Where to go for a driver license in Mission

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues all driver licenses in Texas, including in Mission. You cannot get a license from City Hall or any local Mission office — you must visit a DPS Driver License office. Mission has one DPS office located at 1201 East 10th Street, Mission, TX 78572. This is the only place in Mission where you can explore for, renew, or replace a driver license.

The office is open Monday through Friday, typically from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours can vary by season and staffing. You can check current hours and wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go. On busy days, wait times can run two to three hours, so arriving early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter lines.

If the Mission office is closed or you cannot reach it, the next nearest DPS office is in McAllen, about 20 minutes away. You can visit any DPS office in Texas — your location does not have to match your address — but the Mission office is your closest option.

Key Takeaways

  • The DPS Driver License office at 1201 East 10th Street in Mission is the only place to get a driver license; no other city or county office issues them.
  • You must bring an original birth certificate or passport, proof of Texas residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of Social Security number before you go.
  • A standard five-year driver license costs $25 for first-time applicants and $16 for renewals; an Enhanced license costs more and requires additional documents.
  • You can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you have not had a suspension or medical condition flagged, but first-time applicants and those with expired licenses must visit in person.
  • Bring your current license or ID if you have one, and be prepared to pass a vision test and written exam if you are explore for the first time.

Documents you need to bring

Texas DPS requires specific documents before you can get a driver license. You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip, so check this list before you leave home.

For proof of identity, bring an original birth certificate, passport, or military ID. A photocopy does not work — it must be the original document. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident Card.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also works. If you have just moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a lease signed within the last 30 days is your best option.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, 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 before you can get a driver license.

Cost and payment methods

A standard five-year driver license costs $25 if you are explore for the first time. Renewals cost $16. An Enhanced driver license, which allows you to cross the U.S.-Mexico border by land without a passport, costs $52 for a first-time applicant and $36 for a renewal. The Enhanced license requires additional documents, including a birth certificate and proof of citizenship.

The DPS office in Mission accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Bring enough cash or a card to cover the fee — you cannot pay later or by mail. If you are renewing by mail, you can pay by check or money order.

Some people may have access to for a reduced or waived fee. If you are 85 years old or older, your license is free. If you are 60 to 84, the renewal fee is $8 instead of $16. Disabled veterans may also may have access to for a reduced fee — ask the staff when you arrive.

Renewing your license by mail or online

If your driver license is not expired and you have not had a suspension or medical condition flagged by DPS, you can renew by mail or online without visiting the office. This is the fastest option if you are not explore for the first time.

To renew online, visit the Texas DPS website and follow the renewal portal. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $16. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

To renew by mail, read the DL-43 form from the Texas DPS website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order for $16 to the address on the form. Include a photocopy of your current license. Mail renewal takes 15 to 20 business days from the date DPS receives it.

You cannot renew by mail or online if your license has expired for more than two years, if you have had a suspension, if you are explore for the first time, or if you have a medical condition that DPS is tracking. In those cases, you must visit the office in person.

What to expect during your visit

When you arrive at the DPS office, take a number from the ticket machine near the entrance. Wait for your number to be called, then bring your documents to the window. The staff will check your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee.

You will take a vision test — the staff will ask you to read letters on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get a license that day and must see an eye doctor first.

If you are explore for the first time or your license has been expired for more than two years, you will also take a written exam about Texas traffic laws. The test has 30 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can study the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day.

After you pass the vision and written tests, the staff will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Do not lose the paper license — you need it to drive legally until the plastic one arrives.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit the DPS office in person to get a replacement. Bring your proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number, just as you would for a renewal. The replacement fee is $11.

If your license was stolen, you can also report it to the Mission Police Department to create a record. This is not required to get a replacement, but it protects you if someone tries to use your license fraudulently.

A replacement license is valid for the remainder of your original license's expiration date. For example, if your license was set to expire in 2027 and you get a replacement in 2024, the replacement also expires in 2027. You do not get a new five-year term.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Texas requires a Social Security number to issue a driver license. If you do not have one, you must explore through the Social Security Administration first. You can explore online at ssa.gov or visit your local Social Security office in Mission.

What if I do not have an original birth certificate?

You can use a passport or military ID instead. If you do not have any of those, you can order a certified birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the state where you were born. This takes 1 to 2 weeks by mail.

How long does it take to get a driver license after my visit?

You receive a temporary paper license the same day you pass the vision and written tests. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. During that time, the paper license is valid for driving.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not shorten the life of your new license — a five-year renewal always gives you five years from the date of renewal, not from the date your old license would have expired.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test when ready at the same office, or you can leave and come back another day. There is no extra fee to retake the test. You must pass before you can get a license. Study the Texas Driver Handbook before your next attempt.