The Dallas County Tax Assessor-Collector handles driver's licenses, not the DMV

Texas does not have a Department of Motor Vehicles. Instead, the Dallas County Tax Assessor-Collector's office issues driver's licenses and ID cards in Dallas. You cannot get a license at a police station, courthouse, or any other government office — only at a Tax Assessor-Collector location. The office has multiple branches across Dallas County, and you can walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

The main office is located downtown, but satellite locations in areas like Irving, Garland, and Arlington also issue licenses. Each location keeps the same hours and processes the same documents, so you can choose whichever is most convenient. If you are renewing an expired license or replacing a lost one, the process is faster than a first-time license, but you still need to bring specific documents and pay a fee.

Key Takeaways

  • The Dallas County Tax Assessor-Collector's office, not the DMV, issues all driver's licenses and ID cards in Dallas.
  • You must bring a Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, and proof of identity — a passport or birth certificate works for identity.
  • First-time licenses require a written test and a driving test; renewals and replacements do not.
  • Walk-ins are accepted at all locations, but arriving early or on weekday mornings usually means shorter waits.
  • The current fee for a five-year license is $45, though the price can change; call ahead to confirm.

What documents you need to bring

The Tax Assessor-Collector requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency. For identity, bring your passport, birth certificate, or a military ID. If you do not have a passport or birth certificate, a school ID or employee ID may work, but call the office first to confirm — the rules are strict.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. A pay stub with your full Social Security number printed on it also works. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Dallas County address. A cell phone bill or insurance statement does not count.

If you are renewing or replacing a license, you still need all three categories, but the process moves faster because you have already passed the written and driving tests. Bring your expired or lost license if you have it — if it is lost, you will need to sign a statement saying so.

Where the Tax Assessor-Collector offices are located

The main office is at 509 Main Street, Dallas, TX 75202, in downtown Dallas. This location handles the highest volume and often has the longest waits, especially on Fridays and afternoons. If you can reach a satellite office, you may wait less time.

Satellite locations include the Irving office at 1609 W. Irving Boulevard, Irving, TX 75060; the Garland office at 520 W. Avenue F, Garland, TX 75040; and the Arlington office at 1500 W. Abram Street, Arlington, TX 76010. All locations are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at select locations. Call 214-819-2000 to confirm hours for the branch nearest you, because Saturday hours change seasonally.

What happens during your first visit for a new license

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. A clerk will check your documents, verify they meet the requirements, and collect your fee. You will then take a written test on a computer — the test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You have three attempts to pass; most people pass on the first try.

After you pass the written test, you schedule a driving test appointment. The appointment is usually within one to three weeks. You do not take the driving test the same day you explore. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, which allows you to drive legally while you wait for your appointment. When you return for the driving test, bring the same vehicle you will use for the test, a valid ID, and your temporary license.

Fees and what they cover

A five-year driver's license costs $45. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more and requires additional testing. If you are renewing an expired license, the cost is the same. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you pay $20 for a duplicate. These prices are current but can change; call the office to confirm before you go.

The fee covers the license itself and the written test. The driving test is included in the fee — you do not pay extra for it. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you must pay another $20 for each attempt after the first one. Payment is cash or card; the office accepts both.

Tips for shorter wait times

The Tax Assessor-Collector offices are busiest on Friday afternoons and the first week of each month. If you can visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning, you will usually wait less than 30 minutes. Arriving right when the office opens at 8 a.m. is the fastest option.

Satellite offices in Irving, Garland, and Arlington typically have shorter waits than the downtown location, even during busy times. If you live in or near those areas, going to the satellite office saves time. Bring all your documents in a folder so you can hand them over quickly — staff move faster when documents are organized and ready.

If you need a replacement or renewal instead of a new license

If your license expired or you lost it, you still go to the Tax Assessor-Collector, but the process is simpler. You do not take the written or driving test again. You bring your documents, pay the fee, and receive your new license or duplicate on the spot or within a few days. If your license expired more than two years ago, you may need to retake the written test — call ahead to ask.

If you are renewing before your license expires, you can do it by mail in Texas, but only if your license is not suspended and you have not had certain violations. If you are unsure whether mail renewal is an option for you, call the office or visit in person to ask. Renewing by mail takes longer but saves you a trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license without a Social Security number?

No. Texas requires a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have one, you must explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. This process takes several weeks.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

Call the Tax Assessor-Collector at 214-819-2000 and ask which documents they will accept as proof of identity. School IDs, employee IDs, and military IDs may work depending on the office. Bring whatever you have and ask the clerk if it is acceptable before you submit your process.

How long does the driving test take?

The driving test usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You drive a set route with an examiner in your vehicle. The examiner watches for safe driving, proper signaling, parking, and following traffic laws. Most people pass on the first attempt.

Can I use an out-of-state address on my residency proof?

No. Your residency document must show a Dallas County address dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved to Dallas, bring a lease agreement or utility bill in your name at your new address. If the document is not yet in your name, bring a letter from your landlord or utility company confirming your residency.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it when ready at no extra cost. You have three attempts total before you must wait and reapply. Most people pass on the first or second attempt. Study the Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the Texas Department of Public Safety website, before you go.