The main place to renew or get a driver license in Garland

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver license office in Garland. It is located at 1111 West Avenue D, Garland, TX 75040. This is where you go to renew an existing license, get your first license, or replace a lost or damaged one.

You do not need an appointment to visit, but the office does have walk-in hours and sometimes closes for lunch. Calling ahead at the office directly can tell you the current wait time and whether they are open that day. The office is typically busier in the morning and on Mondays and Fridays.

Key Takeaways

  • The Garland DPS office is at 1111 West Avenue D and handles all driver license transactions without requiring an appointment.
  • You will need to bring specific documents depending on whether you are renewing, getting your first license, or replacing a lost one.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or documentation of it.
  • The office accepts cash, check, and card for the license fee, which varies depending on the type and length of license you need.
  • If you cannot visit in person, you may be able to renew by mail or online depending on your situation and how long your current license has been expired.

What documents you need to bring

The documents required depend on what you are doing. For a renewal, you need your current driver license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security number. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to bring additional documents as if you were getting a new license.

For a first-time license or if you are replacing a lost one, bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID), proof of residency, your Social Security card or a document showing your number, and proof of your legal name if it differs from your ID (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DPS website lists the full set of acceptable documents for each situation.

The fee and payment methods

The cost of a driver license in Texas depends on the type and how long you want it to be valid. A standard five-year license costs less than an eight-year license. Real ID-compliant licenses (which you need for federal air travel) cost slightly more. The DPS office in Garland accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards, so you do not need to bring exact change.

If you are renewing and your license is still valid or expired less than two years, you may be able to renew by mail or through the Texas DPS online portal, which could save you a trip. Check the DPS website to see if your situation qualifies for mail or online renewal.

Hours and how to prepare for your visit

The Garland DPS office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though the exact times can vary. Some DPS offices close for lunch, so calling ahead is worth the time. You can reach the office by phone to confirm hours and ask about current wait times before you go.

Bring all your documents in one folder or envelope so you do not lose anything while you wait. Arrive early if you can, especially if you are going on a Monday or Friday. The office can get crowded in the afternoon, so a morning visit usually means a shorter wait.

What happens after you explore

Once you submit your documents and pay the fee, the DPS will take your photo and process your process on the spot. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license that you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.

If there is a problem with your process — missing documents, unclear photo, or information that does not match your records — the office will tell you before you leave. It is better to fix issues right away than to have your license delayed in the mail.

If you cannot visit the Garland office

If you live outside Garland but need a Texas driver license, there are DPS offices in most Texas cities. You can find the nearest one on the Texas DPS website by entering your city or zip code. Every office handles the same transactions and accepts the same documents.

If you are out of state or unable to visit in person, check whether you may have access to for mail renewal or online renewal through the DPS website. Some situations — like a straightforward renewal of a valid license — can be handled without going to an office at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my driver license online instead of going to the office?

You may be able to renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license is still valid or expired less than two years, and you have a Real ID-compliant license or are willing to get one. Not all situations may have access to for online renewal, so check the DPS website to see if yours does. If you do not may have access to, you will need to visit the office in person.

What if I lost my driver license and need a replacement?

Bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or proof of your number to the Garland DPS office. The office will issue you a replacement license on the spot, and it will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will get a temporary paper license to use in the meantime.

Do I need a Real ID license, or can I get a regular one?

A Real ID-compliant license is required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025. If you fly or need to enter federal facilities, get a Real ID license. If you do not, a standard license is fine. Both cost slightly different amounts, and the DPS office can explain the difference when you arrive.

How long does it take to get a driver license after I explore?

The office processes your process and takes your photo while you wait. Your new license is mailed to you and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license when ready that you can use for driving and identification until the plastic card arrives.

What if the office is too busy when I arrive?

Call the Garland DPS office before you go to ask about wait times. Morning visits and mid-week days (Tuesday through Thursday) are usually less crowded than Monday and Friday afternoons. If the wait is very long, you can come back another day or visit a different DPS office in the Dallas area.