Where to go for your driver's license in Dallas

In Dallas, you get your driver's license from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), not from a city office. DPS runs all driver's license services in Texas. You can visit a DPS Driver License office in person, and there are multiple locations across the Dallas area — the main office is downtown, but there are also offices in suburbs like Arlington, Plano, and Irving.

You cannot get a Texas driver's license online or by mail. You must appear in person at a DPS office to have your photo taken and to verify your identity with original documents. Some offices take walk-ins, but most operate by appointment only. You can schedule an appointment on the DPS website or by calling the office directly.

The wait time varies by location and time of day. Offices tend to be busier in the morning and on Fridays. If you walk in without an appointment at a location that accepts walk-ins, expect to wait anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on how busy the office is that day.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Texas Department of Public Safety office in person with original identity documents — no online or mail options exist.
  • Most DPS offices in the Dallas area require an appointment, which you can schedule on the DPS website or by phone.
  • A new driver's license costs $33 for a standard license valid for five years, or $66 for one valid for eight years.
  • You will need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test if you are getting your first license; renewals do not require the driving test.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity — the DPS website lists exactly which documents count as proof of each.

Documents you need to bring

DPS requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency in Texas. You must bring originals, not copies. A photocopy will not be accepted.

For proof of identity, you can bring a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a state ID from another state. If you are a permanent resident, bring your green card. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your visa and I-94 arrival/departure record.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement from the government. For proof of residency in Texas, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a bank statement — the document must show your name and current Dallas-area address and be dated within the last 30 days.

The DPS website has a complete list of acceptable documents for each category. Check it before you go, because if you arrive without the right documents, the office will not process your request and you will have wasted your appointment.

Getting your first driver's license versus renewing

If you have never had a Texas driver's license, you are getting a new license. This requires you to pass three tests: a written knowledge test about traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test. The written test has 30 questions and you must answer at least 21 correctly. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which DPS publishes free online.

The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. The driving test is conducted by a DPS examiner who rides with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you arrange) and watches you perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping.

If you already have a Texas driver's license and it is expired or expiring soon, you are renewing. A renewal does not require you to retake the written test or the driving test — you only need to pass the vision test and update your information. A renewal takes less time than a new license.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must contact DPS to find out what steps are required to restore your driving privileges before you can get a new license.

Cost and how long your license lasts

A standard Texas driver's license costs $33 and is valid for five years. You can also pay $66 for a license valid for eight years. The eight-year option costs more upfront but means you will not need to renew as often.

Your license will expire on your birthday in the year it is set to expire. For example, if you get a five-year license on March 15, 2024, it will expire on March 15, 2029. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.

DPS accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at all offices. Some offices may have limits on which payment methods they accept, so call ahead if you want to confirm.

What happens after you pass the tests

Once you pass all required tests, DPS will issue your license on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license that day, valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Do not drive without the temporary license — it is your proof that you are licensed to drive.

If your permanent license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DPS office where you applied. Keep your temporary license until the plastic one arrives. If you lose the temporary license before the permanent one comes, go back to the DPS office and ask for a replacement.

Renewing by mail or online if you are out of state

If you moved out of Texas and your license is still valid, you cannot renew it by mail or online while you are out of state. Texas only allows mail renewal for people who are still living in Texas but cannot visit an office in person due to a medical condition or disability.

If you moved away and your license expired, you will need to return to Texas in person to get a new one. You cannot renew an expired Texas license from another state. If you now live in another state, you should get a driver's license from that state instead.

If you lost your license or it was stolen

If your license is lost or stolen, go to any DPS office and ask for a replacement. Bring the same documents you would bring for a renewal — proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You will have your photo taken again, and you will receive a temporary license on the spot and a permanent one in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

A replacement license costs $11. You do not need to retake any tests. If your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, though that is separate from replacing your driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment online or do I have to call?

You can schedule an appointment on the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. You will need to select your location, choose a date and time, and provide your name and phone number. If you prefer to call, you can reach the DPS Driver License office directly — the phone number for each location is on the DPS website.

What if I fail the written test or the driving test?

You can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts. Each retake costs the same as the original test. Most people pass on their second or third try if they study the handbook and practice driving beforehand.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or is the number enough?

You need to bring an original document that shows your Social Security number — the card itself, a W-2, a 1099, or a government statement. DPS will not accept a number written on a piece of paper or a photocopy. If you do not have your card, order a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your DPS appointment.

What if my address changed since I got my last license?

Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days) along with your other documents. DPS will update your address during your appointment. You do not need to notify DPS separately — the address change happens as part of the renewal or replacement process.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. You must be present at the DPS office for your appointment. DPS requires you to have your photo taken and to verify your identity in person. No one can do this on your behalf.