Short version: around 2008–2012 Texas tightened ID rules and changed the card design. DPS began verifying U.S. citizenship or lawful presence for every original/renewal and started printing “Limited Term” on licenses for people whose lawful presence is temporary. To do that, DPS needed many people to show up in person so staff could (1) see and scan immigration/citizenship documents, (2) capture a fresh photo/signature/fingerprints, and (3) issue the correct card type with the new “Limited Term” marking and updated security features. That’s why a lot of Texans were told to renew in person around 2010.
Texas Department of Public Safety
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Texas Tribune
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Texas Department of Public Safety
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A few concrete milestones:
Oct 1, 2008: DPS adopts a rule requiring proof of legal status for original/renewal/duplicate licenses; “Temporary Visitor” wording appears on some cards.
Ogletree
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2011: Legislature codifies the DPS rule; DPS aligns processes statewide and transitions language to “Limited Term.” Many customers without prior proof-on-file (or needing updated biometrics) had to renew in person.
Texas Tribune
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Chron
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Ongoing policy: “Limited Term” licenses are issued to temporary visitors and expire with the DHS-verified period of lawful presence, which requires in-office verification if DPS can’t confirm it electronically.
Texas Department of Public Safety
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So the “forced” in-person renewals weren’t about singling people out; they were the practical way for DPS to apply the new lawful-presence checks and print the new Limited Term mark when applicable.
Texas Tribune