Arlington's Driver License Offices and What They Handle

Arlington has one full-service Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office located at 3200 W. Division Street, Arlington, TX 76010. This office issues new licenses, renews existing ones, handles name or address changes, and processes duplicate licenses. You can walk in during business hours, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. It closes on Sundays and state holidays. If you need to renew or replace a license, you can also use the Texas DPS website to check whether your transaction can be handled by mail or online before making the trip.

Arlington residents can also visit nearby DPS offices in Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, or other surrounding cities if the Arlington location has long wait times or if your specific need requires a different office. However, the Arlington office handles the vast majority of standard driver license work.

Key Takeaways

  • The Arlington DPS driver license office is at 3200 W. Division Street and is open Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon.
  • You can renew your license online or by mail through the Texas DPS website if you meet certain conditions, which may save you a trip.
  • Bring your current license or ID, proof of residency, and any documents needed for your specific transaction before you go.
  • Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning or mid-week; avoid lunch hours and Saturdays if possible.
  • If the Arlington office is too busy, you can visit DPS offices in Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, or other nearby cities instead.

Documents You Need to Bring

What you bring depends on whether you are renewing, replacing, or getting a new license. For a renewal, bring your current Texas driver license or ID card. For a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged), bring your current license if you have it, or another form of ID like a passport.

For a new license—whether you are moving to Texas or getting your first one—bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, proof of citizenship or lawful presence (passport, birth certificate, or visa), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days). If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Proof of residency must show your current Arlington address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or recent bank statement all work. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring one in someone else's name at your address plus a notarized affidavit stating you live there.

When You Can Renew Online or by Mail Instead

The Texas DPS allows online and mail renewals for many drivers, which means you do not have to visit the Arlington office. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions that require a new photo, and you do not need to change your address or name. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than an in-person renewal.

Mail renewal is an option if your license expired less than two years ago and you meet the same conditions as online renewal. You mail your current license and the renewal form to the DPS, and they mail your new license back to you. This takes longer—usually two to three weeks—but requires no office visit.

Check the Texas DPS website before you drive to Arlington. Enter your license number and date of birth to see whether you are may be able to access for online or mail renewal. If you are, you can complete the transaction from home.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive at the Arlington office, check in at the front desk or use the kiosk if one is available. You will receive a number and wait for your turn. The office uses a ticket system, so you do not have to stand in line. Wait times range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and how busy the office is.

When your number is called, go to the window and hand over your documents. The staff member will review them, ask you to verify your information, and take your photo if you need a new one. If everything is in order, you will pay the fee and receive a receipt. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If any of your documents are missing or incorrect, the staff member will tell you what you need to bring back. Do not leave without understanding what is missing, because you will have to return to complete the transaction.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver license fees in Texas depend on the type of transaction and how long the license is valid. A standard five-year renewal costs around $25, while an eight-year license costs more. A replacement for a lost or damaged license costs less than a renewal. A new license for a first-time driver costs more than a renewal.

The Arlington DPS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept checks or money orders. If you are unsure of the exact fee for your transaction, call the office at (817) 277-1234 before you go, or check the Texas DPS website.

Tips for Shorter Wait Times

The Arlington DPS office is busiest on Saturdays, during lunch hours (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), and on the first and last days of the month. If you can go on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning before 10 a.m., you will likely wait less than 30 minutes.

Bring all your documents in one trip. If you forget something, you will have to return, which doubles your time investment. Double-check the Texas DPS website or call ahead if you are unsure whether you have everything.

If the Arlington office is too busy when you arrive, you can leave and come back later the same day, or visit a DPS office in a less busy area. Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, and other nearby cities have their own offices and may have shorter waits.

Nearby DPS Offices If Arlington Is Too Busy

If you cannot wait at the Arlington location, you can visit the DPS office in Fort Worth at 1515 W. Magnolia Avenue, open Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon. Grand Prairie has an office at 2500 W. Division Street, with the same hours. Both offices handle the same transactions as Arlington and accept the same documents.

You do not have to live in the city where you visit the DPS office. Any Texas resident can use any DPS office in the state. If you are in a hurry, a nearby office with a shorter wait may be worth the drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than two years?

No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license expired more than two years ago. You must visit the DPS office in person and bring the same documents as a first-time applicant, including proof of citizenship and residency. The office will treat it as a new license rather than a renewal.

What if I do not have a Social Security card or number?

You must provide proof of your Social Security number to get a Texas driver license. If you do not have a card, bring a document that shows your number, such as a tax return, W-2 form, or Social Security statement. If you do not have a Social Security number at all, you cannot get a standard driver license, but you may be able to get an ID card instead—ask the staff at the Arlington office.

How long does it take to get my new license after I explore?

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a receipt at the office that you can use as proof of your license until the new one arrives. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, call the DPS at (888) 589-6556 to check the status.

Can I change my address without renewing my license?

Yes, you can change your address at the DPS office without renewing your license if your license is still valid. Bring your current license and proof of your new address. The fee is lower than a renewal. You can also change your address online through the Texas DPS website if your license is not expired.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have another document with my number?

Contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office to request a replacement card or a statement showing your number. You will need this before you can get a driver license. The process takes one to two weeks, so plan ahead.