Drivers license changes will cost you time -- and money

Nancy Holland
KHOU-TV
Dec. 01, 2006

Beware. Big changes are coming for anyone with a Texas drivers license or state ID. If you thought you could avoid the lines at the DMV and renew by mail -- think again. A new federal law will force you to renew the license in person.

Beginning in 2008, every driver will have to get a new license -- even if their old one hasn't expired.

Right now states have different requirements to get a license.

But Congress, driven by Homeland Security concerns, recently passed the Real ID act. That means Texas will have the same standards as California, New York and all the other states.

Right now, a new Texas license costs $24. That may seem like a bargain under the new federal law because it didn't give states money to make changes.

That is up to Texas to figure out.

"We have anticipated a very rough estimate of $167 million the first year and $101 million every year thereafter," said Judy Brown with the DPS Driver's License Division.

It won't just cost money -- it will cost you time.

You won't be able to renew online or even change your address. That means the DMV lines will likely be out the door and around the building.

In January, DPS will go to the legislature to ask for 500 more people to handle the load.

"In the future, we'll have to reprocess all your credentials. We're anticipating the time will quadruple," said Brown.

"The standing in line part is going to be difficult but I think as long as we have security, we can't have enough security," said Sheryl Young, a Texas driver.

Whether you think it's worth it, doesn't really matter. Not only do you need the license to drive -- you won't be able to get on an airplane without the Real ID.