General information

• Employees
• Contractors and vendors
• Anyone who creates or shares items on behalf of TxDOT

Division Directors and District Engineers are accountable for compliance in their district or division.

The policy applies to internal or external branded outputs including but not limited to:

• Apparel
• Data visualizations
• Digital products
• Presentations
• Reports
• Social media
• Video and motion graphics
• Websites
• and more

Branded outputs are materials we create for final use, not working or draft materials.

If it’s designed, written or packaged for an audience, it’s a branded output.

Below are example lists of what is and is not considered a branded output. These are examples, not complete lists.

Branded output examples:

• Published project map
• Official meeting briefing document
• Budget summary presentation
• News release or social media post
• Fact sheet shared with public
• Public meeting exhibit

Not branded output examples:

• GIS shapefile or raw map layer
• Meeting transcript
• Working spreadsheet
• Unedited field photos
• Personal notes
• Technical documentation

• TxDOT logo or Sub-logo
• Brand colors
• Fonts

Additional requirements apply when creating or using:

• Icons
• Photos or Videos
• Digital products
• Data visualization
• Maps

All branded outputs must adhere to TxDOT accessibility policy and applicable accessibility guidelines.

• Follow brand guidelines when you create or update items.
• Start with a brand template. Brand templates are the easiest way to comply with brand guidelines.
• Check your work with the brand review checklist. If materials pass the checklist, move forward. If it doesn’t, update it where needed.
• Review the items you own or maintain and plan/schedule updates for materials that don’t follow brand guidelines.
• Include brand guideline requirements in contracts and scopes of work.
• Add an internal review to your team’s workflow to ensure materials follow the brand guidelines before they’re finalized.

If existing materials don’t follow brand guidelines, update it at its next scheduled update or replacement. 

Examples:

• Digitally signed documents, long-range plans, building signs and similar items can stay in use until they’re updated or replaced.
• Use up existing printed stock, then order replacements that follow brand guidelines.
• Digital product owners, add brand updates to the product roadmap or next release.

Important: Don’t delay scheduled updates or replacements to avoid branding requirements.

Emergency communications always take priority and must never be delayed in order to follow the brand guidelines.

• Prepare templates and materials that follow brand guidelines ahead of time.
• Compressed timelines and rush projects aren’t emergencies. Plan time for brand compliance.

No.

If materials follow brand guidelines, move forward with your work. Approval from the Communications Division is not required to comply with the brand policy.

If you’re not sure whether material(s) follow brand guidelines, or you don’t think and item can meet brand requirements, request a brand review (in TxDOTNow) from the Communications Division for guidance.

Divisions/districts should seek a brand review regarding communication materials for the general public, legislators, metropolitan planning organizations, or local governments before finalization, production, or dissemination of materials. 

Submit brand reviews in TxDOTNow.

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.

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.

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.