Where the Abilene Driver's License Office Is Located

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) operates a driver's license office in Abilene at 1150 North Judge Ely Boulevard, Abilene, TX 79601. This is the main location where you can renew your license, get a replacement, change your address, or handle most other driver's license transactions in the Abilene area.

The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day — some days open at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m., while others have different schedules. Before you go, call ahead at the office directly or check the Texas DPS website to confirm the current hours, since they can change seasonally or due to staffing.

Key Takeaways

  • The Abilene driver's license office is located at 1150 North Judge Ely Boulevard and is open weekdays only.
  • You will need to bring specific documents depending on whether you are renewing, replacing, or changing information on your license.
  • The office does not take walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis — you must get a number or appointment before being served.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it.
  • Processing times vary, but most transactions take 20 to 45 minutes once you are called.

What Documents You Need to Bring

The documents required depend on what you are doing. For a renewal, you need your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. If you do not have your Social Security card, bring a document that shows it — a W-2, tax return, or bank statement will work.

For a replacement license (if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged), bring your Social Security number or proof of it, proof of residency, and a form of ID if you have one. If you are changing your address, bring your current license and proof of your new address.

Proof of residency must show your current address and your name. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.

How to Get Served Without an Appointment

The Abilene office uses a number system. When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You then wait in the lobby until your number is called. The office does not hold your place if you leave — if you step outside or go to your car, you may lose your spot and have to get a new number.

Arrival time matters. The office tends to be busiest in the mid-morning and early afternoon. If you arrive in the first hour after opening or in the last hour before closing, you are more likely to be seen quickly. Avoid Mondays and Fridays if possible, as these are typically the busiest days.

What Transactions You Can Handle in Person

At the Abilene office, you can renew your license, get a replacement, change your address, update your name, add or remove endorsements (such as a commercial driver's license endorsement), and take the written knowledge test if you are getting your first license or a new class of license.

You cannot take the driving skills test (the road test) at this location. Road tests are scheduled at separate DPS testing sites. If you need a road test, the staff at the Abilene office can tell you where the nearest testing location is and how to schedule.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver's license fees vary depending on what you are doing and how long you want your license to be valid. A standard renewal costs less than a replacement, and a license valid for five years costs less than one valid for eight years. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

Ask about the exact fee when you check in, since rates can change. The staff will tell you the total cost before you complete your transaction, so there are no surprises at payment time.

If You Need a Real ID Compliant License

A Real ID is a federal standard that allows your driver's license to be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If your current license is not Real ID compliant, you can upgrade it at the Abilene office.

To get a Real ID license, you need to bring additional documents beyond the standard renewal requirements. You will need proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and two forms of proof of residency instead of one. The fee for a Real ID license is higher than a standard license, and processing may take longer because the office must verify your citizenship documents.

What to Expect on the Day You Go

Plan to spend 45 minutes to an hour at the office, though this varies. Bring all your documents in one place so you do not have to search for them when you are called. Have your Social Security number memorized or written down. Wear glasses or contacts if you normally do — you may be asked to take a new photo, and it must match your vision correction needs.

If you are renewing and your current photo is acceptable, you may not need a new photo. If you are getting a replacement or your license has expired by more than a certain amount of time, a new photo is required. The office will let you know when you check in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the office?

Texas allows online renewal for some drivers, but only if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements. Check the Texas DPS website to see if you are may be able to access. If you are not, you must visit the office in person.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You will need to bring something that shows your name and current address. If you have just moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement will work. If you have none of these, ask the staff what alternative documents they will accept.

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

The Abilene office does not require appointments for most transactions. You arrive, get a number, and wait to be called. However, check the Texas DPS website before you go — some locations have started offering appointment slots, and this may change.

How long is a new driver's license valid?

In Texas, a standard driver's license is valid for five or eight years, depending on which you choose. A Real ID license has the same options. You pick the length when you renew, and the longer license costs more.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring your current license and a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name.