Where to go for a driver license in El Paso

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues driver licenses in El Paso through the Driver License Division. You cannot get a license from the city or county — only from DPS offices. El Paso has multiple DPS locations, and you can visit any of them; the process and requirements are the same at each one.

The main DPS Driver License office in El Paso is located at 5059 Montana Avenue, El Paso, TX 79903. There is also a satellite office in East El Paso. You can find the current addresses and hours on the Texas DPS website or by calling the main office directly. Hours vary by location, and some offices close for lunch, so check before you go.

You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices in El Paso, but wait times can be long during peak hours — typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays. Going early in the morning or late in the afternoon often means shorter waits. Some DPS locations now offer online scheduling through the Texas DPS website, which can reduce your time in the office.

Key Takeaways

  • Only the Texas Department of Public Safety issues driver licenses in El Paso; you must visit a DPS Driver License office, not city or county offices.
  • You need proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a completed DL 43 form before you visit.
  • A new license costs around $33 for a standard license valid for six years; renewal costs vary depending on how long you want the license to last.
  • You will take a written test, vision test, and photo at the DPS office; bring documents in original form or certified copies, not photocopies.
  • Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days by mail after your office visit; you can request a temporary paper license to drive while you wait.

Documents you need to bring

Texas DPS requires four categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and a completed process form. Bringing the wrong documents or copies instead of originals will delay your visit and may require you to return another day.

For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of one of these: a U.S. passport, a passport card, a certified birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship, a military ID, or a foreign national ID if you are not yet a U.S. citizen. A photocopy of any of these will not work. If your birth certificate is from outside Texas, it must be certified by the state that issued it.

For proof of residency, bring an original document showing your current El Paso address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a government letter addressed to you. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A cell phone bill or a bill from a business you own does not count.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement from the Social Security Administration. A photocopy is acceptable for this category only.

You also need to complete Form DL 43, the process for a Texas Driver License. You can fill it out at home and bring it completed, or you can fill it out at the DPS office. Filling it out ahead of time can speed up your visit.

The written test and vision test

At the DPS office, you will take a written test on Texas traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. The test covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean.

You can study for the test using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the Texas DPS website. Many people also use practice tests online, though the official handbook is the most reliable source. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, though you may have to wait and pay the office visit fee again.

You will also take a vision test at the DPS office. The test checks whether you can see 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get a license until you pass. You may need to see an eye doctor and return with a corrected vision test or a letter from the doctor.

Cost and how long it takes

A new driver license in Texas costs $33 for a six-year license if you are under 85 years old. If you want a license valid for eight years, the cost is higher. Renewal of an existing license costs $33 for six years or more for eight years. Payment is cash, check, or card at most DPS offices in El Paso.

After you pass the tests and pay the fee, the DPS office will take your photo and give you a temporary paper license that is valid for driving while you wait for your permanent card. The permanent license is mailed to the address you provide and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Do not throw away the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

If you need your license faster, some DPS offices offer expedited processing for an additional fee, though this is not always available at all El Paso locations. Call ahead to ask whether expedited service is offered and what it costs.

Renewing an existing license

If your Texas driver license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you may be able to renew it by mail or online without visiting a DPS office. You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license was not suspended or revoked and you have not had certain medical conditions. The online renewal costs $33 and takes about 7 to 10 business days.

If your license expired more than two years ago, or if you cannot renew online, you must visit a DPS office in person. The process is the same as getting a new license: you bring your documents, take the written and vision tests, and pay the fee. You do not need to retake the tests if you are renewing a valid license within the allowed window, but you will still need to provide proof of residency and identity.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must contact the DPS to find out why it was suspended and what you need to do to restore it. This may involve paying a fee, completing a defensive driving course, or resolving a traffic or legal issue.

Special situations: International licenses and name changes

If you have a valid driver license from another country, you can use it to drive in Texas for a limited time, but you will eventually need a Texas license. You cannot convert a foreign license directly; you must take the full test and follow the same process as a new driver. Bring your foreign license as proof of identity if it is in English or has an English translation.

If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must bring proof of the name change. Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order. Bring the original or a certified copy. You will need to retake the written test and vision test, and you will get a new photo.

What to do if you fail or cannot complete your visit

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day. You do not have to pay the office visit fee again, but you may have to wait. If you fail the vision test, you cannot retake it the same day; you must see an eye doctor and return with proof that your vision meets the standard.

If you do not have all your documents when you arrive, the DPS office will not process your process. You will have to return another day with the missing documents. This is why checking the document list before you go is important.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a Texas driver license if you have a valid visa or other immigration document. Bring your passport and immigration document to the DPS office. The process is the same as for citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Texas law requires a Social Security number to get a driver license. If you do not have one, you must explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. If you are not a U.S. citizen and cannot get a Social Security number, you may be able to get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead; contact the DPS office to ask whether this is accepted.

How long does a Texas driver license last?

A standard driver license is valid for six years. You can choose to get an eight-year license for a higher fee. Licenses for people over 85 are valid for shorter periods. Check your license to see the expiration date.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You can get a replacement at any DPS office in El Paso. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, just as if you were getting a new license. You do not have to retake the written or vision test. The cost is the same as a new license.

Can I renew my license online if I live in El Paso?

You can renew online only if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, and it was not suspended or revoked. Visit the Texas DPS website to check whether you are may be able to access. If you are, you can renew online for $33 without visiting an office.

Do I need an appointment to visit the DPS office in El Paso?

Most DPS offices in El Paso do not require an appointment, but some now offer online scheduling that can reduce wait time. Check the Texas DPS website or call the office to see whether scheduling is available. Without an appointment, arrive early or late in the day to avoid peak wait times.