Non-Routine Use of TxDOT Brand
General information
Case-by-case review
While our brand guidelines cover most routine uses, we recognize that employees and partners occasionally request to use the agency’s branding for non-routine, personal, or commemorative purposes. To maintain integrity while allowing for flexibility, the following guidelines outline how such requests are evaluated.
Requests that may be approved
Requests in this category are made in good faith, respective, non-commercial, and clearly linked to the agency’s mission or employee service. Even if a request falls within this category, it must be approved by the Communications Division. Examples include:
- Logo engraving on a gravestone or memorial for a current or retired employee.
- Commemorative plaque, or something similar in nature, for a long-tenured employee.
- Use in a historical or public education context (e.g. museum display, book, etc.)
- Employee retirement recognition materials.
Requests that will not be approved
Requests that are for personal or promotional use, or novelty-oriented will be declined. Such cases can damage the brand’s reputation and/or create messaging confusion.
- Cakes or apparel for personal parties (e.g. bachelor, birthday, or holiday events)
- Tattoos featuring the logo
- Commercial merchandise or giveaways for personal events
- Altered or humorous versions of official logos or agency name
What falls under “branding”?
Requests may be denied even if they do not use the exact logo. Any design that resembles TxDOT’s identity – including logo, colors, typography, icons and slogans – are considered branding if it could be reasonably misinterpreted by the public as representing TxDOT.
Request process
All non-routine requests must be submitted to the Communications Division. To request approval, submit a Non-Routine Brand Request Form. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis, with agency leadership and General Counsel involved as needed.