Where to explore for a Driver License in Laredo

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues driver licenses in Texas. In Laredo, you explore at the DPS Driver License office located at 4410 San Bernardo Avenue, Laredo, TX 78040. This is the only office in Laredo that issues new licenses and renewals.

You can visit in person during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours may vary seasonally. The office does not take appointments for standard driver license services, so you arrive and wait. On busy days, the wait can be two to three hours, particularly on Fridays and at the start of the month.

Before you go, check the Texas DPS website or call the Laredo office at (956) 723-4444 to confirm current hours, as they occasionally close for staff training or state holidays.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit the DPS Driver License office on San Bernardo Avenue in person; there is no online or mail option for a new license.
  • Bring your Social Security card, proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID).
  • The written test covers Texas traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Texas DPS driver handbook available online.
  • A vision test and driving test are required; the driving test uses your own vehicle or a DPS vehicle, depending on the office.
  • The fee for a five-year license is $25; an eight-year license costs $40 (available only to drivers 18 and older).

Documents You Need to Bring

Texas requires specific documents to prove your identity, Social Security number, and residency. Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies alone are not accepted.

For proof of identity, bring one of the following: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a consulate ID card, a military ID, or a foreign national ID. If you use a birth certificate, it must be certified by the vital records office that issued it.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one first through the Social Security Administration office in Laredo.

For proof of Texas residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days showing your name and current Laredo address: a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail. A driver license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

The Written Test and Vision Screening

The written test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 30 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You take the test on a computer at the DPS office.

The Texas DPS publishes a free driver handbook online at the DPS website. The handbook covers everything on the test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, lane changes, and what different road signs mean. Most people study the handbook for a few hours before taking the test.

Before the written test, you will have a vision screening. You must be able to read a standard eye chart at 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you will be asked to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction certificate.

The Driving Test: What Happens and What You Need

After you pass the written test and vision screening, you take a driving test. The test lasts about 10 to 15 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. A DPS examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you drive.

For the driving test, you need a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, wipers, and mirrors. Some DPS offices in Texas allow you to use a DPS vehicle instead of your own; call the Laredo office to ask whether this option is available.

The examiner will ask you to perform tasks like parallel parking, three-point turns, and lane changes. You must follow all traffic laws during the test. Common reasons people fail include rolling through stop signs, improper lane changes, and hitting the curb while parking. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or schedule another visit.

Fees and How Long It Takes

A five-year driver license costs $25. An eight-year license costs $40 and is available only to drivers 18 and older. Payment is cash or card at the DPS office.

Your license is usually issued the same day you pass the test. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office, and the plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the card.

The entire process—from arriving at the office to leaving with your temporary license—typically takes three to four hours on a slow day and five to six hours on a busy day. Plan accordingly and bring water and a book.

If You Already Have a License from Another State

If you hold a valid driver license from another state, you do not need to take the written and driving tests again. You can exchange it for a Texas license by visiting the DPS office with your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. The fee is the same as for a new license.

Your out-of-state license must be valid (not expired). If it is expired, you will need to take the written and driving tests as if you were a new driver. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Texas that allow you to keep your current expiration date; ask the DPS office whether your state qualifies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

If your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions or violations, you can renew online at the Texas DPS website or by mail. You do not need to visit the office. If your license is expired or you have had violations, you must visit in person.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test the same day if you wish, or you can schedule another visit. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Each attempt costs the same fee as the original test.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?

No. You need one document that proves your Social Security number. A W-2, tax return, or 1099 is acceptable. You do not need the card itself.

What happens if I move to a different city in Texas?

You do not need to get a new license when you move within Texas. Your license remains valid at your old address until it expires. When you renew, you can update your address at that time.

Is the vision test the same as an eye exam?

No. The DPS vision screening is a basic test to see if you can read an eye chart. It is not a full eye exam. If you fail, you need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision correction certificate from them to the DPS office.