Where to go for your Abilene driver's license

In Abilene, you get your driver's license at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License office. The main office is located at 5002 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, TX 79605. This is where you'll take your written test, vision test, and photo for a new license, or renew an existing one.

The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Hours can change seasonally, so call ahead at (325) 674-1800 to confirm the current schedule before you go. The office is closed on state holidays and occasionally for staff training, so checking ahead saves you a wasted trip.

You can also check wait times and schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website. Having an appointment reduces your time in the office, though walk-ins are accepted when staff capacity allows.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas DPS Driver License office in Abilene is at 5002 Buffalo Gap Road and handles all new licenses, renewals, and replacements.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Tax Identification Number to explore.
  • A new license requires passing a vision test and written test; renewals by mail or online may skip these steps if you meet age and safety requirements.
  • Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or residency.
  • Fees vary by license type and duration; a standard five-year license costs less than an eight-year license.

Documents you need to bring

Texas requires specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies — the DPS office will not accept photocopies for identity or residency proof.

For identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a permanent resident card, or a foreign passport with an I-94 form. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list, such as a high school diploma, college transcript, or marriage certificate.

For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Abilene address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you live with someone else, you can use their utility bill or lease with a signed affidavit stating you live there.

Bring your Social Security card or an Individual Tax Identification Number document. If you do not have your Social Security card, bring a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement instead.

Getting a new license versus renewing

A new license means you are getting a Texas license for the first time, replacing an expired license from another state, or replacing a lost or stolen Texas license. You must appear in person at the DPS office, pass a vision test, and pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs. The written test has 30 questions; you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass.

A renewal means your current Texas license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. If your license expired more than two years ago, you may need to retake the written test. Renewals can sometimes be done by mail or online if you meet certain conditions: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions that would affect your driving, and you are between 18 and 79 years old.

Mail-in renewals take longer — typically four to six weeks — so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date. Online renewal is faster and available 24/7, but not everyone qualifies. Check the Texas DPS website to see if you can renew online before going to the office.

What the written test covers

The written test asks 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Questions cover speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, following distance, and what different road signs mean. You have no time limit to complete the test, and you can take it in English or Spanish.

The Texas DPS provides a free study guide on its website that covers all the topics on the test. Many people study this guide for a few hours and pass on their first attempt. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day at no extra charge.

The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. You must be able to read a line of letters from 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will be told what to do next — usually getting an eye exam and returning with a corrected vision prescription.

Fees and how long it takes

A standard five-year driver's license costs $25. An eight-year license costs $40. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more and requires additional testing. These prices can change, so confirm the current fee when you call or visit the office.

If you are getting a new license in person, you usually receive it the same day or within a few days. The office will give you a temporary paper license to use while your plastic card is being printed and mailed to your address.

If you renew by mail, expect four to six weeks. If you renew online, your new license ships within one to two weeks. If your license is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement at the office; a replacement license costs the same as a renewal.

Renewing your license before it expires

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not cost extra — you pay the same fee and get a new license with a new expiration date one or more years in the future. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near their expiration date or to get a new photo if their current one is outdated.

If you renew online or by mail, you do not need to visit the office. If you want a new photo or have questions about your record, renewing in person at the DPS office gives you the chance to handle those things at the same time.

What to do if your license is lost or stolen

Report a lost or stolen license to the Abilene Police Department or the Texas DPS. You can then request a replacement license at the DPS office in Abilene. Bring your identity and residency documents just as you would for a renewal. A replacement license costs the same as a renewal and is mailed to your address within one to two weeks.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask the DPS office for a temporary paper license. You can use this to drive legally while you wait for your plastic card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I live in Abilene?

You may be able to renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license is not suspended, you have no medical conditions affecting your driving, and you are between 18 and 79 years old. Not everyone qualifies. Check the Texas DPS website to see if you are may be able to access before visiting the office in person.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day at no extra charge, or come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people study the free Texas DPS study guide for a few hours and pass on their next attempt.

Do I need an appointment to get my license in Abilene?

Appointments are not required, but they reduce wait times. You can schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website or call the Abilene office at (325) 674-1800. Walk-ins are accepted when staff capacity allows.

How long does a new license take to arrive if I get it in person?

You usually receive a temporary paper license the same day you pass your tests. Your plastic card is mailed to your address and typically arrives within a few days to one week.

What if I moved to Abilene from another state?

You will need to get a Texas license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your new Abilene address, and your identity and Social Security documents. You must pass the vision and written tests. Your out-of-state license is not valid in Texas once you become a resident.