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 1017 W 2nd Street, Weslaco, TX 78596. This is the only location in Weslaco where you can take the written test, vision test, and photo for a new license or renewal.

The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day, so call ahead at (956) 968-2500 to confirm when you can go. Some Saturdays are open during certain months, but this changes, so verify before making the trip.

Key Takeaways

  • The DPS office in Weslaco is at 1017 W 2nd Street and is the only place to test and photograph for a driver license.
  • You need a Social Security number, proof of Texas residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (passport or birth certificate) to get a new license.
  • Renewals by mail are available if your license is not suspended and you have no medical restrictions, but you must be under 85 years old.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way, and safe driving; the vision test checks that you see 20/40 or better with or without glasses.
  • Bring your Social Security card or a document with your number, because you cannot test without it.

Documents you need for a new license

Texas requires three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You cannot test without all three.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. A school ID or expired driver license does not count.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub with your full number on it. The office will not accept a document with only the last four digits.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a property tax bill in your name. The document must show your current Weslaco address and be dated within the last 30 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also works if it shows your address.

What happens during the test

The written test has 30 questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish. You get one attempt per visit; if you fail, you can return another day to test again.

After you pass the written test, you take the vision test. An examiner will check that you can see 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, you must wear them during the test, and your license will note that you must wear them while driving.

If you pass both tests, you sit for a photo. Wear something you're comfortable in — the photo will be on your license for years. The office will give you a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you.

Renewing by mail instead of in person

If your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and you are under 85 years old, you can renew by mail without visiting the office. You cannot renew by mail if you need to change your name, address, or other information on the license.

To renew by mail, you submit your current license, a completed DL-44 form (available on the Texas DPS website), and the renewal fee. Mail these to the address shown on the form. Processing takes about two weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on your process.

If you have not renewed in more than two years, or if your license has been expired for more than two years, you must visit the office in person and take the tests again.

Fees and payment methods

A new driver license costs $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. Renewal costs $33 for four years or $66 for eight years. These prices are set by the state and do not change by location.

The Weslaco DPS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Bring enough to cover the fee plus any other services you need — for example, a duplicate license costs an additional $11.

How long it takes to get your license

The entire process at the office — paperwork, written test, vision test, and photo — usually takes 30 to 45 minutes on a quiet day. During busy times, especially early morning or mid-month, you may wait an hour or longer. Arriving right when the office opens gives you the shortest wait.

Your temporary paper license is valid when ready. Your plastic card is printed at a facility outside Weslaco and mailed to your address. Delivery usually takes 7 to 10 business days, but can take up to three weeks during high-volume periods.

What to do if you fail the written test

If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you can return to the office and test again. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you pay the full license fee each time you test. Some people study the Texas Driver Handbook (available free on the DPS website) between attempts and return the next day.

The office staff cannot tutor you or tell you which answers you got wrong, but they can point you to study materials. If English is not your first language, ask whether the test is available in Spanish — it is, but you must request it when you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the test if I don't have a Social Security card with me?

No. You must bring a document showing your full Social Security number. A W-2, 1099, or recent pay stub works if your number is printed on it. The office will not accept a number you write down or a card you left at home.

What if my address changed but my license is still valid?

You can update your address at the Weslaco DPS office without renewing your license. Bring your current license and proof of your new address. There is no fee for an address change. You will receive a new license with the updated address mailed to you within 7 to 10 days.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

The Weslaco office operates on a first-come, first-served basis — no appointments. You can walk in during business hours. Call (956) 968-2500 to confirm the office is open before you go, especially on Fridays or near holidays when hours sometimes change.

What if I fail the vision test?

If you do not meet the vision requirement, the examiner will tell you. You can return another day after seeing an eye doctor and getting glasses or contacts if needed. Bring your new glasses or contacts and test again. There is no additional fee to retake the vision test.

Can I get a license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You need a valid passport or visa, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Bring the same documents as anyone else. Your license will be valid as long as your immigration status allows you to be in Texas.