Where to go for your driver's license in Abilene

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver's license system in Texas. In Abilene, you'll visit a DPS Driver License office to get a new license, renew an expiring one, or update your information. The main Abilene office is located at 5002 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, TX 79606. This is the place to go for most driver's license needs.

You can also renew your license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must have no medical restrictions, and your address must not have changed. Not everyone qualifies for mail or online renewal, so the in-person office is the safest option if you're unsure.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit the DPS Driver License office at 5002 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene to get a new license or renew an existing one in person.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency (like a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate).
  • A standard driver's license costs around $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, though prices vary based on the type of license you need.
  • You can renew by mail or online only if your license expired within the last two years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.
  • Bring your current license or ID when you visit, and arrive early because wait times can be long during peak hours.

Documents you need to bring

Texas requires specific documents before DPS will issue or renew your license. You must bring proof of identity — this can be a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a consular report of birth abroad. You also need proof of Social Security number, which can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form.

Third, you need proof of Texas residency. This must be a document dated within the last 30 days showing your current address — examples include a utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you've recently moved and don't have a 30-day-old document yet, ask the office what they can accept; some offices will take a combination of older documents.

Bring your current driver's license or ID if you have one. If you're renewing, this speeds up the process. If you're getting your first license, bring any state ID you hold. You'll also fill out an process form at the office — DPS Form DL-43 for a new license or DL-44 for a renewal.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive at the Abilene DPS office, you'll check in at the front desk and receive a number. Wait times vary widely depending on the time of day and day of the week; mornings on weekdays tend to be less crowded than afternoons or Saturdays. Have your documents ready before you reach the window.

At the window, a DPS employee will verify your documents, check your information against state records, and ask you to sign the process. You'll then have your photo taken for the license. The photo is taken at the office, so dress as you would for any official photo. You'll also take a vision test at this time — if you normally wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

Once everything is complete, you'll pay the fee. A standard four-year license costs around $16, and an eight-year license costs around $32. DPS accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. Your temporary license is printed on the spot, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by mail or online instead

If your license expired less than two years ago, you have no medical restrictions listed on your license, and your address hasn't changed, you can renew without visiting the office. Online renewal is faster — you can renew at the Texas DPS website, upload a new photo, and receive your license by mail. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no internet access.

To renew online, visit the Texas DPS website and follow the renewal portal. You'll need your driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You'll upload a digital photo that meets DPS standards — it must be a recent color photo of your face, taken straight-on, with a plain background. The fee is the same as in-person renewal.

For mail renewal, contact the Abilene DPS office or read the renewal form from the Texas DPS website. Mail it with a check or money order and a new photo. Mail renewal typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time DPS receives your form.

Getting a license for the first time

If you've never had a Texas driver's license, you'll need to visit the office in person. You cannot renew online or by mail if you don't already have a license. Bring all the documents listed above — proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency — plus your current out-of-state license if you have one.

You'll also take a written knowledge test at the office. This test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. You must pass this test before DPS will issue your license. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day.

You'll also take a driving test unless you're transferring a valid license from another state. The driving test is scheduled separately from your written test — after you pass the written test, DPS will tell you when you can schedule the driving portion. Bring a vehicle and a licensed adult to the driving test appointment.

Hours and contact information

The Abilene DPS Driver License office at 5002 Buffalo Gap Road is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. Hours can change, so call ahead at (325) 674-1500 to confirm before you visit.

You can also check wait times and get general information on the Texas DPS website. If you have questions about your specific situation — for example, if you're unsure whether your documents will be accepted or whether you may have access to for mail renewal — call the office directly. Staff can often answer questions over the phone and save you a trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you must renew in person at the DPS office if your license has been expired for more than two years. Bring all required documents and be prepared to retake the vision test. If you also need to retake the written knowledge test, DPS will let you know during your visit.

What if I don't have a Social Security card?

You don't need the card itself. Bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or any other document that shows your Social Security number. If you don't have any of these, contact the Abilene DPS office to ask what alternatives they accept.

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

Your temporary license is printed at the office and valid when ready. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, ask the office whether they offer expedited mail service, which may be available for an additional fee.

Do I need an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?

The Abilene office operates on a first-come, first-served basis — no appointments are required. Arrive early to avoid long wait times, especially on Saturdays or late afternoons. You can call ahead to ask about current wait times.

What if I moved to Abilene from another state?

You can transfer your out-of-state license to a Texas license. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, and proof of Social Security number. You won't need to retake the written test if your out-of-state license is valid, but you will need to take a vision test and have a new photo taken.