General information

Your proactive approach seeking brand review feedback enhances the quality and consistency of TxDOT’s brand. Employees or contractors creating communications materials are responsible for ensuring all brand guidelines are followed.

The following requirements apply to all TxDOT communication materials unless otherwise specified:

• Accessibility: All communication materials must adhere to TxDOT accessibility policy and accessibility guidelines.
• Applicable guidelines: Communication materials must follow the requirements for any applicable content type, medium, or communication channel covered by TxDOT Brand Guidelines.
• Logo standards: All applicable TxDOT logo requirements and brand use must be followed.
• Accuracy and credibility: Content and imagery must accurately represent people, locations, conditions, events, and facts. Visual design must not mislead readers or distort information.
• Legal compliance: All copyright, licensing, privacy, rights and use, trademark, and legal requirements must be met.

Communications and branded items developed by employees or contractors, as specified in contracts, belong to TxDOT.

Creative Services works with the Digital Print Center and Print Shop in the Support Services Division to coordinate production when the Creative Services team is involved. If Creative Services isn’t involved, reprints for example, items may be ordered directly from the Digital Print Center or Print Shop. Some items may need to be outsourced to external vendors based on the production method or production schedules.

All purchases must follow applicable state law, Texas Transportation Code, and TxDOT Purchasing Manual (Section 10, Promotional Items).

TxDOT may purchase branded items (such as printed or engraved materials) to promote a program. These items can be given to employees as part of an approved awards program.

TxDOT may also purchase promotional items for public campaigns that are specifically approved and included in the agency’s Legislative Appropriation Request (LAR).

Funds can only be used for programs that have been formally approved and funded for a specific purpose.

Important: Approval from the Communications Division to use the TxDOT logo or brand is solely for brand compliance. It does not override, replace, or satisfy any other applicable requirements, approvals, policies, funding restrictions, regulations, or laws.

Key considerations include:

• Items intended primarily as swag are not permitted. Items used mainly for general goodwill, visibility, or branding without a defined program purpose are not allowed.
  
• Development and sale must be authorized. TxDOT may develop and sell promotional items only as permitted by applicable state law, Texas Transportation Code, and TxDOT policy.
• Purchases must support an authorized purpose. Promotional items must serve a documented program purpose, such as safety, public information, or recruitment, and must use an allowable funding source.
• Funding restrictions must be considered. Some funding sources, including certain federal funds, prohibit promotional giveaways.

Rule of thumb: If the item directly supports a documented program outcome, it may be allowed; however, staff should verify with the Procurement Division. If it is primarily swag, it generally is not allowed.

Do not use trademarked brand names, logos, or any other protected intellectual property that doesn’t belong to TxDOT, in any TxDOT documents or communications.

Items produced with trademarks, not belonging to TxDOT, will be reproduced at the divisions or districts expense.

It is the responsibility of employees or contractors to ensure proper licensing and permissions are obtained for graphics, illustrations, photography, etc.

When sourcing graphics, illustrations, and photography assets, always verify the terms of use and obtain written permission when required. If you have any questions or need guidance about licensing, please contact the Creative Services for assistance.

• Vendors/contractors are permitted to use TxDOT's brand and logo when executing work on TxDOT's behalf.
• Vendors/contractors are not permitted to use the TxDOT brand or logo listing TxDOT as a customer.
• Unauthorized use of the TxDOT name, logo, or brand elements is prohibited. Use is limited to approved purposes as outlined in brand guidelines or with explicit authorization from the Communications Division.

Most brand needs are covered by our standard guidelines and templates. If you have a request that doesn’t fit the usual process, visit the non-routine brand request page. These are reviewed individually, so please allow extra time.

The TxDOT logo and brand elements must be used consistently and appropriately to maintain brand integrity and ensure public trust—this section outlines what’s permitted and what’s not.