The Denton Driver License Office and What It Handles

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver license office in Denton. This office issues new licenses, renews existing ones, handles name or address changes, and processes duplicate licenses if yours is lost or stolen. You cannot handle these transactions online or by mail — you must go in person and bring specific documents.

The Denton office is located at 1535 Scripture Street, Denton, TX 76201. It is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day, so check the DPS website or call ahead before you go, because wait times and hours can change without notice on the website itself.

Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait an hour or more during peak times. Some people schedule an appointment through the DPS website to reduce wait time, though appointment slots fill up quickly and are not always available.

Key Takeaways

  • The Denton DPS office is at 1535 Scripture Street and handles all driver license transactions in person only — renewals, new licenses, replacements, and address changes.
  • You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a Social Security card or document showing your number.
  • Hours change by day and occasionally without notice, so call 1-844-DPS-5555 or check the DPS website before driving there.
  • Appointments reduce wait time but fill up quickly; walk-ins are welcome but may wait over an hour during busy periods.
  • Fees vary by license type and whether you are renewing or getting a new license; the DPS website lists current fees.

Documents You Need to Bring

Texas requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Bringing the wrong documents wastes a trip, so verify what counts before you go.

For identity, bring an original or certified birth certificate, a passport, or a military ID. A photocopy does not work — it must be an original document. If you were born outside the United States, bring your original birth certificate or passport plus your Certificate of Naturalization or Green Card.

For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Denton address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A piece of mail alone does not count. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, bring a notarized affidavit from the person whose name is on the bill, plus their ID.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have your card and cannot get one before your appointment, call the office to ask what alternatives they accept.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give your documents to the clerk. They will verify that everything is there and correct. If something is missing or wrong, they will tell you what to bring back. Do not assume you can fix it on the spot — most offices do not have notaries or copy machines available for public use.

Once your documents are accepted, you will have your photo taken and answer questions about your health and driving history. You will then take a written test covering road signs and traffic laws unless you are only renewing a license you already hold. If you are getting your first Texas license or your license expired more than two years ago, you must pass the written test and the driving test before you leave.

After you pass, you will pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to your address. Keep this paper license with you while you drive — it is your proof of licensure until the card arrives.

Renewing Your License Without Going In Person

If your license is still valid and you have not had any changes to your name, address, or medical status, you may renew online through the DPS website without visiting the office. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about a week.

You cannot renew online if your license has expired more than two years ago, if you need to change your address, if you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or if you are renewing a commercial license. In those cases, you must go to the office in person.

Getting a Replacement License

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Denton office. Bring your birth certificate, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number — the same documents as a new license. You do not need to take the written or driving test for a replacement.

If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to the police for your records, though it is not required to get a replacement. The police report can help if someone uses your license number fraudulently.

Changing Your Address or Name

If you moved within Texas or got married and changed your name, you must update your license. You can do this online if you are only changing your address and your license is still valid. Go to the DPS website, enter your license number and date of birth, and follow the steps. The new license will be mailed to your new address.

If you changed your name, you must go to the office in person. Bring your birth certificate, proof of residency at your new address, proof of your Social Security number, and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will not accept a photocopy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new license after my appointment?

Your temporary paper license is valid when ready after your visit. Your permanent card is mailed to your address and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods. You can drive on the paper license the whole time you are waiting.

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

No. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must go to the office and take both the written and driving tests, as if you were getting your first license. If it expired less than two years ago, you can renew in person without retesting.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can order a certified copy from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the county where you were born. This takes one to two weeks by mail. If you were born outside Texas, contact that state's vital records office. Bring the certified copy to your appointment — a photocopy will not work.

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

Walk-ins are welcome, but you may wait an hour or more. Appointments are available through the DPS website and usually have shorter wait times, though slots fill up fast. If no appointments are open, walk in during an off-peak time like Tuesday or Wednesday morning.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at no extra cost. If you fail again, you must wait one day before your third attempt. After three failures, you must wait one week before trying again. Most people pass on the first or second try if they study the Texas Driver Handbook beforehand.