Where to go for your driver license in Weslaco

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver license office in Weslaco. You'll find it at 1315 South 77 Sunshine Strip, Weslaco, TX 78596. This is the only location in Weslaco where you can explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or handle most license-related transactions.

The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day, so call ahead at (956) 968-2502 to confirm when you can go. Wait times can be long during lunch hours and late afternoon, so arriving early in the morning often means a shorter wait.

Key Takeaways

  • The DPS office in Weslaco is located at 1315 South 77 Sunshine Strip and handles all driver license services for the area.
  • You will need a Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity — the exact documents depend on whether you are getting your first license or renewing.
  • Texas allows you to renew your license online or by mail if you meet certain conditions, which can save you a trip to the office.
  • If you fail the written or driving test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day without paying the fee again.

Documents you need to bring

What you bring depends on whether this is your first license, a renewal, or a replacement. For any transaction, you will need your Social Security number and proof of identity. Proof of identity can be a passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a consular ID card.

You also need proof that you live in Texas. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government check. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 90 days.

If you are renewing and your license is not expired or expiring within the next 60 days, you may be able to renew online at the Texas DPS website without visiting the office. If you are getting your first license or your license is expired, you must go in person.

The written and driving tests

If you are getting your first Texas license or your license has been expired for more than two years, you will take a written test about traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you need to answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the office.

After you pass the written test, you will take a driving test with a DPS examiner. The examiner will watch you perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. If you fail either test, you can retake it the same day if time allows, or you can come back another day. You do not pay the fee again for retakes on the same day.

If you are renewing a license that is still valid or expiring soon, you usually skip both tests. The office staff will tell you when you arrive whether you need to test.

Fees and payment methods

The cost of a driver license in Texas depends on the type and how long it is valid. A standard license valid for five years costs less than a license valid for eight years. The DPS office in Weslaco accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

If you are renewing online or by mail, you will pay a lower fee than you would in person. The DPS website shows the exact cost for each type of transaction before you start.

Renewing by mail or online instead of in person

If your license is still valid or expiring within 60 days, you may renew online at the Texas DPS website without going to the office. You will need your license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The online renewal takes a few minutes and costs less than renewing in person.

You can also renew by mail if you meet the same conditions. You will mail your current license and the renewal form to the address shown on the DPS website. Mail renewal takes longer — usually two to three weeks — so plan ahead if you need your new license by a certain date.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to the office in person and take the written and driving tests again.

What to do if your license is lost or stolen

If your license is lost or stolen, you can get a replacement at the Weslaco DPS office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a renewal. You do not need to take the written or driving test for a replacement.

The replacement license will have a new number and will be valid for the same length of time as your original license would have been. If you find your old license later, you should not use it.

Changing your name or address on your license

If you got married, divorced, or legally changed your name, you can update your license at the Weslaco office. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of your current address. There is usually a small fee for this change.

You can also change your address without changing your name. Bring your current license and proof of your new address. You do not need to take any tests for an address change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it expired more than two years ago?

No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must go to the DPS office in person and take both the written test and the driving test. Online and mail renewal are only for licenses that are still valid or expiring within 60 days.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test the same day if time allows, and you do not pay the fee again. If you want to retake it another day, you can come back to the office whenever you are ready. You only pay once for the original test.

Do I need an appointment to go to the DPS office in Weslaco?

Appointments are not required, but you can call (956) 968-2502 to ask about wait times before you go. Arriving early in the morning usually means a shorter wait than going during lunch or late afternoon.

What if I moved to Weslaco from another state?

You will need to get a Texas license. Bring your out-of-state license, your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency in Texas. You may need to take the written test and driving test depending on your age and how long your out-of-state license has been valid.

Can I get a Real ID at the Weslaco DPS office?

Yes. A Real ID is a driver license that meets federal security standards and can be used for air travel and entry to federal buildings. It costs a bit more than a standard license and requires additional documents, such as proof of citizenship. Ask the office staff about Real ID when you arrive.