Texas Law: You Cannot Hold Both a Driver's License and an ID Card

Legal Rule

Under Texas Transportation Code §521.033, an individual may hold only one identification document issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS): either a driver’s license or an identification card, not both.

Reasons

• Prevents identity theft (duplicate documents could be misused).
• Avoids confusion for law enforcement during traffic stops.
• Complies with state statute; violation is a misdemeanor.

Remedy

If you possess both, surrender one at a DPS office or mail the ID card to DPS.