Drivers in the Military in Texas

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.

Driver's Licenses

If you're on active military duty outside the state, you may renew your Texas driver's license by mail. You can also get a duplicate this way if you lose your original license.

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:

• Out of State/Country Application (Form RIS-50)
• Driver License Renewal Application (Form DL-43)

You may renew your license up to a year before it expires, so if you can renew your license the normal way before you ship out, you'll avoid the hassle of doing it remotely.

Licenses remain valid for 90 days after you receive your honorable discharge and return to the state.

For more information about renewing or replacing your driver's license when you're stationed out of state, visit the Driver License Division's FAQ page.

Vehicle Registration

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. The governing authority is the Office of the Consumer Credit Commissioner, which you may contact at the following address:

• The Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner

• 2601 N. Lamar Blvd.

• Austin, TX 78705

• Telephone: (512) 936-7600 or (800) 538-1579

• E-mail: info@occc.state.tx.us

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