Medical Conditions, the Medical Advisory Board and License Revocations in Texas in 2026

The evaluation at the driver license office

DPS's Texas Medical Evaluation Process page says its License and Permit Specialists are trained to evaluate applicants and conduct a basic investigation when needed: they may ask additional questions, require a physician's statement, or require a driving, written and vision test, and the results may bring the driver back for further investigation. The application form DL-14A includes medical history questions, which a specialist reviews at every in-person renewal from age 79.

The Medical Advisory Board

When the investigation suggests a medical condition that could affect safe driving, DPS refers the driver to the state's Medical Advisory Board, a panel of licensed doctors appointed by the Texas Department of State Health Services that reviews medical documentation and returns a recommendation on the driver's ability to drive. The most common referrals, in DPS's list: the driver self-reports a condition; DPS refers the driver after an office evaluation; the driver record shows multiple alcohol or drug convictions; or a law enforcement officer or a physician reports the driver for evaluation. The board's approval is also the only way back for a driver revoked as incapable.

Revocation and the hearing

If DPS determines that a driver is medically incapable of safely operating a vehicle, failed to respond to the board, or failed to comply with required testing, it begins a revocation and mails a notice to the address on the license with the reason and the option of a hearing. The request is made within 20 days of the notice date at DPS's hearing request page; DPS asks for up to 120 days to schedule it and mails the date, time and place. The hearing is held in a municipal or justice court in the driver's county, where the driver presents facts to the presiding officer, who decides whether the grounds are valid. A request outside the 20 days is denied and the license is revoked 45 days from the notice.

Getting the license back

A $100 reinstatement fee applies to each of the three medical revocations, on top of compliance and any other fees owed: Revoked Incapable requires medical approval by the board; Revoked MAB No-Reply requires current medical information submitted to the board; Revoked Test Required requires passing the exams at a driver license office. The fee is paid on the License Eligibility page and the documents go to the addresses on the reinstatement guide. A driver denied or revoked for medical reasons is not eligible for an occupational driver license. The status shows eligible once every item is processed.

Reporting a driver you believe is unsafe

DPS takes written concerns about a driver whose medical condition may affect safe driving, with enough information to identify the driver (full name, date of birth, address and license number where available) and a detailed, factual explanation; the writer need not sign it, and DPS says verbal notice is not enough and that everything submitted is subject to release under the Texas Public Information Act. Reports go by mail to Texas Department of Public Safety, Enforcement and Compliance Service, PO Box 4087, Austin, TX 78773-0320, by fax to 512-424-5311, or by email to MAB@dps.texas.gov.

Health notices on the card

A driver with a health condition that may impede communication with a peace officer may have a notice placed on the license or ID under Transportation Code Section 521.142, with a physician's or psychiatrist's statement on form DL-101 presented at a replacement appointment, as the change guide explains; DPS keeps the medical information out of public records requests. Commercial drivers carry their medical qualification separately: the federal medical examiner's certificate, the Texas intrastate limb waiver, and the federal alternative vision standards that replaced the Texas vision waiver on January 1, 2023, all on the CDL rules guide.

Questions about medical evaluations

Who is the Medical Advisory Board?

A panel of licensed doctors appointed by the Texas Department of State Health Services that reviews medical documentation about a person's ability to drive and returns a recommendation to DPS.

How does a driver end up before the board?

Four common ways, in DPS's list: the driver reports a condition, a DPS evaluation at a driver license office refers the driver, the driver record shows multiple alcohol or drug convictions, or a law enforcement officer or physician with cause for concern reports the driver.

How long do I have to request a hearing on a medical revocation?

Twenty days from the date of the notice, through DPS's hearing request page; DPS asks for up to 120 days to schedule it, in a municipal or justice court in the county where you live. A late request is denied and the license is revoked 45 days from the notice date.

What does reinstatement take?

A $100 reinstatement fee plus compliance with the revocation: approval by the board for a driver revoked as incapable, current medical information for one who did not reply, or passing the required exams at an office for one revoked for a test not taken. An occupational license is not available after a medical denial or revocation.

How do I report someone I think is unsafe?

In writing, with the driver's full name, date of birth, address and license number if known and a factual explanation, to Enforcement and Compliance Service, PO Box 4087, Austin, TX 78773-0320, by fax to 512-424-5311 or by email to MAB@dps.texas.gov; DPS accepts anonymous reports, takes no action on verbal ones, and warns that the report may be released under the Public Information Act.

Are there age-based tests?

No. DPS says there are no mandatory driving tests based solely on age, only evaluations when a concern exists; drivers 79 and older renew in person, as the senior drivers guide explains.