What the Program Does (and Does Not) Do
| What TDWD Does | What TDWD Does NOT Do |
| Informs officers to adjust communication style. | Grant accessible parking privileges. |
| Gives options for confidential plate tags or front-of-card notices. | Excuse moving violations. |
| Allows parents to tag vehicles driven while carrying dependents. | Automatically revoke or suspend driving rights. |
What is the Driving With Disability Program?
The TDWD program is a state initiative created to facilitate safe, effective interactions between law enforcement and individuals with conditions that may impact communication. Joining the program is 100% voluntary, free, and requires a signature from a licensed healthcare provider.
Who Qualifies?
Anyone with a health condition that hinders clear, immediate communication with law enforcement during a roadside encounter may qualify for the TDWD program.
Qualifying conditions include (but are not limited to):
- Neurological and developmental: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Cerebral Palsy
- Auditory: Deafness, Hard of Hearing
- Speech and language: Stuttering, Aphasia, Apraxia of Speech
- Psychiatric: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety disorder.
- Physical: Parkinson’s Disease, ALS, stroke recovery effects
Driver License Indicator vs. Vehicle Registration Notation
When enrolling in the TDWD program, you can choose one or both of these options:
- Driver License or ID notation adds a printed designation directly onto the front of your physical license or ID card. You can select either:
- “Communication Impediment” for speech, neurological, developmental, or psychiatric conditions
- “Deaf/Hard of Hearing” for drivers with partial or complete hearing loss
- Confidential vehicle registration notation links a private alert code to your vehicle’s license plate that law enforcement can see when they “run” the plate.
Both options are useful, but they work in very different ways during a traffic stop or emergency. Knowing how each option functions can make it easier to decide whether you want a visible mark on your card, a confidential alert attached to your vehicle’s license plate, or both.
| Feature | Driver License Indicator | Vehicle Registration Notation |
| Primary Purpose | Identifies the person holding the ID card. | Identifies anyone inside the vehicle (driver or passenger). |
| Officer Notice | Seen when the officer physically inspects your card. | Seen on an officer’s computer screen before stepping out of their patrol car. |
| Privacy Level | Printed directly on your plastic ID card. | Linked only in law enforcement databases. |
| Best For | Drivers who travel in multiple vehicles. | Non-driving passengers, youth with special needs, or drivers wanting advance warning. |
How to Add a Communication Indicator to a Texas License
The DPS handles requests for adding a notation to your driver’s license or ID. To manage this, follow these steps.
Step 1: Download and Complete Form DL-101
Download and print DPS Form DL-101 (Physician Statement - Communication Impediment) from the TxDPS Forms site.
On the form, indicate which front-of-card indicator you are requesting:
- Check “Communication Impediment” if your condition affects speech, understanding, or social interaction (e.g., Autism, PTSD, Aphasia).
- Check “Deaf/Hard of Hearing” if your primary communication barrier is auditory.
Step 2: Get a Medical Certification
Have a licensed physician (MD/DO) or licensed psychologist complete and sign the medical certification section validating your condition.
Step 3: Gather the Required Documents
You will need your current license, completed Form DL-101, and the standard proof of identity and residency.
Step 4: Schedule Your DPS Appointment
Schedule an appointment at a DPS office using the online DPS - Appointment Scheduler portal. All Texas licensing offices operate by appointment only.
Step 5: Visit the DPS
Bring all required documents to your DPS appointment. If you are updating an unexpired card outside your normal renewal period, you will pay the standard card replacement fee.
How to Add the Confidential Notation to Your Vehicle Registration
When an officer runs a license plate or license number, the database instantly displays vehicle registration, active warrants, and confidential alerts—like a Driving With Disability notation—before the officer approaches a vehicle.
If you prefer to alert officers to a communication concern via your license plate, you can register through the Texas DMV. To do this, follow these steps.
Step 1: Download Form VTR-216
Download and print DMV Form VTR-216 (Certification of a Communication Impediment) from the TxDMV Forms site.
