Where to go for your driver's license in Longview

In Longview, you get your driver's license at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License office. The main office is located at 3401 Estes Parkway, Longview, TX 75601. This is the only DPS office in Longview where you can take the written test, vision test, and photo for a new license or renewal.

You can also renew your license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must be between 18 and 84 years old, and you cannot have any medical restrictions. Not everyone qualifies for mail or online renewal, so check the Texas DPS website first to see if your situation allows it.

Key Takeaways

  • The DPS Driver License office in Longview is at 3401 Estes Parkway and is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
  • You need to bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and proof of citizenship or legal presence in the United States.
  • A new license costs around $33 for a five-year license or $66 for an eight-year license, though prices can change and vary by license type.
  • If you are renewing and your license expired less than two years ago, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of visiting in person.
  • Bring your current license or ID if you have one, and arrive early because wait times can be long during peak hours.

Documents you need to bring

Texas requires you to bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. Your current driver's license counts as proof of identity if you have one. If you do not, you can bring a passport, military ID, or state ID card.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Longview address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, you can bring a government check, property tax receipt, or insurance policy.

For proof of citizenship or legal presence, bring your birth certificate, passport, or Certificate of Naturalization. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you need an unexpired visa, work permit, or other document showing you are lawfully in the country. Texas DPS has a full list of acceptable documents on their website.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive at the DPS office, you will check in and take a number. You will wait until your number is called. A staff member will review your documents, take your photo, and check your vision. If you are getting a new license or your license has been expired for more than two years, you will also take a written test on Texas traffic laws and road signs.

The written test has 30 questions and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the office. If you fail, you can take it again the same day or come back another day. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them.

After you pass the tests and your documents are approved, you will pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Costs and payment methods

A five-year driver's license costs around $33, and an eight-year license costs around $66. These prices are set by the state and do not change by location, but they can change from year to year. You will also pay a $5 fee if you need a duplicate or replacement license due to loss or damage.

The DPS office in Longview takes cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not take checks. If you are renewing by mail, you will need to include a check or money order with your process.

Hours and how to prepare

The DPS Driver License office in Longview is typically open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an hour break for lunch. Hours can change seasonally or for holidays, so call ahead at the office or check the Texas DPS website before you go. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Before you visit, make a checklist of your documents and check that everything is current and has your name on it. If your address on your documents does not match your current Longview address, bring a second proof of residency. Bring your Social Security number written down if you do not have your Social Security card, though the card itself is preferred.

Renewing by mail or online instead

If your license expired less than two years ago, you are between 18 and 84, and you have no medical restrictions, you may renew by mail. You will need to fill out Form DL-44 or DL-43 (depending on whether you are renewing or replacing), include a copy of your current license, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form. Processing takes about two weeks.

Online renewal is also available for some drivers. You can renew online at the Texas DPS website if you meet the same age and expiration requirements and do not need a new photo. Online renewal is faster — your license will arrive within one to two weeks — and you can pay by debit or credit card.

If your license is suspended or revoked

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it in person, by mail, or online. You must first contact the Texas DPS to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or too many traffic violations. The DPS website has a tool where you can check your license status.

Once you have resolved the reason for the suspension, you will need to visit the DPS office in person to reinstate your license. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee in addition to the renewal fee. The office staff can tell you exactly what documents and fees you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than two years. You must visit the DPS office in person and take the written and vision tests again. Bring all required documents and be prepared to spend one to two hours at the office.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

You can bring your Social Security number written on a piece of paper if you do not have the card itself, but the DPS prefers the actual card. If you do not have your number at all, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you visit the DPS office.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the test?

You receive a temporary paper license the same day you pass your test. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can drive using the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

Do I need an appointment to visit the DPS office in Longview?

The DPS office in Longview operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not require appointments. However, you can call ahead to ask about current wait times. Arriving early in the morning usually means shorter waits.

What if I fail the written test?

You can take the test again the same day at no extra cost, or you can come back another day. Most people pass on their second attempt. Study the Texas Driver Handbook before you go — it covers all the topics on the test and is free on the DPS website.