1️⃣ License Types
| Category |
Description |
Real ID Available |
Age Requirement |
| 🅔 Regular Driver’s License |
For driving private cars, light trucks, etc. |
✅ Available |
16 years old and up |
| 🅐 Temporary Driver’s Permit |
For beginners, must be accompanied by a qualified driver |
❌ Not Applicable |
15 years old and up |
| 🅑 Teen Driver’s License |
For 16–17-year-olds |
✅ Available |
16 years old and up |
| 🅒 Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) |
For driving heavy trucks and commercial vehicles |
✅ Available |
18 years old and up |
| 🆔 Real ID |
Federally recognized driver’s license for airport security and federal facilities |
✅ Available |
All ages |
🔸 Note: Real ID licenses feature a gold star symbol, which will be required for TSA security and access to federal facilities starting in 2025.
2️⃣ Eligibility Requirements
✅ Basic Requirements
- Age: 16 years old (for regular driver’s license) or 18 years old (for CDL)
- Legal Texas resident
- Complete Texas-approved driver training and pass the tests
📋 Required Documents
- Proof of identity (e.g., birth certificate, passport)
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Proof of Texas residence (e.g., bank letter, utility bill)
- Real ID applicants must provide immigration/citizenship documents
📝 Testing Requirements
- Written knowledge test
- Vision test (at least 20/40)
- Road test (Required for regular license and CDL)
3️⃣ Specifications
| Item |
Details |
| 📐 Dimensions |
85.60mm × 53.98mm (ID-1 standard) |
| 🖨️ Layout |
Horizontal for adults; vertical for minors |
| 🕐 Validity |
6 years for adults; until 18 for minors |
| 🆔 License Number Format |
Letters + 9 digits (e.g., TX12345678) |
4️⃣ Materials
- 🌐 High-strength polycarbonate material with anti-counterfeit features
- 🛡️ Waterproof, tear-resistant, UV-resistant, designed for long-term use
- 🔍 Laser engraving, anti-copy textures, digital signature
- ♻️ Supports QR code and magnetic stripe reading
5️⃣ Front Information
- 📸 Photo (high-resolution color)
- 👤 Name, birthdate, gender, height, eye color
- 🆔 License number
- 🏠 Address (can be hidden upon request)
- 🗓️ Issue date and expiration date
- 🅔 License class and restrictions
- 🌟 Real ID star (if applicable)
📌 Design Features: Features Texas’ iconic blue gradient background with anti-counterfeit texture and watermark.
6️⃣ Back Information
- 📊 QR code
- 📃 Legal statements and usage guidelines
- 🌄 Texas map and state seal anti-counterfeit background
- 🔒 Laser-engraved hidden images and issue code
- 🧬 UV light layer: Hidden state seal and anti-counterfeit design
7️⃣ Key Technologies
| Technology |
Function |
| 🧬 QR Code |
Stores identity and license data |
| 🔍 Laser Engraving |
Embedded text and images that cannot be erased |
| 👻 Ghost Image |
Background layer contains a smaller version of the main photo to prevent counterfeiting |
| 💡 UV Light Layer |
Under UV light, the state seal and hidden patterns appear |
| 🪟 Transparent Window |
Real ID-specific transparent relief marking for enhanced security |
8️⃣ Security Features
| Feature |
Description |
| 🌈 Color-shifting Ink |
Changes color when tilted at different angles |
| 🔍 Microtext |
Hidden small text along edges and patterns (visible under magnification) |
| 👁️ Ghost Image |
Smaller version of the main photo embedded in the background |
| 🛡️ Anti-copy Texture |
Special background texture difficult to scan or copy |
| 🌟 Real ID Star |
Embossed metal star that cannot be scratched or removed |
9️⃣ Use Cases
| Scenario |
Description |
Requires Real ID |
| 🚘 Driving |
Driving, renting a car, buying insurance |
❌ No |
| 🛫 Domestic Air Travel |
TSA security (required after 2025) |
✅ Yes |
| 🏦 Banking |
Identity verification, opening an account, applying for loans |
❌ No |
| 🏛️ Federal Facility Access |
Courts, military, customs, etc. |
✅ Yes |
| 🧾 Tax/Social Security |
Identity verification |
❌ No |
| 🍷 Age Verification |
Purchasing alcohol/tobacco, entering entertainment venues |
❌ No |
🔟 Barcode Verification
- 📲 Scanned by Texas law enforcement, airport, or barcode readers
- ⚙️ Verifies: Name, birthdate, license number, validity period, issuing agency, license type, etc.
- ⛔ If counterfeit or tampered, an error message will appear
1️⃣1️⃣ Barcode Analysis
DAQF123456789012
DAAJOHN DOE
DAG456 MAIN ST, HOUSTON, TX
DBB19980325
DBC1
DAYGRN
DAU180CM
Field Decoding:
DAQ : License numberDAA : NameDAG : AddressDBB : BirthdateDBC : GenderDAY : Eye colorDAU : Height
🧬 Includes digital signature and checksum to prevent fraud and tampering.
1️⃣2️⃣ Authenticity Check
| Check Item |
Verification Method |
| 🌟 Real ID Star |
Check for embossed metal star that cannot be scratched off |
| 🔦 UV Check |
Use UV light to view hidden patterns/graphics |
| 👁️ Ghost Image |
Verify background ghost image matches the main photo |
| 🔍 Microtext |
Use magnification to check microtext along edges |
| 📊 Barcode Verification |
Compare barcode data with surface information |
| 🌐 Online Verification |
Visit Texas’ official website to verify authenticity |
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