East Dallas Times

by Allen Vaught, Texas House of Representatives

During the past several years, as more and more Texans have turned to the Internet to find information and resources, the state of Texas has made an effort to increase online access to government services.

The official website for Texas is www.Texas.gov and here you can find links for everything from renewing your driver’s license to searching for lottery results.

In this week’s article, I will look at some of the online resources that you may find most useful in your daily lives.

Driving and automobile related sources

Through Texas’ official website, you can renew your driver’s license or ID card if you have access to a valid credit card, your ID number, and your Social security number. There are some conditions that still must be met, including being under age 79, having a certain type of license, and not having any outstanding traffic tickets. If you are interested in renewing your license, you can find out more information here: https://txapps.texas.gov/tolapp/txdl/eligibility.dl?locale=en_US

You can also renew your vehicle registration online, choose a new, specialty license plate design, or change your address with the Department of Public Safety, DPS, through this link: https://rts.texasonline.state.tx.us/NASApp/txdotrts/common/jsp/txdot_vtr_main_menu.jsp?language=eng

Important records

The Department of State Health Services “Vital Records Application” will allow you to apply online for access to a birth or death certificate or verification letter, along with a marriage or divorce verification letter, but it will still take 10-15 business days to process. https://txapps.texas.gov/tolapp/ovra/index.htm

If you need a copy of your driver record, you may also do request this online through the DPS website, but it will still take 14 days for the record to be mailed. https://www.texasonline.state.tx.us/tolapp/txldrcdr/TXDPSLicenseeManager

Notifications

Additionally, Texas’ website will allow you to signup for notifications and alerts from the Texas governor and for public safety alerts such as with the Amber Alert program. There are several different agencies that publicize online newsletters such as the Texas Veterans Commission and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that Texans can sign up to receive with a valid e-mail address.

Occupational licenses

If you are in an occupation that requires a license from the state of Texas, there is a good chance yours is one of the eligible occupations that can renew the license online. There are hundreds of occupations listed where you may be eligible to apply for a license, renew a license, or receive a certification. The most common eligible ones include dietitians, nurses, insurance agents, psychologists, real estate brokers, pharmacists, and physicians. You can search to see if your occupation is eligible here: http://www.texas.gov/en/Do/Pages/default.aspx?CommandName=Topic&CommandArgument=%2Fos_licenses%2Fpermits&q=&#Top

If you would like any additional information, please feel free to contact my district office at (214) 370-8305 or my Capitol office at (512) 463-0244. Please free to e-mail me as well, and be sure to include your name and full address. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sources: www.Texas.gov