Where to go for your driver's license in Dallas

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs all driver's license services in Dallas. You can get your license at a DPS Driver License office, and there are multiple locations across the city. The main office that handles most transactions is the Dallas Driver License office on Westmoreland Road, but DPS also operates smaller offices in different parts of the city and surrounding areas. Each location handles the same services — you do not need to go to a specific one, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

You will need to bring specific documents with you, and the process takes about 30 to 45 minutes once you are called. Bring your Social Security card, proof of Texas residency (a utility bill or lease works), and proof of identity (a passport or birth certificate). If you are renewing, bring your current license. If you are a new resident to Texas, bring your out-of-state license plus the residency proof.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas Department of Public Safety operates all driver's license offices in Dallas; the main location is on Westmoreland Road, but several smaller offices exist across the city.
  • You must bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, and proof of identity — a utility bill, lease, passport, or birth certificate all work.
  • You can check wait times online at the DPS website before you go, and arriving early in the morning or mid-week usually means shorter lines.
  • If you fail the written or driving test, you can retake it at the same office, though you may need to schedule another appointment.
  • DPS offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce your time waiting.

DPS driver license office locations in Dallas

The Dallas Driver License office at 4201 Westmoreland Road is the largest and busiest location. It handles all types of transactions — new licenses, renewals, replacements, and commercial licenses. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon, though you should confirm current hours on the DPS website before you go.

DPS also operates smaller satellite offices in different parts of Dallas. These include locations in Irving, Arlington, and Plano — all within the Dallas metro area. Satellite offices usually have shorter wait times than the main Westmoreland location, but they may have limited hours or not offer all services (for example, some do not administer the driving test). Call ahead or check the DPS website to confirm what services each location offers and their current hours.

What documents you need to bring

You must bring an original or certified copy of your Social Security card. A photocopy is not accepted. If you do not have your card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration, though this takes time. Bring it with you or bring a Social Security statement from your online account.

Proof of Texas residency is required. A current utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement all work. The document must show your name and current Dallas address. A driver's license from another state counts as proof of identity but not proof of residency.

For proof of identity, bring one of the following: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. If you are renewing your Texas license, bring your current license — it serves as both identity and residency proof in most cases. If you are a new resident, bring your out-of-state license plus a separate residency document.

How to schedule an appointment or check wait times

The DPS website allows you to check real-time wait times at each Dallas-area office. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Driver License" services, and enter your zip code or choose a specific location. The wait time shown is usually updated every 15 to 30 minutes and reflects how long you will wait once you arrive.

You can schedule an appointment online through the DPS website to skip the walk-in line. Appointments are typically available several weeks in advance. When you book, you choose the location, date, and time. You will receive a confirmation number — bring it with you. Appointment holders are usually called before walk-ins, though you may still wait 10 to 20 minutes.

If you prefer to walk in without an appointment, arrive early — before 9 a.m. — or go mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday). Mondays and Fridays are busier. Avoid lunch hours (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and late afternoon.

The written test and driving test process

If you are getting your first Texas license, you must pass a written knowledge test and a driving test. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass.

The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner at the office. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers — parking, turning, stopping — and will observe your general driving ability. The test lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. If you fail either test, you can retake it, though you may need to schedule another appointment and pay the retest fee.

Fees and payment methods

A standard driver's license costs $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. Renewal costs the same. A replacement license (if yours is lost or damaged) costs $11. Commercial driver's licenses cost more. DPS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards — confirm payment methods when you call or check the website.

If you are a Texas resident over 65, you may may have access to for a reduced-cost or free license. Bring proof of age and residency. Some offices also offer discounts for military members — bring your military ID.

What happens after you pass

If you pass both tests, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.

If you are renewing an expiring license and pass the tests, your new license is usually mailed within the same timeframe. If your license is already expired, you may need to retake the written test — ask the office staff when you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No, a Social Security card or number is required by Texas law. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may be able to get an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS, which some DPS offices accept. Call the Westmoreland office to ask whether they accept ITINs before you go.

What if I lost my documents and cannot get replacements in time?

You can order a replacement Social Security card online or by mail from the Social Security Administration. A birth certificate can be ordered from the Texas Vital Statistics office. Both take time, so start the process as soon as possible. DPS cannot issue a license without these documents.

Do I need to take the driving test if I already have a license from another state?

No. If you are moving to Texas and have a valid out-of-state license, you can transfer it without retaking the driving test. You will take a short written test on Texas traffic laws, but not the full knowledge test or driving test. Bring your out-of-state license and proof of residency.

What if the office is too busy and I cannot wait?

Schedule an appointment online instead of walking in. Appointments reduce wait time significantly. If you cannot get an appointment soon, try a satellite office in Irving, Arlington, or Plano — they often have shorter waits than the main Westmoreland location.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No, you must be present for the written and driving tests. Once your permanent license is mailed to you, someone else can collect it from your mailbox, but you cannot have someone else take the tests on your behalf.