Where to go for a Dallas driver's license
You get a Texas driver's license through the Department of Public Safety (DPS), not through Dallas city government. DPS runs all driver's license offices in Texas, including the ones in Dallas. You cannot get one by mail or online — you must visit a DPS office in person.
Dallas has multiple DPS driver's license offices. The main locations are on Westmoreland Road and on Lamar Street, but DPS also operates offices in surrounding areas. Before you go, check the DPS website or call ahead to confirm hours, because some offices have different schedules and some close for lunch.
Wait times at Dallas offices vary widely. Early morning (right when the office opens) and mid-week tend to be faster than afternoons and Fridays. Some offices let you reserve a time slot online through the DPS website, which can cut your wait from hours to 30 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with your documents — you cannot get a Texas driver's license by mail or online.
- Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or an ITIN.
- A new license costs around $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, though prices vary slightly by office.
- Processing takes about 7 to 10 business days after your visit; you can check status online using your driver's license number or process number.
- If you are renewing, you may be able to do it by mail if your license is not suspended and you meet other conditions — ask DPS when you call.
What documents you need to bring
You need three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. Bringing originals is faster than bringing copies, though DPS will accept copies of some documents.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card, a military ID, or a permanent resident card. If your name has changed since the document was issued, bring the document that shows the old name plus a document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
For proof of residency, bring something dated within the last 30 days showing your Dallas address: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement. A piece of mail from a government agency works too. If you live with someone else, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of their ID.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a pay stub. If you have an ITIN instead, bring the letter from the IRS that assigned it to you. You do not need to bring the original — a copy works.
The cost and how long it takes
A new five-year driver's license costs around $33. An eight-year license costs around $66. These prices are set by the state and do not vary between Dallas offices, though you should confirm the exact amount when you call ahead. DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
After you visit the office and complete your test and photo, DPS mails your license to the address you provided. This takes 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances. You can check the status online at the DPS website using your driver's license number or the process number they give you at the office.
While you wait, you can request a temporary paper license at the office. This is valid for 45 days and lets you drive legally while your permanent card is in the mail. You do not have to pay extra for it.
What to expect during your visit
When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. A DPS employee will review your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. You will also take a written test on traffic laws and road signs — this is the same test everyone takes, and you can study sample questions on the DPS website beforehand.
If you are getting your first Texas license, you will also take a vision test and a driving test. The vision test happens at the office. The driving test happens in a separate area with a DPS examiner and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Bring your own car or arrange to use someone else's — DPS does not provide one.
If you are renewing a license that is still valid, you may skip the driving test. If your license is expired, you will likely have to retake the driving test. Ask when you call to confirm what applies to your situation.
Renewing by mail instead of in person
You may be able to renew your license by mail if your current license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your license is not more than two years expired. You must also have held a Texas license for at least five years. Not everyone meets these conditions, so call DPS or check their website to confirm you do before you try.
If you are may be able to access, you can request a renewal form from the DPS website or by calling. You fill it out, include a new photo (passport-style, 2 by 2 inches), and mail it with your fee to the address DPS provides. Processing takes about three weeks. This route is slower than visiting in person, but it saves you a trip and a wait.
If you are not may be able to access for mail renewal, you must visit an office in person. There is no other option.
If your license is suspended or expired
A suspended license means you are not allowed to drive. You cannot renew a suspended license — you must first contact DPS or the court that suspended it to find out why and what you need to do to lift the suspension. This might mean paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period. Only after the suspension is lifted can you renew.
An expired license is different. You can renew an expired license at any DPS office, even if it has been expired for years. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years, you will have to retake the written test and the driving test, not just renew. Bring all the same documents as you would for a new license.
Changing your name or address on your license
If you got married, divorced, or changed your name through a court order, you can update your license at a DPS office. Bring your current license, the document proving the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and your proof of identity. You will get a new photo taken and pay a small fee — usually around $11 for a name change without a new photo, or the full license fee if you want a new photo.
If you moved within Texas, you can update your address at a DPS office without getting a new license card. Bring your current license and proof of your new address. This is free and takes just a few minutes. Your updated address will print on your next license renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Texas driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS, you can use that instead. Bring the letter from the IRS that assigned you the ITIN. You will still need proof of identity and proof of residency.
What if I fail the written test or the driving test?
You can retake the test the same day or come back another day — DPS will let you choose. There is usually a small fee to retake a test, around $7 to $10. You get three attempts within a certain time period before you have to start over with a new process.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
Some Dallas DPS offices take walk-ins, and some require appointments. Check the DPS website or call the specific office you plan to visit. If appointments are available, booking one will save you hours of waiting.
What if I moved to Dallas from another state?
You need to get a Texas license within 30 days of moving. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of residency in Dallas, and proof of your Social Security number. You will take the written test and the driving test. Your out-of-state license is not valid in Texas after 30 days.
How do I check if my license is ready to pick up?
DPS mails licenses to your address — you do not pick them up at the office. You can check the status online at the DPS website using your driver's license number or process number. If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, call DPS to report it.