Arlington has two Department of Motor Vehicles locations that issue and renew driver's licenses

Arlington, Texas operates two DMV offices that handle driver's license services. The main office is located at 3228 W Division Street, and a second location serves the east side of the city. Both offices issue new licenses, handle renewals, process replacements for lost or damaged licenses, and manage address changes. Hours and wait times vary between locations, so calling ahead or checking the city's website before you go can save you a trip.

Texas driver's licenses are issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), not by individual cities, but Arlington's local DMV offices process applications and conduct the required tests. You will need to bring specific documents — your Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity — before you can take the written and vision tests. The process typically takes 30 to 45 minutes if you arrive during off-peak hours, though midday and Friday afternoons often have longer waits.

Key Takeaways

  • Arlington's two DMV locations are at 3228 W Division Street (main office) and on the east side; both handle new licenses, renewals, and replacements.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it before you can test.
  • The written test, vision test, and photo are completed on the same visit, and the license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Early morning and mid-week visits typically have shorter waits than Friday afternoons or lunch hours.

What documents you need to bring

Texas requires a primary identity document — a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate — plus one secondary document like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your current address. Your Social Security card itself is not required; a W-2, tax return, or pay stub showing your SSN will work. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) through the IRS, though this adds time to the process.

Proof of residency must show your name and current Arlington address and cannot be older than 90 days. Utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work. If you have recently moved and your documents do not yet reflect your new address, bring the old document plus a letter from your landlord or a recent utility bill in your name at the new address.

The testing and licensing process

Once you submit your documents, you will take a written test covering Texas traffic laws and road signs — 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You will also take a vision test to confirm you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them; if you fail the vision test, you can retake it after correcting your vision. The photo is taken on-site when ready after you pass both tests.

Your temporary license is printed on the spot and valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed to the address you provided. The permanent license usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Arlington DMV office where you tested to report it; they can issue a replacement or check the status of your original.

Renewal and replacement options

If your license is expiring soon or has recently expired, you can renew it at either Arlington location without retaking the written test — only the vision test and a new photo are required. Renewals take about 15 to 20 minutes. If your license was lost or stolen, report it to the police first and bring the report number to the DMV; a replacement license costs less than a new license and is processed the same day.

Texas also offers online renewal for some drivers — those whose licenses are not expired by more than two years and who have no medical restrictions. You can check whether you are may be able to access on the Texas DPS website. Online renewal costs less and takes about a week, but you still need to visit an office in person for your next renewal after that.

Hours, wait times, and how to prepare

The main Arlington DMV office at 3228 W Division Street is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The east-side location has slightly different hours; check the city's website or call ahead to confirm. Waits are typically shortest between 8:30 and 10 a.m. on Tuesday through Thursday. Fridays and lunch hours (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) are consistently busy.

Bring all required documents in a folder or envelope so you do not lose anything while waiting. If you are renewing or replacing a license, you can also bring your old license to speed up the process. The office does not accept walk-ins for road tests (the driving test), only written and vision tests; road tests must be scheduled in advance through the DPS website or by phone.

What to do if you cannot visit in person

If you are unable to visit an Arlington DMV office, you have limited options. Online renewal works for some drivers but requires an existing valid license. If you are out of state or unable to travel, you can mail renewal documents to the Texas DPS, though this takes 4 to 6 weeks and requires a notarized process. The DPS website lists the mailing address and required forms.

If you need a replacement license urgently — for example, because you lost yours and need to drive for work — the Arlington office can issue a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is mailed. This is the fastest option available and requires only your documents and the replacement fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. explore for an ITIN through the IRS before you visit the DMV; the process takes several weeks. Bring the ITIN letter or your tax return showing the number.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no waiting period between attempts in Texas. You pay the test fee each time you retake it, so studying the Texas Driver Handbook before you go reduces the chance of needing a second attempt.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Arlington DMV?

Walk-ins are accepted for written and vision tests, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour during busy times. Road tests (the driving test) must be scheduled in advance through the DPS website or by calling the office.

How much does a new driver's license cost?

Costs vary by license type and validity period. A standard five-year license costs around $25 to $30, while an eight-year license costs more. Renewals and replacements have different fees. Check the Texas DPS website for exact current pricing.

Can someone else pick up my license if I cannot get it from the mail?

No. Your license is mailed to the address you provided at the DMV and requires your signature. If you move before it arrives, contact the Arlington DMV office to request a change of address; they can remail it to your new location.