The Abilene Driver License Office Location and Hours

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) operates one driver license office in Abilene, located at 5002 Buffalo Gap Road. This is the office where you can renew your license, get a replacement for a lost or damaged card, change your address, or take a written or driving test for a new license.

Hours vary by day of the week. The office is typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but you should call ahead at (325) 674-1800 to confirm current hours before you go, since DPS sometimes adjusts schedules without advance notice online.

The office does not accept walk-ins for road tests. If you need to take a driving test, you must schedule an appointment in advance through the DPS website or by phone. Written tests for new licenses can usually be taken without an appointment, but arriving early in the day reduces wait time.

Key Takeaways

  • The Abilene driver license office is at 5002 Buffalo Gap Road and handles renewals, replacements, address changes, and new license tests.
  • You should call (325) 674-1800 to confirm hours before visiting, since the office schedule can change.
  • Road tests require an appointment scheduled through the DPS website or by phone; written tests usually do not.
  • Arriving early in the day typically means shorter waits for services that do not require an appointment.

What Documents You Need to Bring

The documents required depend on what you are doing. For a renewal, bring your current driver license and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are renewing by mail or online, you may not need to visit the office at all—check the DPS website first to see if your situation qualifies.

For a replacement license due to loss or damage, bring your current license if you still have it, or a state ID card. If you cannot produce either, bring two documents that prove your identity and one that proves your address. A passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card counts as identity proof; a utility bill or bank statement counts as address proof.

For a new license (first-time driver or out-of-state transfer), bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return), proof of residency, and proof of legal presence in the United States. The DPS website lists all acceptable documents for each category.

Taking a Written or Driving Test

If you need to take a written test for a new license, you can do so at the Abilene office without scheduling ahead in most cases. The test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website. The test is offered in multiple languages.

A driving test (also called a road test) must be scheduled by appointment. You schedule through the DPS website at dps.texas.gov or by calling the Abilene office directly. Bring your current learner permit, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that is registered and in safe working condition. The examiner will test your ability to start the car, turn, brake, park, and follow traffic laws on public roads.

Road test appointments fill up weeks in advance, especially during summer months. If no appointments are available in Abilene, you may be able to schedule in a nearby city like Sweetwater or Brownwood, though this requires driving there on the test date.

Renewing Your License by Mail or Online

You do not have to visit the Abilene office if you are renewing a license that is not expired or expiring within 60 days. Texas allows online renewal for many drivers. You can renew online at dps.texas.gov if your license is still valid, you have not had any address changes, and you do not need to update your photo.

Mail renewal is also an option for some drivers. You can request a renewal form by mail or read it from the DPS website, fill it out, and send it with your current license and the renewal fee. Processing takes two to three weeks by mail, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online—you must visit the office in person and may need to retake the written test. The longer your license has been expired, the more documents you may need to bring.

Changing Your Address or Name

You can change your address at the Abilene office by bringing your current driver license and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and does not require an appointment.

Changing your name requires additional documents. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your new address. The office will issue a new license with your updated name.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Arrive with all required documents and be prepared to wait. Wait times vary widely depending on the time of day and day of the week. Mornings on weekdays are usually faster than afternoons or Fridays. The office may be busier near the end of the month when people rush to renew before expiration.

You will check in at the front desk, take a number, and wait to be called. A staff member will review your documents, take your photo (if needed), and process your request. Most transactions take 15 to 30 minutes once you reach a window. You will pay the renewal or replacement fee at that time—fees vary depending on the type of transaction and how long your new license is valid.

If documents are missing or incorrect, the staff member will tell you what you need to bring back. You cannot complete your transaction that day, so it is worth double-checking the DPS website before you go to make sure you have everything.

Nearby Alternatives if Abilene is Not Convenient

If the Abilene office is too far or the wait is too long, other DPS driver license offices operate in nearby cities. Sweetwater has an office about 40 miles west, and Brownwood has one about 50 miles south. Hours and services vary by location, so call ahead.

Some services can also be handled through a Texas county tax assessor-collector office, though not all counties offer the full range of DPS services. Call your county tax assessor-collector to ask what they can do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it has already expired?

No. Online renewal is only for licenses that are still valid or expiring within 60 days. If your license has expired, you must visit the office in person. Depending on how long it has been expired, you may need to retake the written test.

How long does it take to get a replacement license if mine was lost?

If you visit the Abilene office in person, you can usually get a replacement the same day. You will pay a replacement fee and receive a temporary paper license to use while your plastic card is mailed to you, which takes about one to two weeks.

Do I need an appointment for a written test?

No. Written tests for new licenses do not require an appointment at the Abilene office. However, road tests (driving tests) must be scheduled in advance through the DPS website or by phone.

What if I cannot find a road test appointment in Abilene?

Appointments fill up weeks ahead, especially in summer. You can try scheduling in Sweetwater or Brownwood instead, or call the Abilene office to ask about cancellations. Some people call back daily to check for newly available slots.

Can I change my address at the Abilene office without renewing my license?

Yes. You can update your address by bringing your current license and proof of your new address. This does not require renewing your license and usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.