The Texas Department of Public Safety handles all driver's licenses in San Antonio
You get your driver's license from a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office, not from the city or county. San Antonio has multiple DPS locations, and each one handles the same services — written tests, driving tests, and license renewals. The main difference between locations is wait time and hours, not what they offer.
You cannot get a license by mail, online, or through any private service in Texas. You must visit a DPS office in person, bring the documents listed below, and pass both a written test and a driving test (unless you are renewing an existing license). Plan for the visit to take one to three hours depending on how busy the office is that day.
Key Takeaways
- San Antonio has four DPS driver license offices, all run by the state of Texas, and you can visit any of them regardless of where you live.
- You need a Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (passport or birth certificate) before you go.
- First-time licenses require you to pass a written test and a driving test on the same day or across two visits, depending on the office.
- Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday before 10 a.m., typically have shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.
- You can check current wait times at the DPS office before you leave home by visiting the Texas DPS website.
The four DPS driver license offices in San Antonio
The main office is at 4821 Medical Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229. This is the largest location and handles all services, but it also has the longest waits. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
The North Star location is at 15103 North Star Mall Drive, San Antonio, TX 78232. This office is smaller and typically has shorter waits than Medical Drive. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
The South location is at 7959 Culebra Road, San Antonio, TX 78251. This office serves the south side and west side of the city. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
The East location is at 8535 Perrin Beitel Road, San Antonio, TX 78217. This is the smallest office and often has the shortest waits. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. You can visit any of these four offices — there is no requirement to go to the one closest to your home or work.
Documents you must bring to get a driver's license
You need four categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of lawful presence in the United States. Bring originals, not copies, because the DPS staff must see and verify them in person.
For proof of identity, bring a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. A driver's license from another state counts as proof of identity. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form — anything with your number printed on it.
For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement dated within the last 30 days and showing your current San Antonio address. A cell phone bill does not count. For proof of lawful presence, bring your U.S. passport, a birth certificate, a military discharge paper, or a permanent resident card. If you were born outside the United States, bring a passport or a certificate of naturalization.
If you do not have all four categories, the DPS office will tell you what is missing and will not process your process. Bring more documents than you think you need — if one is rejected, you will have a backup.
What happens during your first visit for a new license
When you arrive, take a number at the front desk and wait to be called. A DPS employee will review your documents, take your photograph, and ask you questions about your address and driving history. This step takes about 15 minutes.
Next, you will take the written test on a computer. The test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws and road signs. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at most offices, but you will wait in line again. Many people study the Texas Driver Handbook before they come — it is free on the DPS website.
After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test. Some offices do the driving test the same day if you pass the written test in the morning. Other offices schedule it for a different day. Ask the DPS employee which applies at the office you are visiting. The driving test takes about 10 minutes and tests basic skills like parking, turning, and stopping.
How to check wait times before you go
The Texas DPS website shows real-time wait times for each San Antonio office. Go to the DPS website, select "Driver License" and then "Check Wait Times," and enter San Antonio. The page will show you the current wait at each of the four offices and update every 15 minutes.
Wait times are usually shortest on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Avoid Fridays and Saturdays if you can, and avoid lunch hours (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and late afternoons (after 4 p.m.). If the wait is more than 90 minutes at all four offices, consider coming back another day.
Renewing or replacing an existing license
If you already have a Texas driver's license and it is not expired, you can renew it by mail or online through the DPS website — you do not have to visit an office. If your license is expired, you must visit an office in person and retake the written test.
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit an office to get a replacement. Bring your documents the same way you would for a new license. A replacement takes about 30 minutes and does not require a new written or driving test.
What to expect after you pass the driving test
If you pass the driving test, the DPS will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works as proof of your license while you wait for the plastic card to arrive by mail. The plastic card usually arrives within two to three weeks.
Do not lose the temporary license — if you do, you will have to return to the DPS office and pay a replacement fee. Keep it in your wallet until the plastic card arrives. Once the plastic card arrives, you can throw away the temporary license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in Spanish?
Yes. The DPS offers the written test in Spanish, Vietnamese, and several other languages. Tell the DPS employee at the front desk which language you need before you take the test. The test is the same — 30 questions, 21 correct to pass — regardless of language.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it, but you will have to schedule another appointment and return to the office. Most offices let you schedule the retest for a few days later. You do not have to retake the written test. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the driving test, but each attempt costs the standard DPS fee.
Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?
Yes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The DPS will not provide a car. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and seat belts. If your car fails inspection, the DPS will not let you take the test that day.
Can someone else pick up my plastic license card if I cannot?
No. The DPS mails the plastic card directly to the address you provided at the office. You cannot pick it up in person or have someone else collect it. If you move before the card arrives, contact the DPS to update your address.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You cannot get a Texas driver's license without a Social Security number. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. This is a separate process and takes several weeks.