Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced that driver’s license renewals in the state will be extended to help alleviate the backlog caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The extension comes as many Texans have been struggling to secure appointments at their local Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices, leading to frustration and long wait times.
Under the new extension, Texas residents whose driver’s licenses expired on or after March 13, 2020, will have an extra year to renew their licenses without facing any penalties. This move comes as a relief to many drivers who have been unable to renew their licenses due to the closure of DPS offices and the limited availability of appointments.
Governor Abbott’s office released a statement saying, “We understand that many Texans have been unable to renew their driver’s licenses due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This extension will provide much-needed relief to those who are struggling to secure appointments at DPS offices.”
The extension will also apply to Texas residents who need to renew their learner’s permits, commercial driver’s licenses, and identification cards. The DPS has urged Texans to take advantage of this extension and renew their licenses as soon as possible to avoid any potential issues.
Many Texans have expressed relief and gratitude for the extension, with some saying that they have been waiting for months to renew their licenses. One Texas resident, Sarah Ramirez, shared her experience of trying to secure an appointment at a DPS office. She said, “I tried calling multiple times to schedule an appointment, but I was always put on hold or told that there were no available slots. This extension is a lifesaver for me.”
In addition to the extension, Governor Abbott has also announced that the DPS will be increasing the number of appointments available at its offices to help meet the demand for renewals. The agency is also exploring options to expand online renewal services to make it easier for Texans to renew their licenses from the comfort of their homes.
The DPS has assured Texans that it is working diligently to address the backlog of license renewals and provide timely service to all residents. The agency has asked for patience and understanding from Texans as they navigate through this challenging time.
The driver’s license extension is just one of the many steps that Texas is taking to help residents cope with the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Abbott has emphasized the importance of supporting Texans during this difficult time and ensuring that they have access to essential services.
If you are a Texas resident whose driver’s license expired on or after March 13, 2020, you can rest easy knowing that you have an extra year to renew your license. Take advantage of this extension and make sure to renew your license as soon as possible to avoid any potential issues. And remember to stay safe and healthy during these challenging times.
