MCALLEN — Some Rio Grande Valley drivers could have to drive to a neighboring county to apply for driver license renewal if a state agency decides to approve the Texas Department of Public Safety’s proposal to close 87 of its offices.
Currently under review by the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, DPS has released a preliminary list of 87 offices it has recommended for closure after an April commission report recommended the DPS “develop and implement a plan to close inefficient
driver license offices.” The agency estimates these offices average 2,500 customers annually.
On the list is the Palmview Driver License Office, located on North Breyfogle Road in Mission. Were this office to close, Hidalgo County would be left with three offices in McAllen, Edinburg and Weslaco.
Also on the list are 78 offices that are the only ones in their counties, like those in cities such as Falfurrias, Hebbronville and George West which serve all of Brooks, Jim Hogg and Live Oak Counties, respectively.
Elected officials in those districts — including State Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, and State Rep. Ryan Guillen, D-Rio Grande City — have criticized DPS’ plan, arguing rural residents would be most affected.
Hinojosa, Guillen and 22 other lawmakers argued in a July 17 letter sent to the Sunset Commission chairman that “most rural citizens already drive many miles from home to their county (DPS) office to receive those services,” which entail the issuing of a driver license or identification card.