Step 2: Obtain Healthcare Provider Certification
Your provider must sign the form. The DMV accepts certification from a broader group of licensed professionals depending on your condition:
- For physical conditions: Licensed Physician (MD/DO)
- For mental health or speech conditions: Licensed Physician, Psychologist, or a licensed mental health professional (e.g., Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse).
Step 3: Submit Form VTR-216
Unlike driver license updates, registering a vehicle notation does not require an in-person visit to a DPS office. You can submit your signed Form VTR-216 using any of the following channels:
- In person: Bring the form to your local county Tax Assessor-Collector office.
- Email: Send a scanned copy or clear photo to: VDM_Mailbox@txdmv.gov.
- Mail: Send the completed form to:
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Vehicle Titles and Registration Division
P.O. Box 26417, Austin, TX 78755-0417 - Fax: Fax the document to: (512) 465-4126.
Privacy note: Nothing is printed on your physical license plate or registration window sticker. The notation information is restricted strictly to police databases.
Deaf Driver Awareness License Plate
For drivers who are deaf or hard of hearing and want a public visual indicator on their vehicle, Texas offers the Deaf Driver Awareness specialty license plate.
To get a Deaf Driver Awareness license plate, you must apply through the DMV.
- Submit a completed DMV Form VTR-215 Application for Deaf Driver Awareness Specialty License Plate along with a medical professional’s signature.
- The cost is $8.00 per year for the specialty plate fee, paid in addition to annual vehicle registration fees.
The plate does not grant access to accessible parking spaces. This requires a separate application via Form VTR-214.
TDWD Program Costs
Enrollment in the TDWD program itself costs nothing, though standard license issuance fees still apply.
Current driver license and state ID fees are:
- TDWD registration: $0.00
- Replacement license fee: $11.00
- License renewal fee: $33.00
How to Update, Remove, or Renew Your Indicator
Once you are enrolled in the TDWD program, updating your records is simple. If you buy a new car, renew your registration, or decide to remove an indicator from your physical license, here is what you need to know about updating your status.
- Vehicle changes: The vehicle notation is tied to your car’s unique plate. If you sell your car or change license plates, submit a new Form VTR-216 to transfer or remove the code.
- Removing the DL indicator: Schedule a DPS appointment to request a replacement license card without the designation.
- Renewals: You do not need a new doctor’s signature every year to keep the vehicle registration tag active.
TDWD FAQs
Is the Driving With Disability indicator visible on my physical license plate?
The vehicle registration notation is strictly confidential and only appears on an officer’s computer screen when they check your license plate. Only the optional Deaf Driver specialty plate displays a visual sign on the vehicle itself.
Will first responders and medical personnel honor my communication needs during an emergency?
If you have an indicator printed on your physical driver license or state ID card, EMTs, paramedics, and firefighters who check your card for identification during an accident or medical emergency will be able to see that you may be non-verbal or slow to respond because of a pre-existing health condition rather than injury or intoxication. Law enforcement can also make them aware so that your needs are met.
Does enrolling in the Driving With Disability program cost any money?
The program registration is completely free. You only pay standard transaction fees, such as an $11 card replacement fee if you request a new driver’s license before your normal renewal date).
Does Driving With Disability enrollment grant disabled parking privileges or a placard?
To park in accessible spaces, you must apply separately for a Disabled Parking Placard or License Plate using TxDMV Form VTR-214 with a doctor’s signature.
Will disclosing a communication impediment affect my driving privileges?
Adding a communication indicator under the TDWD program does not automatically trigger a Medical Advisory Board (MAB) review or affect your driver’s license status.
Do I need to enroll in the Driving With Disability Program to get an ASL interpreter or accommodation at my DPS appointment?
General ADA accommodations at Texas DPS offices (such as sign language interpreters or communication aids) are standard administrative services available to any visitor upon request. They are completely separate from enrolling in the TDWD program.
