Where to go for a driver license in Garland

Garland residents can obtain or renew a driver license at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office located in Garland, or at any other DPS office across Texas. The Garland DPS office is at 1102 West Avenue D, Garland, TX 75040. You do not have to use the Garland location — you can visit any DPS office in the state, though the Garland office is the most convenient if you live or work there.

DPS offices handle all driver license transactions: new licenses for first-time drivers, renewals, replacements for lost or damaged licenses, and address changes. Hours vary by location, so check the DPS website or call ahead before you go. Many offices operate Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments.

You can also renew your license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must have no medical restrictions, and you cannot have changed your name or address since your last license. Not all renewal methods are available to all drivers, so the DPS website will tell you which option applies to you.

Key Takeaways

  • The Garland DPS office is at 1102 West Avenue D, but you can visit any Texas DPS office to get or renew your license.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or an exemption letter to complete your transaction.
  • First-time driver license applicants must pass a written test, vision test, and driving test at a DPS office.
  • Renewal by mail or online is available only if your license expired fewer than two years ago and you have no medical restrictions or name changes.
  • Bring original documents or certified copies — DPS does not accept photocopies for most identification and residency proofs.

Documents you need to bring

Texas DPS requires specific documents for every driver license transaction. You must bring one form of primary identification — a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or permanent resident card. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of secondary documents, but the process takes longer and may require a visit to a DPS office rather than a mail-in renewal.

You also need proof of residency showing your current address in Texas. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail can work if it shows your name and address. Bring the original or a certified copy — photocopies are not accepted.

Finally, you must prove your Social Security number by bringing your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request an exemption letter from the Social Security Administration and bring that instead. DPS will not issue a license without proof of your number or an exemption letter on file.

What first-time driver license applicants must do

If you have never held a Texas driver license, you must visit a DPS office in person — you cannot renew by mail or online. You will take a written knowledge test covering Texas traffic laws and road signs, a vision test to confirm you can see well enough to drive safely, and a driving test in which a DPS examiner observes you operating a vehicle on public roads.

Before you take the driving test, you must hold a learner permit (also called a learner license) for at least 14 days if you are under 18, or you can take the test when ready if you are 18 or older. To get a learner permit, visit a DPS office with your identification and residency documents, pass the written test and vision test, and pay the permit fee. The permit allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the vehicle while you practice.

You can study for the written test using the Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS publishes online and distributes at every DPS office. Many people also use practice tests available on the DPS website or through third-party study apps. The written test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass.

Fees and how long processing takes

Driver license fees in Texas depend on the type of transaction and how long you want the license to be valid. A standard driver license valid for five years costs less than a license valid for eight years. Renewal fees are lower than fees for a new license or a replacement. DPS publishes current fees on its website, and they change periodically, so check before you visit.

If you explore in person at a DPS office, you usually receive your license the same day or within a few days. If you renew by mail, processing typically takes two to three weeks from the date DPS receives your process. Online renewal is faster — your license is usually mailed to you within one to two weeks. Bring a check or money order if you renew by mail; most DPS offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card in person.

If you need a license urgently and cannot wait for mail processing, visit a DPS office in person. Some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee, though availability varies by location.

Renewing your license by mail or online

You can renew your Texas driver license by mail if your current license has not been expired for more than two years, you have no medical restrictions noted on your license, your name has not changed since your last license was issued, and your address has not changed. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

To renew by mail, read the renewal process from the DPS website (form DL-44), complete it, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a copy of your proof of residency. DPS will mail your new license to the address on your process.

Online renewal is available through the DPS website if you meet the same conditions as mail renewal. You will enter your license number, date of birth, and other identifying information, pay the fee by credit or debit card, and DPS will mail your new license within one to two weeks. Online renewal is faster and more convenient than mail renewal if you are may be able to access.

What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any DPS office by bringing your identification and residency documents and paying a replacement fee. The replacement fee is lower than a renewal fee. You do not need to retake the written, vision, or driving tests — DPS will issue a new license with the same restrictions and endorsements as your original.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and keep a copy of the police report. This protects you if someone uses your license number fraudulently. Bring the police report to the DPS office if you have one, though it is not required to obtain a replacement.

You can also replace your license by mail using form DL-44 if you meet the same conditions as mail renewal (license not expired more than two years, no medical restrictions, no name or address changes). Mail the form, your current license, and the replacement fee to the address on the form.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you must renew in person at a DPS office if your license has been expired for more than two years. Bring your expired license, identification, residency proof, and Social Security proof. You will not retake the tests, but you may need to update your photograph and information.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Garland DPS office?

Appointment requirements vary by DPS office and change based on demand. Check the DPS website or call the Garland office at the number listed there to find out whether appointments are required or recommended. Walk-ins are often accepted, but wait times can be long during busy hours.

What if I have a medical condition that affects my driving?

Tell the DPS examiner about any medical conditions during your process or renewal. DPS may require a medical report from your doctor, may restrict your license (for example, requiring glasses or limiting night driving), or may deny your license if the condition makes safe driving impossible. Your doctor can help you understand what restrictions might explore.

Can I get a Real ID-compliant license in Garland?

Yes, Texas driver licenses are Real ID-compliant by default. Real ID licenses meet federal standards for air travel and entry to federal buildings. You do not need to request it separately — when you renew or replace your license, you receive a Real ID-compliant license as long as you bring the required documents.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after waiting a short period (usually a few days). There is an additional fee for each test attempt. You can take the test as many times as needed until you pass. Many DPS offices allow you to schedule your next test when ready after you fail, or you can call to schedule it later.