Where to get your driver license in Laredo

In Laredo, you obtain a driver license through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The main office that handles driver licenses in Laredo is the DPS Driver License Division office located on Corpus Christi Street. You cannot get a Texas driver license from the city government, a local police department, or a private vendor — only DPS issues them.

The Laredo DPS office handles both new licenses and renewals. If you are moving to Laredo from another state, you will need to surrender your out-of-state license and pass a written test, vision test, and driving test to get a Texas license. If you already hold a Texas license, the process is simpler.

You can find the exact address and current hours on the Texas DPS website by searching for "driver license office near Laredo, TX." Hours change seasonally and the office sometimes closes for state holidays, so calling ahead or checking online before you go saves a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the only agency that issues driver licenses in Laredo; you cannot get one from city or county offices.
  • New drivers from out of state must pass a written test, vision test, and road test; Texas residents renewing an existing license face fewer requirements.
  • You need proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or ineligibility before you visit the office.
  • The Laredo DPS office is located on Corpus Christi Street, and you should verify hours online or by phone because they vary by season and holiday.

Documents you need to bring

Texas DPS requires specific documents before you can get a driver license. You must bring proof of identity — a passport, birth certificate, or consular report of birth are the most common. A school ID or employee ID alone will not work. If your name has changed since your identity document was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

You also need proof of residency in Laredo or Webb County. A utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 30 days works. A bank statement or insurance policy also counts. A piece of mail addressed to you at your Laredo address is usually not enough by itself — DPS wants something that shows you pay for services or housing there.

Finally, bring proof of your Social Security number — your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are ineligible. Bring the original documents, not photocopies, though DPS will return them to you after they verify them.

What to expect on test day

If you are a new driver or moving from another state, you will take a written test covering Texas traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take it in English or Spanish. DPS provides a study guide on its website; many people study it for a few hours the night before and pass on their first try.

After you pass the written test, you take a vision test at the same office. You read letters and numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you cannot proceed that day, but you can return after you see an eye doctor.

The road test is scheduled separately, usually within a few days or weeks depending on how busy the Laredo office is. During the road test, a DPS examiner sits in your car while you drive a set route through Laredo. They watch how you handle turns, stops, parking, and how you respond to traffic. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The test usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes.

Fees and how long it takes

The cost of a driver license in Texas varies by the type and length of validity. A standard five-year license costs less than an eight-year license. As of 2024, a five-year license costs around $25 to $30, though prices can shift. If you are renewing rather than getting a new license, the cost may be lower. Ask the DPS office staff for the exact current fee when you arrive, or check the Texas DPS website before you go.

The timeline depends on whether you are new to Texas or renewing. If you are renewing an existing Texas license and do not need to take tests, you can often walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent license by mail within two weeks. If you are new and must take all three tests, the written and vision tests happen the same day, but the road test is scheduled later — the whole process usually takes two to four weeks from start to finish.

During busy seasons, particularly in summer and around holidays, wait times at the office can be an hour or more. Going early in the morning on a weekday is usually faster than going in the afternoon or on a Saturday.

If you are under 18

Texas has a graduated licensing system for drivers under 18. You start with a learner permit, which lets you drive only with a licensed adult in the car. After holding the permit for at least six months and staying ticket-free, you can test for a restricted license, which lets you drive alone but with nighttime and passenger restrictions. At 18, those restrictions lift.

To get a learner permit, you must be at least 14 years old, pass the written test, and pass the vision test. You do not take a road test for the permit. A parent or guardian must be present when you explore. After six months with the permit and no traffic violations, you return to take the road test for the restricted license.

Bring the same documents — proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number — plus a signed consent form from your parent or guardian. The DPS office in Laredo has the form, or you can read it from the Texas DPS website before you go.

Renewing or replacing your license

If your Texas license is expiring soon, you can renew it in person at the Laredo DPS office or by mail if your license is not suspended and you have not had certain violations. Renewing by mail is faster — you send in your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a completed process form. You receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must go to the DPS office in person. Bring your documents and pay a replacement fee, which is usually the same as a renewal fee. You will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail.

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it by mail. You must visit the DPS office and may need to provide additional documentation or proof that the suspension has been lifted. Call the Laredo office before you go to confirm what you need to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are ineligible for a Social Security number. Bring that letter along with your other documents — proof of identity and proof of residency. The process is otherwise the same.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake it. There is usually a waiting period of a few days before you can schedule another test, and you pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. You do not have to retake the written or vision tests if you passed those already.

Do I need to make an appointment at the Laredo DPS office?

Many DPS offices in Texas now use an online appointment system, but some still operate on a walk-in basis. Check the Texas DPS website or call the Laredo office directly to find out whether appointments are required or recommended. If appointments are available, booking one usually cuts your wait time significantly.

Can I get a Real ID driver license in Laredo?

Yes. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. It costs a bit more than a standard license and requires one additional document — usually a passport or birth certificate — to prove citizenship. Ask for a Real ID when you explore.

What if my address in Laredo changes after I get my license?

You do not have to replace your license when ready, but you should update your address with DPS. You can do this online through the Texas DPS website, by mail, or in person at the Laredo office. Updating online or by mail is faster and costs nothing.