This section requires commercial driver license applications to contain specific information, lets the department require proof, bars state officers from charging for administering the oath, and penalizes knowing falsification.
Sec. 522.021. APPLICATION; OFFENSE. (a) An application for a commercial driver's license or commercial learner's permit must include: (1) the full name and current residence and mailing address of the applicant; (2) a physical description of the applicant, including sex, height, and eye color; (3) the applicant's date of birth; (4) the applicant's social security number, unless the application is for a non-domiciled commercial driver's license and the applicant is domiciled in a foreign jurisdiction; (5) certifications, including those required by 49 C.F.R. Section 383.71(a); and (6) any other information required by the department. (a-1) If the application is for a non-domiciled commercial driver's license and the applicant is domiciled in a foreign jurisdiction that does not meet the testing and licensing standards established by 49 C.F.R. Part 383, the applicant must present: (1) a social security card issued to the applicant; (2) an unexpired foreign passport issued to the applicant; (3) a Form I-94 Arrival/Departure record or a successor document or an unexpired employment authorization document; and (4) documentation demonstrating proof of Texas residence as provided by Section 522.0225. (b) The application must be sworn to and signed by the applicant. An officer or employee of the department may administer the oath. An officer or employee of this state may not charge for administering the oath. (c) The application must meet the requirements of an application under Section 521.141 and must be accompanied by the fee required under Section 522.029. The department may require documentary evidence to verify the information required by Subsection (a). (c-1) If the department requires proof of an applicant's identity as part of an application under this section, the department must accept as satisfactory proof of identity an offender identification card or similar form of identification issued to an inmate by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice if the applicant also provides supplemental verifiable records or documents that aid in establishing identity. (d) A person who knowingly falsifies information or a certification required by Subsection (a) commits an offense and is subject to a 60-day disqualification of the person's commercial driver's license, commercial learner's permit, or application. An offense under this subsection is a Class C misdemeanor. (e) When the department issues a license to which this section applies, the department shall provide the person to whom the license is issued with written information about the Glenda Dawson Donate Life-Texas Registry operated under Chapter 692A, Health and Safety Code. Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 941, Sec. 5, eff. Sept. 1, 2001. Amended by: Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1218 (H.B. 967), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2005. Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1319 (S.B. 1260), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1146 (H.B. 2730), Sec. 14.03, eff. September 1, 2009. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 752 (H.B. 1888), Sec. 8, eff. January 1, 2016. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1261 (H.B. 3283), Sec. 6, eff. January 1, 2016. Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 609 (H.B. 3646), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2023.