The Garland Driver License Office Location and Hours
The Texas Department of Public Safety operates a driver license office in Garland at 2502 Firewheel Drive, Garland, TX 75040. This is the main location where Garland residents can handle most driver license transactions in person.
Hours vary by day of the week. The office is typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though you should confirm current hours before you go, as they can change seasonally or due to staffing. You can find the most current hours by calling the office directly at the DPS customer service line or visiting the Texas DPS website.
The office closes on state holidays and occasionally for maintenance or training. If you arrive and find the office closed unexpectedly, the DPS website will usually post a notice explaining when it will reopen.
Key Takeaways
- The Garland driver license office is located at 2502 Firewheel Drive and handles renewals, replacements, and new license applications in person.
- You will need to bring specific documents depending on whether you are renewing, replacing, or obtaining a license for the first time.
- The office typically operates Monday through Friday during business hours, but you should verify current hours before visiting.
- If you cannot visit in person, Texas offers online renewal for some license holders and allows you to schedule an appointment to reduce wait time.
What Documents You Need to Bring
The documents required depend on what you are doing. For a renewal, you will need your current driver license or ID card, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address.
For a replacement (if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged), bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. A passport, birth certificate, or military ID all work as proof of identity.
For a new license if you have never held one, bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card itself, a W-2, or a tax return), and proof of Texas residency. You will also need to pass a vision test and written exam at the office.
Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation as well.
Fees and Payment Methods
Driver license renewal costs vary depending on how long you want the license to be valid. A standard renewal is typically less expensive than a new license. The Garland office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card.
Fees change periodically, so confirm the exact amount when you call ahead or check the Texas DPS website. If you are renewing online (which some people can do), the fee may be slightly different than the in-person fee.
How to Schedule an Appointment or Check Wait Times
Texas DPS allows you to schedule an appointment online through their website. Scheduling ahead can significantly reduce your wait time at the office. You can also walk in without an appointment, though wait times vary depending on the day and time you visit.
Mornings on weekdays tend to have shorter waits than afternoons. Avoid the first and last hours of the business day if possible, as these often see higher traffic. If you are unsure whether you need an appointment or want to check current wait times, call the office or visit the DPS website.
Online Renewal and Other Remote Options
If your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions, you may be able to renew online without visiting the office. You must have a valid Texas driver license, be a Texas resident, and have no medical conditions that would affect your driving. Online renewal is faster and costs less than in-person renewal.
To renew online, visit the Texas DPS website and follow the steps for online renewal. You will need your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The new license will be mailed to your address on file within one to two weeks.
If you do not may have access to for online renewal, you must visit the Garland office or another DPS location in person.
What to Expect During Your Visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called. Bring all required documents and be prepared to answer questions about your driving history and any medical conditions.
You will have your photo taken and your vision tested. If you are explore for a new license, you will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs. The test is multiple choice and covers Texas traffic rules. You can study using the Texas DPS driver handbook, which is free online.
The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, though this varies depending on how busy the office is and whether your documents are in order. If anything is missing or unclear, staff will tell you what you need to bring back.
If You Cannot Visit the Garland Office
If you live outside Garland but need a Texas driver license, there are DPS offices throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. You can visit any DPS office in Texas—you are not required to use the one closest to your home, though doing so is usually more convenient.
If you are unable to visit any office due to disability or other hardship, contact the DPS directly to ask about accommodations or alternative options. Some services may be available by mail for specific situations, though most transactions require an in-person visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail?
Most driver license renewals require an in-person visit to the DPS office. However, if you are a member of the military stationed outside Texas or have a medical condition that prevents you from visiting in person, you may be able to renew by mail. Contact the DPS to discuss your specific situation.
What if my license is expired?
You can still renew an expired license at the DPS office, though you may face additional requirements if it has been expired for a very long time. Bring all the same documents you would for a standard renewal. The office staff will let you know if anything extra is needed.
How long does it take to get my new license after my visit?
If you renew in person, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready that you can use while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license typically arrives within one to two weeks. If you renew online, the timeline is similar.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
You can walk in without an appointment, but scheduling one online will reduce your wait time. If you prefer to walk in, try visiting early in the morning on a weekday for shorter waits.
What if I have a commercial driver license?
Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) have different requirements and cannot be renewed online. You must visit the DPS office in person. Bring your current CDL, medical certificate, and all other required documents. The process takes longer than a standard renewal because you must pass additional tests.