a duplicate) from afar, the Driver License Division will send the new document to your out-of-state mailing address (you'll indicate this when you apply). You will need to initiate this process by submitting a completed Application for Out of State/Country Renewal/Change of a Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-16) and required fees to:
Department of Public Safety
P.O. Box 149008
Austin, TX 78714
P.O. Box 149008
Austin, TX 78714
If your driver's license has been expired for more than 2 years, you will also need to submit:
- A copy of your expired driver's license.
- A copy of your military ID.
- A completed Application for Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-14A).
Texas Vehicle Registration for Military Members
If you're from outside Texas and you're stationed here on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, you do not need to register your vehicle in Texas. On the other hand, you may need to maintain your vehicle's registration in your home state while you're here.
If you're a Texas resident stationed out of state on active military duty, to renew your Texas vehicle registration you may contact the county tax assessor-collector of your home county in Texas. You'll be sent a registration packet so you can renew by mail. Although you must retain liability insurance on the vehicle while you're away, the state may exempt you from the safety inspection requirements until you return.
Protection for Car Buyers in the Military
Drivers in the military should also be aware of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act, which offers some special protections for military drivers who purchased motor vehicles prior to going on active duty. The Act may call for reduced interest rates on term payment loans, and may even offer some protections against repossession for active-duty personnel, including those in the National Guard.
Not all Texas car dealers or lenders are aware of the implications of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act, so if it applies to you, be sure you're getting the benefits and protections you are entitled to. Also be sure your spouse is aware of this benefit.
Forms
This form is provided by your state's agency/department.
Please select one of the below to continue:
Email the link to this form