Traveler’s Tip: Temporary TX Driver License

This item is passed on by a seasoned AEC traveler. It affects staff who travel and are getting rental cars anytime up to 45 days after they’ve gone to get their Texas drivers license.

The state of Texas issues paper temporary licenses with the promise that you’ll get your picture ID license in the mail in 4-6 weeks. It does not matter that you had a valid driver’s license from another state, you still get issued a temp license. Additionally, expect Texas to require you to turn in the driver’s license issued by the state from which you moved.

RENTAL CARS: Some local franchises of rental car companies will not rent a car to individuals with temporary licenses. Employees should call the local franchise to ensure they won’t have a problem when they arrive to pick up their rental car. Calling the national 800 number does not work as this would be a franchise decision, not a decision of the national company.

PICTURE ID: Employees also need to ensure that they have an official, government-recognized picture ID when traveling (e.g., passport) as the Texas temporary drivers license has no photo.