Where the Bastrop Driver's License Office Is Located

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) operates a driver's license office in Bastrop at 1408 Mill Street, Bastrop, TX 78602. This is the physical location where you go in person to explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or handle other license-related transactions.

The office is not the same as the county courthouse or the city hall building. If you search online for the address, use the Mill Street location to avoid confusion with other government buildings in Bastrop.

Hours and What to Bring

DPS driver's license offices in Texas typically operate Monday through Friday during business hours, though the exact hours vary by location and can change seasonally. Before you go, call ahead or check the Texas DPS website to confirm the current hours for the Bastrop office, since staffing and schedules shift throughout the year.

Bring your proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If you are renewing, bring your current license. If you are explore for the first time, bring any documents related to your driving history or previous licenses in other states.

You will also need to pay a fee. License fees in Texas depend on the type of license and how long it is valid for — a standard five-year license costs less than an eight-year license. The office accepts cash, check, and card payments.

Key Takeaways

  • The Bastrop driver's license office is at 1408 Mill Street and is run by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or number before you go.
  • Hours vary and change throughout the year, so call or check the DPS website before making the trip.
  • You will take a written test, vision test, and photo during your visit if you are explore for a new license.
  • Processing times vary, but you typically receive your license by mail within two to three weeks after your appointment.

What Happens During Your Visit

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and wait for your number to be called. A DPS employee will review your documents, ask you questions about your address and driving history, and take your photo. You will then take a written test covering Texas traffic laws and road signs — the test is multiple choice and you can study the official Texas Driver Handbook online for free.

After the written test, you will take a vision screening to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to get a corrective lens restriction on your license.

You will not take a road test at the DPS office in Bastrop. Texas does not require a behind-the-wheel test for most adult drivers renewing or explore for a standard license. If you are under 18 or explore for a commercial license, the rules are different.

If You Cannot Go in Person

Some transactions can be handled by mail or online through the Texas DPS website, but only if you are renewing a license that is not expired or has been expired for fewer than two years. If your license is expired by more than two years, or if you are explore for the first time, you must visit the office in person.

You can also renew online if your license is still valid and you have not had any changes to your address, name, or medical conditions. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.

What to Do If the Office Is Closed or Too Busy

If the Bastrop office has a long wait or limited hours on the day you plan to visit, you can go to any other DPS driver's license office in Texas — your location does not have to match where you live. The nearest offices outside Bastrop are in Austin, which is about 30 miles away. You will still receive your license by mail at your Bastrop address.

Some DPS offices offer online appointment scheduling through the Texas DPS website. Check whether the Bastrop office uses this system before you go, as it can save you time waiting in line.

Renewing Your License vs. explore for the First Time

If you already have a valid Texas license and want to renew it, the process is faster than explore for the first time. You will still need to take the vision test and have your photo updated, but you may not need to take the written test again if your license is not expired. Bring your current license and proof of residency.

If you are explore for a license for the first time — whether you are a new Texas resident or have never had a license — you will take both the written and vision tests. You will also need to provide more documents to prove your identity and residency. The whole process takes longer, so plan for a longer visit or consider going early in the day when the office is less busy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my license after my visit?

You receive your physical license by mail within two to three weeks after your appointment. The DPS mails licenses from a central location in Austin, not from the Bastrop office. If you need to drive before your license arrives, ask for a temporary paper license at the end of your visit.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day or on another visit. There is no waiting period between attempts in Texas. You will pay a fee each time you take the test.

Can I change my address without renewing my license?

Yes. You can update your address at the Bastrop office without renewing your license if your license is still valid. Bring proof of your new address and your current license. This is faster than a full renewal.

Do I need an appointment?

The Bastrop office may or may not require appointments — this varies by location and changes over time. Check the Texas DPS website or call the office directly to find out whether you need to schedule ahead or if you can walk in.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You can bring other documents that show your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2 form, or bank statement. You do not have to have the card itself. If you do not have any document with your number, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before your DPS visit.