Where to go for your driver license in Laredo

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver license program in Laredo. You will visit a DPS Driver License office in person to explore, take your test, or renew. Laredo has one main office located at 3002 Bob Bullock Loop, Laredo, TX 78040. This is the only place in Laredo where you can handle most driver license transactions.

You cannot mail in an process for a new license or most renewals in Texas. You must appear in person at the office. The office is open Monday through Friday, and hours vary by day — check the DPS website or call ahead before you go, because hours change seasonally and for holidays.

Parking is available at the location. Bring all required documents with you on your first visit, because forgetting even one can mean a second trip. The office does not hold documents, so you take everything home with you after your appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit the DPS Driver License office in person at 3002 Bob Bullock Loop in Laredo; you cannot complete a new license or most renewals by mail.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), and proof of lawful presence in the U.S. before you go.
  • A new license takes about 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail after you pass your test; a renewal takes about the same time.
  • You will pay a fee at the time of process — the amount depends on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing a lost one.
  • If you fail the written or driving test, you can retake it the same day or return another day; there is no waiting period between attempts in Texas.

Documents you need to bring

Texas requires four categories of documents before you can get a driver license. The DPS will not issue a license without all four, so check your paperwork before you leave home.

Proof of identity: Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a military ID, or a tribal ID. A photocopy of your birth certificate is not enough — it must be certified by the vital records office that issued it. If you were born outside the U.S., bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization.

Proof of Social Security number: Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. A tax return works if it shows your full number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one first at a Social Security office.

Proof of residency: Bring a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and a Laredo address on it. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A cell phone bill does not count. If you live with someone else, you can bring their utility bill plus a signed letter from them saying you live there, but you will also need to bring an ID showing your name.

Proof of lawful presence in the U.S.: Bring your U.S. passport, birth certificate, military discharge papers, a Certificate of Naturalization, a permanent resident card (green card), or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will receive a license valid only while your immigration status is current.

Getting a new license if you have never had one

If you are getting your first driver license, you will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, then a driving test with a DPS examiner. You must pass both to get your license. The written test is given on a computer at the office and takes about 30 minutes. You need a score of at least 70 percent to pass.

The driving test happens in your own vehicle or a vehicle you borrow. You cannot use a rental car for the test. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers — parking, turning, stopping — and will watch how you handle traffic. The test lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. If you fail either test, you can take it again the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts.

After you pass both tests, you pay the fee and the DPS takes your photo. Your physical license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait for the card.

Renewing your current license

If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew it without retaking the written or driving test. You straightforward bring your current license, the four required documents listed above, and pay the renewal fee. The process takes about 15 minutes.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you will have to retake the written test and driving test as if you were getting a new license. The DPS treats it as a new process rather than a renewal.

Your renewed license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license at the office to use while you wait.

Fees and payment methods

The DPS charges different fees depending on what you are doing. A new license costs one amount; a renewal costs less; a replacement for a lost or stolen license costs another amount. Fees also vary based on how long you want the license to be valid — you can choose a license valid for 4 years, 6 years, or 8 years, and the longer the term, the higher the fee.

The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. You pay at the time you explore, not when you pick up your license. If you fail your test and want to retake it the same day, you do not pay again — the fee covers all attempts on that day.

Contact the DPS office directly or check the Texas DPS website for the exact current fee, because amounts change and depend on your age and the license term you choose.

What to expect on the day of your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all four categories of documents. The office will call you by number, not by name. Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they stay together and are straightforward to hand over.

The staff will check your documents, verify your information, and ask you to sign forms. If you are getting a new license, you will take the written test on a computer. If you pass, you will schedule your driving test for the same day or a different day, depending on how many examiners are available.

If you are renewing and your license is still valid, you will skip the tests. The staff will take your photo, you will pay, and you will receive your temporary paper license. Your card arrives by mail.

The entire process for a renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes. A new license with both tests can take 1 to 2 hours if you do both tests the same day.

If you lose your license or need a replacement

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the DPS office. Bring your four required documents and pay the replacement fee. You do not need to retake any tests. Your replacement license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you receive a temporary paper license at the office.

If your license was stolen, you can report it to the DPS at the same time you explore for the replacement. The DPS will flag the old number so it cannot be used fraudulently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment online or do I just walk in?

The DPS office in Laredo accepts both walk-ins and appointments. You can schedule an appointment through the Texas DPS website to reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis and may have longer waits, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon.

What if I fail my driving test?

You can retake the driving test the same day at no extra cost, or you can come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts in Texas. You will need to bring your vehicle again if you retake the test the same day.

Do I need to take a vision test?

Yes. The DPS will test your vision at the office before you take the written test. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will not be allowed to take the written or driving test that day.

How long does a Texas driver license last?

You can choose a license valid for 4, 6, or 8 years when you explore. The longer the term, the higher the fee. After your license expires, you must renew it in person at the DPS office.

Can I get a Real ID license in Laredo?

Yes. A Real ID license has a gold star in the corner and meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building access. You bring the same documents as a regular license, but the fee is higher. Ask the staff at the office if you want a Real ID when you explore.