Driver License Offices in Houston

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver license offices in Houston. You cannot get a license at a courthouse, police station, or city hall — only at a DPS office. Houston has multiple locations spread across the city, and each one handles the same services, so you can go to whichever is most convenient for you.

The main Houston DPS office is located downtown, but there are also offices in the suburbs and outlying areas. Because wait times vary by location and time of day, calling ahead or checking online can help you pick the least crowded option. Some offices are busier than others, especially early in the morning and on Fridays.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas DPS runs all driver license offices in Houston; you must go to a DPS office, not a police station or courthouse.
  • Houston has multiple DPS locations, and you can visit any one of them — they all offer the same services.
  • You can find the current address, phone number, and hours for each office on the Texas DPS website or by calling 1-844-DPS-TXDL.
  • Bringing the correct documents the first time — proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — prevents you from having to return.
  • Wait times are typically shorter on weekday mornings and longer on Friday afternoons and the first week of the month.

How to Find the Nearest DPS Office

The Texas DPS website has a location finder tool where you enter your zip code and see all nearby offices with their addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. You can also call the DPS customer service line at 1-844-DPS-TXDL (1-844-377-8935) and they will tell you which office is closest and whether it is currently open.

Each office keeps different hours — some open at 8 a.m. and others at 9 a.m., and closing times range from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Many offices are closed on Sundays and some on Saturdays, so checking the hours before you go saves a wasted trip. The DPS website updates these hours regularly, so that is your most current source.

What Documents You Need to Bring

You must bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of identity can be a passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement — it must show your name and current Houston address and be dated within the last 60 days.

Proof of your Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. Bringing originals or certified copies is safest — photocopies are sometimes rejected.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard five-year driver license costs $45 in Texas. An eight-year license costs $65. You pay at the DPS office when you complete your process. Most offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards, but a few accept only cash, so calling ahead to confirm is wise.

If you are renewing an expired license or replacing a lost one, the fee is the same. If you need a duplicate (an extra copy of your current license), that costs $11. Fees do not change based on which Houston office you visit.

The Written Test and Vision Screening

When you arrive at the DPS office, you will take a vision screening and a written test about Texas traffic laws. The vision screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. The written test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish.

The DPS provides study materials online, including a free Texas Driver Handbook and practice tests. Many people study these materials before going to the office so they pass on the first try. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may have to wait and pay the fee again.

Getting Your Photo Taken and Receiving Your License

After you pass the vision screening and written test, a DPS employee will take your photograph for the license. Wear something you feel comfortable in — you cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that covers your face. The photo is taken against a plain background and appears on your license for five or eight years.

Your temporary license is printed on paper and given to you the same day. It is valid for 30 days while the permanent plastic card is mailed to the address you provided. The permanent card usually arrives within two to three weeks. If it does not arrive after four weeks, call the DPS to report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment at a Houston DPS office?

Some Houston DPS offices allow you to schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website, which can reduce your wait time. Not all locations offer appointments, so check the website for your specific office. Walk-ins are always welcome, but appointments typically move faster.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. Bring this letter along with your other documents. The DPS will process your license process without a Social Security number if you have this documentation.

How long does it take to get a driver license at the office?

The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on how busy the office is and whether you pass the written test on your first try. Arriving early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday typically means shorter waits than Friday afternoons.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day at most Houston offices. You will pay the fee again and wait for the next available testing slot. Studying the Texas Driver Handbook before you go makes passing more likely.

Can I renew my license by mail instead of going to an office?

Texas allows mail renewal only if your license is not expired and you meet certain other conditions. For a first-time license or an expired license, you must visit a DPS office in person. Check the Texas DPS website to see whether mail renewal is an option for your situation.