Where to go for your driver's license in Fort Worth

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs all driver's license services in Fort Worth. You cannot get a license from City Hall or any other local office — you must visit a DPS Driver License office. Fort Worth has multiple locations, and you can choose whichever is most convenient for you.

The main Fort Worth DPS Driver License office is located at 3001 Sycamore School Road, Fort Worth, TX 76133. There is also a second location at 1515 East Loop 820, Fort Worth, TX 76112. Both offices handle new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes. You do not need an appointment at either location, but wait times vary by time of day and day of week — arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter lines than Friday afternoons.

Before you go, check the Texas DPS website to confirm current hours, as they occasionally change. You can also call the Fort Worth office directly at (817) 837-5411 to ask about current wait times.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Texas DPS Driver License office in Fort Worth; no other city or county office can issue a license.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (passport or birth certificate) — the exact documents depend on whether you are getting a new license or renewing.
  • A new license takes about 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail; a renewal can take 2 to 3 weeks depending on the time of year.
  • You can renew online or by mail if you meet certain conditions, which is faster than visiting in person.
  • The fee for a new license is different from the fee for a renewal, and both vary based on how long you want the license to be valid.

Documents you need to bring

The documents required depend on whether you are getting a new license for the first time, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost or damaged license. Texas calls these different "classes" of transactions, and each has its own document list.

For a new license, bring proof of identity (a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or foreign passport), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of residency in Fort Worth (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). You will also need to pass a vision test and a written test on traffic laws. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign the process in person.

For a renewal, the process is simpler if your current license is not expired or has been expired for less than two years. You can often renew by mail or online without visiting an office. If you do visit in person, bring your current license and proof of residency. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to bring the same documents as a new license and retake the written and vision tests.

For a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged), bring proof of identity and proof of residency, plus a police report if the license was stolen. You do not retake tests for a replacement.

How to renew by mail or online instead of visiting

If your license is not expired or expired less than two years ago, you may be able to renew without going to an office. Texas offers online renewal through its website, and you can also renew by mail.

Online renewal is the fastest option. Visit the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the steps. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal at some DPS offices.

Renewal by mail takes longer but requires no office visit. Request an process form from the DPS website or call (888) 589-6789. Fill it out, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks, and the new license arrives by mail. You cannot renew by mail if your address has changed since your last license was issued.

You are not may be able to access for mail or online renewal if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to add or remove restrictions (such as corrective lenses). In those cases, you must visit a DPS office in person.

What the written and vision tests involve

If you are getting a new license or your old one has been expired for more than two years, you will take a written test on Texas traffic laws and a vision test. The vision test is straightforward — you look through a machine and read letters or numbers at different distances. You pass if you can see 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, you must wear them during the test, and your license will be marked with a restriction requiring you to wear them while driving.

The written test has 30 questions about traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DPS office, and you get your results when ready. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no limit on how many times you can retake it, but you pay the license fee each time.

You can study for the written test using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. Many people also use practice tests available online to prepare.

How long it takes and what to expect on the day

The time from process to receiving your new license depends on the type of transaction. A new license or replacement typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days after you explore. A renewal by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks. Online renewal is fastest — your license ships within 7 to 10 business days.

On the day you visit the DPS office, expect to spend 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on how busy the office is. You will check in at the front desk, take a number, and wait to be called. When called, you will go to a window where a clerk verifies your documents, takes your photo, collects your fee, and administers the vision test. If you need to take the written test, you will be directed to a computer station. Once everything is complete, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed.

Your permanent license will arrive at the address you provided on your process. If you do not receive it within 10 business days, call the DPS office to check the status. Do not assume it is lost — mail delays happen, especially during busy seasons.

Fees and payment methods

The cost of a driver's license in Texas depends on how long you want it to be valid and whether you are getting a new license, renewal, or replacement. A new license valid for four years costs less than one valid for eight years. Renewal fees are lower than new license fees. Replacement fees (for lost or damaged licenses) fall in between.

As of 2024, a new four-year license costs approximately $33, and an eight-year license costs approximately $61. A renewal is less expensive — roughly $27 for four years and $48 for eight years. A replacement costs around $11. These amounts vary slightly and may change, so confirm the exact fee when you arrive or check the DPS website beforehand.

The DPS office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order — you cannot pay by card. If you renew online, you pay by debit or credit card.

What to do if you have a suspended or revoked license

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. A suspension is temporary — your license will be reinstated on a specific date set by the court or DPS. A revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process.

If your license is suspended, you must wait until the suspension period ends before you can renew or drive legally. You can check the status of your license on the Texas DPS website by entering your license number and date of birth. If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the Fort Worth DPS office or visit in person to ask.

If your license has been revoked, you will need to complete a reinstatement process that may include paying a reinstatement fee, taking a defensive driving course, or meeting other requirements set by the court. The Fort Worth DPS office can tell you what steps you need to take, but you should also contact the court that issued the revocation to understand all requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I just moved to Fort Worth from another state?

No, you cannot renew an out-of-state license in Texas. You must get a new Texas license. Bring your out-of-state license as proof of identity, along with proof of residency in Fort Worth and proof of your Social Security number. You will take the written and vision tests.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it when ready at the same DPS office or return another day. There is no limit on retakes, but you pay the license fee each time you test. Most people pass on the second or third attempt after studying the Texas Driver Handbook.

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

The Fort Worth DPS offices do not require appointments — you straightforward arrive and check in. However, you can call ahead to ask about current wait times and choose a time when lines are typically shorter, such as Tuesday or Wednesday mornings.

What if my address changed since my last license?

You cannot renew by mail or online if your address has changed. You must visit a DPS office in person and bring proof of your new Fort Worth residency. The office will update your address and issue a new license.

How do I know if my license arrived in the mail?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days, so your permanent license should arrive well before then. If it does not, call the Fort Worth DPS office with your process number or license number. They can track it and tell you if there was a delivery issue or if it is still being processed.