Where to go for your driver's license in Arlington

The Arlington Department of Public Safety handles driver's licenses for people who live in or need to get one in Arlington. You do not go to the state capital or a regional office — you go to the Arlington location itself. The main office is at 1200 East Abram Street, Arlington, TX 76010, and it is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

Texas driver's licenses are issued by the state, but Arlington residents handle the local part of the process at this city office. You can also visit any Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in the state if you prefer, but the Arlington location is the most convenient if you live or work there.

Before you go, check the current wait times and hours on the Arlington city website or call ahead. Wait times can vary significantly depending on the day and time of day you visit.

Key Takeaways

  • The Arlington Department of Public Safety at 1200 East Abram Street handles driver's licenses for Arlington residents.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it.
  • Bring your current license if you are renewing, or your birth certificate or passport if you are getting your first license.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday, and wait times vary — call ahead to check how busy it is before you go.
  • Texas driver's licenses cost money, and the fee depends on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing a lost one.

What documents you need to bring

Texas requires specific documents no matter where you get your license. You need one form of primary identification — a passport, birth certificate, or consular report of birth abroad. You also need proof that you live in Arlington, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address on it. The document must be dated within the last 90 days.

Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or a document that shows your number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you do not have your Social Security number documented anywhere, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration instead.

If you are renewing your license, bring your current license. If you are getting your first license or replacing a lost one, bring your birth certificate or passport instead. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

The difference between a new license and a renewal

A renewal means your current license is still valid or has expired recently, and you want to keep the same number and information. A new license means you have never had a Texas license, or your old one was lost or stolen and you need a replacement. The documents you bring are slightly different, and the fees are different.

If your license expired more than two years ago, Texas may treat it as a new license rather than a renewal, even if you held it before. Check with the Arlington office about your specific situation if you are unsure.

Renewals are often faster than new licenses because you do not have to take a written test or vision test again — the office just updates your information and takes a new photo. New licenses require you to pass the written test and vision screening, which takes longer.

Taking the written test and vision screening

If you are getting a new license, you will take a written test about Texas traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can study the official Texas Driver Handbook before you go, which is free and available on the Texas DPS website.

You will also have your vision screened at the office. This is a straightforward check to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

If you fail the written test, you can usually take it again the same day or come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you may have to pay a fee each time.

How much it costs and payment methods

Texas driver's license fees vary depending on what you are doing. A new license costs one amount, a renewal costs another, and a replacement for a lost or stolen license costs a third. The exact fee changes periodically, so call the Arlington office or check the Texas DPS website for the current price.

The Arlington office accepts cash, check, and credit or debit card. Some offices also accept money orders. Ask when you call or arrive which payment methods they accept that day.

If you are getting a REAL ID-compliant license — which you will need to fly domestically or enter a federal building starting in 2025 — the fee may be slightly higher than a standard license. Most new licenses issued now are REAL ID-compliant by default.

How long it takes to get your license

If you are renewing and everything is in order, you may walk out with your new license the same day. If you are getting a new license and need to take the test, the process takes longer — usually 30 minutes to an hour at the office, plus waiting time.

If the office needs to verify any of your documents or if there is a problem with your process, they may mail your license to you instead of handing it to you that day. This usually takes one to two weeks. They will tell you before you leave whether you are getting it same-day or by mail.

Wait times at the Arlington office vary widely. Going early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday is usually faster than going on a Friday afternoon. Call ahead to ask how busy they are.

What to do if you have a suspended or revoked license

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at the Arlington office. You must first clear the suspension or revocation with the Texas DPS. This usually means paying a reinstatement fee, completing a required course, or resolving a court case.

Contact the Texas DPS directly to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you need to do to clear it. Once you have done that, you can go to the Arlington office to renew or replace your license.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, you can check your status on the Texas DPS website before you go to the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

Texas allows some renewals by mail or online if your license is not suspended and you meet certain conditions. Check the Texas DPS website to see if you are may be able to access. If you are not, you must go to the Arlington office in person.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can bring other documents as primary identification, such as a consular report of birth abroad, a certificate of naturalization, or a foreign passport. Call the Arlington office to ask which documents they will accept in your situation.

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

Most Texas DPS offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but some locations in the Dallas area may offer appointments. Call the Arlington office to ask whether you can schedule a time or if you just show up during business hours.

What if I moved to Arlington from another state?

You will need to get a Texas license instead of renewing your old one. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Arlington, and your primary identification. You will take the written test and vision screening as if you were getting your first license.

How long is a Texas driver's license valid?

Most Texas driver's licenses are valid for six years. Your license will show the expiration date on the front. Renew it before that date, or you will have to get a new license instead of a renewal.