Where to go for your driver's license in Carrollton

Carrollton does not have its own Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. To get or renew a driver's license, you will need to visit a DPS Driver License office in a nearby city. The closest options are in Dallas, Plano, or Irving — all within 15 to 20 minutes of Carrollton depending on traffic and which office you choose.

You can find the exact address and hours of each nearby office on the Texas DPS website. Search for "driver license office near me" or go directly to the DPS office locator. Call ahead before you go, because some offices have walk-in limits or require you to take a number when you arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • Carrollton residents must visit a DPS Driver License office in Dallas, Plano, Irving, or another nearby city — there is no office in Carrollton itself.
  • You will need your Social Security number, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate) before you go.
  • Renewals by mail are available if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change or address change that requires a new photo.
  • The DPS office locator tool on the Texas DPS website shows hours, wait times, and whether each location accepts walk-ins.
  • Vision tests, written tests, and driving tests all happen at the same office, so plan for the full process if you are getting a license for the first time.

Documents you need to bring

Texas requires three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies usually do not work.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a consular report of birth. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your Carrollton address on it. The document must be dated within the last 30 days.

If you are renewing and your address has not changed, you may not need proof of residency again. Ask the office when you call to confirm what you need for your specific situation.

Getting a license for the first time

If you have never had a Texas driver's license, you will take a written test about traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and a driving test. The written test is 30 questions; you need 21 correct to pass. You can study the official Texas Driver Handbook online for free on the DPS website.

The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. The driving test happens in a DPS vehicle with an examiner; you will drive on local streets and demonstrate basic skills like parking and turning.

All three tests happen on the same day at the same office. The whole process usually takes 1 to 3 hours depending on how busy the office is. You will pay a fee for the license itself; the amount varies but is typically under $50 for a first-time license valid for several years.

Renewing your license by mail or in person

If your license is not expired and you have not changed your name or address, you can renew by mail instead of going to an office. The Texas DPS will send you a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires. Follow the instructions in that notice to mail in your renewal form and fee.

Mail renewal takes about two weeks. If you need your new license sooner, or if your address or name has changed, you must go to a DPS office in person. In-person renewal is faster — you usually get your new license the same day or within a few days.

What happens if your license is expired

An expired license cannot be renewed by mail. You must go to a DPS office and explore for a new license as if you were getting one for the first time. This means you will take the written test and vision test again. You may not have to take the driving test if your license has been expired for less than two years, but the office will tell you when you arrive.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will take all three tests. Bring all the same documents you would need for a first-time license.

Commercial driver's license (CDL) in Carrollton

If you need a commercial driver's license to drive a truck or bus, the process is different and takes longer. You will need to pass a written test specific to the type of vehicle you want to drive, a vision test, and a skills test with a commercial vehicle. The DPS office can tell you which nearby locations offer CDL testing — not all offices do.

You will also need a medical certificate from a doctor who is certified to do commercial driver medical exams. This certificate must be current before you take your CDL test. Plan for several visits to different offices and providers if you are pursuing a CDL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

Texas does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and your name and address have not changed. Otherwise, you must visit a DPS office in person.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

Go to a DPS office and report it. You will pay a replacement fee and get a new license with the same number. Bring your proof of identity and residency documents. The replacement usually takes the same day or a few days.

How long does a Texas driver's license last?

A standard driver's license is valid for six years. Your renewal notice will arrive in the mail about 45 days before it expires. You can renew up to one year early if you want to.

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

It depends on the office. Some offices take walk-ins; others require appointments or issue numbers when you arrive. Call the specific office you plan to visit before you go, or check the DPS website for current policies.

What if I fail the written test?

You can take it again the same day or come back another day. There is usually a small fee each time you retake a test. You have unlimited attempts, but you must pass before you can take the driving test.