Where to go for a driver's license in Georgetown

The Georgetown Driver License Office is located at 1019 North Main Street, Georgetown, TX 78626. This is a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, and it's the place where you'll take your written test, vision test, and photo for your license. You can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week — mornings on weekdays tend to be shorter than afternoons or Saturdays.

If you want to check current wait times before you go, you can call the office at (512) 943-1234. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. It's closed on Sundays and state holidays. Bring your documents with you on your first visit — you won't be able to complete the process without them.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgetown DPS office is at 1019 North Main Street and handles written tests, vision tests, and photo capture for new driver's licenses.
  • You need proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a completed DL 44 form before you arrive.
  • Texas requires you to pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, plus a vision test, before you receive your license.
  • A standard five-year driver's license costs $16, and you can pay by cash, check, or card at the Georgetown office.
  • If you already have a valid license from another state, you can renew it as a Texas license without retaking the written test.

Documents you need to bring

Texas requires four categories of documents before you can get a driver's license. First, you need proof of identity — a passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a consular report of birth. A school ID or library card will not work. Second, you need proof of residency in Texas, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. A credit card bill or insurance statement also works.

Third, you need proof of your Social Security number. This can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a paystub showing your full Social Security number. Fourth, you need to complete the DL 44 form, which is the process for a Texas driver's license. You can fill this out at home before you go, or the office will provide one when you arrive. If you're under 18, you'll also need a parent or guardian to sign the form in person.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If any of your documents are in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation as well. The office staff will make copies of your documents for their records, so you don't need to bring duplicates.

The written test and what it covers

The written test in Texas has 30 questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies on the road. You can take the test in English or Spanish.

Before you take the test, you can study the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free and available online at the DPS website or in print at the Georgetown office. The handbook covers everything that will be on the test. Many people study it for a few days before their appointment and pass on the first try. If you don't pass, you can retake the test the same day at no extra cost, though you'll have to wait for an available testing slot.

Vision test and photo requirements

You'll also take a vision test at the office. The test checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you'll take the test wearing them if you normally do. If you fail the vision test, you'll be told on the spot and can schedule a follow-up appointment after you've seen an eye doctor.

The office will take your photo for your license at the same visit. Wear something you're comfortable with — the photo will be on your license for five years. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that obscures your face. If you have religious reasons for head covering, you can wear it as long as your face is fully visible.

Cost and payment options

A standard five-year driver's license in Texas costs $16. The Georgetown office accepts cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. If you're getting a license for the first time and you're under 18, the cost is the same. If you're renewing a license you already have, the cost is also $16 for a five-year renewal.

If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting in 2025), the cost is $32 instead of $16. A Real ID license requires one additional document — either a passport, a birth certificate, or a consular report of birth — but it's valid for the same five years. Ask the office staff whether you need a Real ID for your situation.

If you already have a license from another state

If you're moving to Texas and you have a valid driver's license from another state, you can convert it to a Texas license without retaking the written test. You'll still need to pass the vision test and have your photo taken. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Texas, and proof of your Social Security number — the same documents as above except you don't need proof of identity since your out-of-state license serves that purpose.

Your out-of-state license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If it's expired, you'll need to take the full test as if you were getting a license for the first time. The conversion process takes about the same amount of time as a new license — usually 15 to 30 minutes at the office, depending on how busy it is.

What to expect on the day you go

Arrive with all your documents and the completed DL 44 form. Check in at the front desk and take a number. You'll wait for your number to be called, then go to a window where staff will review your documents and answer any questions. If everything is in order, you'll move to the testing area to take the written test. After you pass, you'll go to another station for the vision test and photo.

The whole process usually takes 45 minutes to an hour, though it can be longer if the office is busy. Once you finish, you'll receive a temporary paper license that's valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to your address. Your permanent license should arrive within two to three weeks. If it doesn't, call the office to check on the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in Spanish?

Yes. The Georgetown office offers the written test in both English and Spanish. Tell the staff which language you prefer when you check in. The test covers the same material and has the same passing score regardless of language.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at no extra cost. You'll have a short wait while staff prepare a new test. Most people pass on the second attempt after reviewing the handbook or asking staff about the questions they missed.

Do I need an appointment?

No. The Georgetown office operates on a walk-in basis. You can arrive anytime during business hours and take a number. Mornings on weekdays are usually less crowded than afternoons or Saturdays, so you may have a shorter wait if you go early.

What if I wear glasses or contacts?

Bring them with you. You'll take the vision test wearing them if that's how you normally drive. If you wear them, your license will have a restriction code noting that you must wear corrective lenses while driving.

How long is a Texas driver's license valid?

A standard driver's license is valid for five years from the date it's issued. You'll receive a notice in the mail about 90 days before it expires, reminding you to renew. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at the Georgetown office.