Get your license at a Texas Department of Public Safety office
You get a new Texas driver's license at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, not at a county courthouse or city hall. DPS runs all driver licensing in Texas. There are about 130 DPS offices across the state, and you can walk into any of them — you do not have to go to the one in your county.
The fastest way to find the office nearest you is to visit the DPS website and use their office locator tool. You enter your city or zip code, and it shows you the address, phone number, and current wait times for each location. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can vary from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the time of day and day of the week.
You can also call a DPS office directly to ask about wait times before you go. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online through the DPS website. Check your specific office's policy before you leave home.
Key Takeaways
- All Texas driver's licenses are issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), and you can visit any DPS office in the state regardless of where you live.
- The DPS website has an office locator tool that shows you addresses, phone numbers, and current wait times for offices near you.
- Some DPS offices require appointments while others accept walk-ins, so confirm your office's policy before you arrive.
- Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, Social Security number, and any required documents for your specific situation before you go.
- Processing takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you are called, but your total time at the office includes waiting in line.
What documents to bring to the DPS office
You need to bring several documents with you. The DPS requires proof of identity (a passport, certified birth certificate, or previous driver's license), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and your Social Security number or a document showing it. You will also need to bring the completed DL 44 form, which is the process for a driver's license in Texas.
If you are under 18, you need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person. If you are explore for a REAL ID-compliant license (which you will need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 2025), bring an extra proof of residency document because REAL ID requires two forms of address verification.
Bring the originals of all documents — photocopies are not accepted. If any of your documents are not in English, bring a certified English translation along with the original.
How to schedule an appointment or arrive as a walk-in
Check the DPS website to see whether your chosen office requires appointments. If it does, you can schedule one online through the DPS portal. You select your office, choose a date and time, and receive a confirmation. Appointments typically fill up several weeks in advance, especially in urban areas, so plan ahead if you have a important date.
If your office accepts walk-ins, arrive early in the day if you can — wait times are usually shorter in the morning. Bring a book or something to do, because even with a short wait time posted online, the actual wait can be longer. Some offices close for lunch, so call ahead to confirm hours before you go.
If you miss your appointment, you can reschedule through the DPS website or by calling the office. There is no penalty for cancelling or rescheduling.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give them your documents. A staff member will review them to make sure everything is there and correct. They will ask you to confirm your address, take your photograph, and collect your fingerprints. The whole process takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you are called.
You will also take a vision test at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. You will be asked to read letters on a chart from a specific distance. If you fail the vision test, you will not be issued a license until you pass.
After your visit, your license is mailed to the address you provided. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, you can pay for expedited processing, which takes 3 to 5 business days, though this option is not available at all offices.
DPS office hours and locations
Most DPS offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some closing for lunch between noon and 1 p.m. A few offices in major cities have extended hours or Saturday hours, but this varies by location. The DPS website shows the exact hours for each office.
Rural offices may have shorter hours or be open only certain days of the week. If you live in a small town, the nearest DPS office might be 30 or 40 miles away. Call ahead to confirm hours before making the drive.
If you cannot reach an office during regular hours, you can call the DPS customer service line, but wait times are often long. The DPS website is usually faster for finding information about hours, locations, and appointment availability.
What to do if you cannot visit an office in person
Texas does not allow you to renew or replace a driver's license by mail if you are explore for the first time. You must appear in person at a DPS office. There is no exception to this rule, even if you have a medical condition or live far away.
If you are unable to visit an office because of a disability or medical condition, call the DPS office you plan to visit and explain your situation. Some offices can arrange accommodations, such as allowing you to be seen first or providing a private area. The office may also be able to refer you to a mobile licensing unit if one serves your area.
If you live outside Texas temporarily but are a Texas resident, you can still get your license at any DPS office when you return to the state. You do not need to wait until you move back permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Texas driver's license at the DMV?
Texas does not have a DMV. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver's licenses. Some people call DPS offices "the DMV" out of habit, but you are looking for a DPS office, not a separate agency.
Do I have to go to the DPS office in my county?
No. You can visit any DPS office in Texas, regardless of where you live or work. Choose whichever office is most convenient for you or has the shortest wait time.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You need a Social Security number to get a Texas driver's license. If you do not have one, you must obtain one from the Social Security Administration before you can get your license. Bring your SSN or a Social Security card to the DPS office.
How long does it take to get my license after my visit?
Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date of your visit. Your license is mailed to the address you provided. Expedited processing (3 to 5 business days) is available at some offices for an additional fee.
What if I fail the vision test?
You will not be issued a license until you pass the vision test. You can schedule another appointment to retake it after you have corrected your vision (with glasses or contacts) or after a waiting period. Ask the DPS staff what the waiting period is at your office.