Where to go for your driver license in Fort Worth
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs all driver license services in Fort Worth. You cannot get a license from City Hall or any other local office — you must visit a DPS Driver License office. Fort Worth has multiple locations, and you can find the full list and hours on the Texas DPS website by searching "driver license office near me" or going directly to their office locator.
Most Fort Worth locations are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have limited Saturday hours. Call ahead or check online before you go, because hours change seasonally and individual offices sometimes close for training or maintenance. Bringing the wrong documents wastes a trip, so confirming what you need before you leave home saves time.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Texas DPS Driver License office in Fort Worth — no other city or county office issues licenses.
- Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
- A new license costs around $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license; renewals cost less if you do not need a new photo.
- You can renew by mail or online if you are renewing a standard license and meet age and vision requirements, which is faster than going in person.
- Bring your current license or ID when you renew, and expect to take a new photo and pass a vision test at the office.
What documents you need to bring
Texas requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, a military ID, or a state ID card. A photocopy does not work — the document itself must be there.
For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Fort Worth address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, a letter from your landlord or a government agency with your address can work, but call the office first to confirm they will take it.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation. Bring your current license or ID if you have one, even if it is expired — it speeds up the process.
Getting a new license versus renewing
A new license means you are getting your first license or your license was revoked or suspended. You must go to the office in person, take a written test, pass a vision test, and have your photo taken. You cannot do this by mail or online. The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. Texas provides a free study guide on the DPS website.
A renewal means your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, and you want to keep the same license number and class. If you are under 79 years old and your vision has not changed, you can renew online or by mail without going to the office. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes a few minutes. By mail takes one to two weeks. If you need a new photo or your vision has changed, you must go in person.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, Texas treats it as a new license, and you must take the written test and go in person.
How much it costs and how long it takes
A new five-year driver license costs around $33. An eight-year license costs around $66. A renewal by mail or online costs less — typically $25 to $33 depending on how many years you are renewing for. Prices can shift, so check the DPS website for the current fee before you go.
If you go in person for a new license, expect to spend 30 minutes to an hour at the office, depending on how busy it is. Processing time after you leave is usually one to two weeks. If you renew online, you get your new license in the mail within one to two weeks. By mail renewal takes longer because the office has to receive your process, process it, and mail the license back.
If you need your license faster, some offices offer rush processing for an extra fee, but this varies by location. Call your local office to ask whether they offer it.
Renewing online or by mail instead of in person
Online renewal is available if your license is still valid or expired less than two years, you are between 18 and 78 years old, and your vision has not changed significantly. You log into your account on the Texas DPS website, answer a few questions, pay the fee with a credit or debit card, and submit a digital photo. Your new license arrives in the mail within one to two weeks.
By mail renewal works the same way, except you print a form from the DPS website, fill it out by hand, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form. Include a new photo or let them use your old one. Mail renewal takes longer because of postal delays — typically two to three weeks total.
You cannot renew online or by mail if you need a new photo, your vision has changed, your name changed, or your address changed. In those cases, you must go to the office in person.
What to do if you lost your license or it was stolen
If your license is lost or stolen, you can get a replacement at any DPS Driver License office. Bring your proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a renewal. A replacement costs around $11 and takes the same amount of time as an in-person renewal — usually one to two weeks for the new license to arrive.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police for your records, though this is not required to get a replacement. Some people also contact their bank or credit card company if they are worried about identity theft, but a stolen driver license alone does not give someone access to your financial accounts.
Special situations: name changes, address changes, and vision problems
If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You must go in person and will get a new license with your new name.
If you moved to Fort Worth from another state, you can transfer your out-of-state license to a Texas license. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of identity, and proof of residency in Fort Worth. You will take a vision test and have a new photo taken, but you do not have to take the written test if your out-of-state license is still valid.
If you failed the vision test at the office, the DPS will not issue your license until you bring a letter from an eye doctor saying your vision meets Texas standards. You do not need perfect vision — you just need to meet the minimum. An eye doctor can tell you whether you do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?
No. Texas treats a license expired more than two years as a new license, so you must take the written test and go in person. You cannot renew by mail or online. Bring your proof of identity and residency, and be ready to study the road rules before you go.
Do I need an appointment to go to the DPS office in Fort Worth?
Most Fort Worth DPS offices do not require appointments, but some locations have started using them during busy times. Check the office locator on the Texas DPS website or call ahead to see whether your location takes walk-ins or requires you to book a time slot.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can use a military ID, state ID card, or tribal ID as proof of identity instead. If you do not have any of these, contact the DPS office before you go — they can tell you what other documents might work in your situation.
How do I study for the written test?
The Texas DPS website has a free study guide and practice tests. You can also buy study books at most bookstores or libraries. The test covers road signs, speed limits, right-of-way rules, and safe driving. Most people pass on the first try if they study the guide for a few hours.
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one?
Yes. When you explore in person, the DPS prints a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days. This lets you drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail. The temporary license has the same restrictions as your permanent license.