Dallas Driver's License Office Locations and Hours

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver's license offices in Dallas. There are multiple locations across the city, and each one handles the same services — you do not need to go to a specific branch. The main office is at 4413 S. Westmoreland Road, but DPS also operates satellite locations in different parts of Dallas to reduce wait times.

Hours vary by location. Most Dallas DPS offices open at 8 a.m. and close between 5 and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some locations have reduced Saturday hours. Before you go, check the Texas DPS website or call ahead to confirm the hours of the location nearest you, because some offices close for lunch or have seasonal changes.

Wait times are longest on Mondays and Tuesdays, and shortest on Thursday and Friday afternoons. If you can choose when to visit, going mid-week after 2 p.m. usually means a shorter line.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas DPS runs all Dallas driver's license offices, and you can visit any location — they all offer the same services.
  • You will need your Social Security number, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate) to get or renew a license.
  • Renewals by mail or online are available for some drivers, which avoids a trip to the office entirely.
  • If you are getting a license for the first time in Texas, you must pass a written test and vision test at the office.
  • Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Texas requires specific documents to issue or renew a driver's license. You must bring proof of identity (an original or certified copy), proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency. A passport, birth certificate, or military ID works for identity. A Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return works for your Social Security number. A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days works for residency.

If you are renewing a license that is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you may only need your current license plus proof of residency. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need the full set of documents as if you were getting a license for the first time.

Bring originals or certified copies. The DPS office will not accept photocopies or photos of documents. If you do not have an original, you can request a certified copy from the agency that issued it — for example, a certified birth certificate from the vital records office in the county where you were born.

Renewing Your License Without Going to the Office

If your Texas driver's license is not expired and you have not had any address changes, suspensions, or medical issues, you can renew by mail or online. Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is the fastest option and takes about two weeks. Mail renewal takes longer — typically four to six weeks — because the DPS has to process your process and mail your new license back to you.

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your address, if you have had a suspension, or if you are over 79 years old. In those cases, you must visit an office in person.

The online renewal fee is lower than the in-person fee in some cases, so check the Texas DPS website before you decide to go to an office.

Getting a License for the First Time in Texas

If you have never had a Texas driver's license, you must visit an office in person. You will need to pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and a driving test. The written test is given on a computer at the office. You can study using the Texas Driver's Handbook, which is free on the DPS website.

The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. The driving test happens in your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle, depending on the location. You will drive on local roads for about 10 to 15 minutes while an examiner watches.

Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency. You will also need to bring proof of a valid Social Security number — a Social Security card or a tax return works. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can get a license with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

Address Changes and License Corrections

If you move to a new address in Texas, you must update your driver's license within 30 days. You can do this online through the Texas DPS website if you are only changing your address and your license is not expired. If you need to make other changes — like correcting your name or date of birth — you must go to an office in person and bring documents that prove the correct information.

Name changes require a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Date of birth corrections require a certified birth certificate or passport. The DPS will not change your name or date of birth based on your word alone.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver's license fees in Texas depend on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard five-year license costs one amount; a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and some flights) costs more. A commercial driver's license has a different fee. Exact amounts change, so check the Texas DPS website for current pricing.

Dallas DPS offices accept cash, check, and debit or credit card. Some locations may have ATMs on-site if you need cash. Ask when you call ahead or when you arrive.

Real ID and Federal Compliance

A standard Texas driver's license is not enough to enter a federal building or board a domestic flight after May 2025. You will need a Real ID-compliant license, which has a gold star in the upper right corner. Getting a Real ID requires the same documents as a regular license, plus proof of your Social Security number and proof of residency. The fee is higher than a standard license.

If you already have a passport, you do not need a Real ID license — a passport works for federal buildings and flights. If you do not have a passport and do not want a Real ID license, you can use a passport card instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it expired more than two years ago?

No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must visit a DPS office in person. You will need to bring the full set of documents — proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency — as if you were getting a license for the first time.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can get a Texas driver's license with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN documentation and the same proof of identity and residency you would normally need. You will need to visit an office in person.

How long does it take to get a license after I visit the office?

If you pass all tests and your process is approved, you will receive your license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, some offices offer a temporary paper license you can use while you wait for the plastic card.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Most Dallas DPS offices do not require appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. However, some locations now offer online appointment scheduling to reduce wait times. Check the Texas DPS website to see if your nearest office has appointments available.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You can report a lost or stolen license online through the Texas DPS website and request a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee, which is lower than the cost of a new license. The replacement arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.