Arlington's Driver License Offices and What They Handle

Arlington has one full-service Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office located at 3200 W. Division Street. This office issues new licenses, renews existing ones, handles name or address changes, and processes duplicate licenses. You can walk in during business hours, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. If you need to renew your license and have no changes to make, you can also renew by mail or online through the Texas DPS website, which often takes less time than visiting in person.

If you cannot reach the Arlington location or prefer another option, the next nearest DPS office is in Fort Worth, about 15 minutes away. Some services—like commercial driver license (CDL) testing—are only available at certain locations, so calling ahead can save you a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • The Arlington DPS driver license office is at 3200 W. Division Street and handles new licenses, renewals, and address changes during weekday business hours.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to obtain or renew a license.
  • Online renewal through the Texas DPS website works for many people and avoids the wait at the office, though it has restrictions based on your license type and how long it has been expired.
  • Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.
  • If you need a CDL or have a complex situation, confirm the Arlington office handles your specific service before you go.

Documents You Need to Bring

Texas requires specific documents no matter which DPS office you visit. Bring one form of primary identification—a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or permanent resident card. If you do not have one of those, you can use a combination of secondary documents, but the process takes longer.

You also need proof of residency dated within the last 90 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. Bring the original or a certified copy, not a photo.

Have your Social Security number or ITIN ready. If you are renewing and your name or address has changed, bring the document that proves the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Minors need a parent or guardian present with their own ID.

Online and Mail Renewal Options

If your license is not expired or expired less than two years ago, you can renew online through the Texas DPS website without visiting the office. Online renewal takes about 7 to 10 business days and costs less than in-person renewal. You will need your driver license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method.

Online renewal does not work if your license has been expired more than two years, if you need to change your name or address, or if you have certain medical conditions listed on your license. In those cases, you must visit the office in person.

Mail renewal is also an option for some renewals. You can request a renewal process by mail through the DPS website or call the Arlington office to have one sent to you. Mail renewal typically takes three to four weeks and requires you to return the process with payment and a copy of your current license.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Arrive with all your documents ready. Check in at the front desk and take a number. The wait time varies—early mornings and mid-week visits are usually faster than afternoons or Fridays. The DPS office does not take reservations, so you cannot hold a spot in advance.

When your number is called, a clerk will review your documents, take your photo and signature, and collect payment. If everything is in order, the process takes 10 to 15 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days; you cannot take it with you that day.

If documents are missing or incorrect, the clerk will tell you what you need to bring back. You will have to return another time, so double-check everything before you go. Bring a list of what you are there to do—renewal, name change, duplicate—so the clerk knows exactly what to process.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver license fees in Texas depend on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard five-year license costs one amount; a Real ID-compliant license costs more. A duplicate license (if yours is lost or stolen) has a separate fee. The Arlington DPS office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card.

Renewal fees are lower than the fee for a new license. If you are renewing by mail or online, the fee is the same, but you avoid the trip. Ask the clerk or check the DPS website for the exact current fee for your situation, as fees can change.

Real ID Compliance and What It Means

Texas offers both standard driver licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights. A standard license does not meet these requirements as of May 2025.

If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal courthouse or military base, you need a Real ID license or another acceptable form of federal ID. Getting a Real ID license requires the same documents as a standard license, but the fee is higher and the card itself looks different.

When you renew at the Arlington office, ask whether you want to upgrade to Real ID. The clerk can process it at the same time. If you already have a Real ID license, your renewal will automatically be Real ID unless you request otherwise.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired more than two years. You must visit the Arlington DPS office in person and explore for a new license, which requires all the same documents as a first-time license holder. The fee is also higher for a new license than a renewal.

What if I lost my license and need a duplicate?

You can get a duplicate at the Arlington office by bringing your ID and proof of residency. You do not need your original license. The duplicate will have the same expiration date as your original, and the fee is lower than a renewal. If your license was stolen, you can also report it to the DPS at the same time.

Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Texas?

No, a standard driver license is fine for driving. You only need Real ID if you plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings. If you only drive and do not fly, a standard license is sufficient. You can choose which type when you renew.

How long does it take to get my new license after my visit?

Your new license is mailed to the address you provide, and delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You cannot take your license with you the day of your visit. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the clerk for a temporary paper license, which is valid for 45 days.

What if I moved to Arlington from another state?

You need to explore for a new Texas license within 60 days of moving. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Arlington (dated within 90 days), and your ID and Social Security number. The fee is the same as a new license. You do not need to surrender your old license; keep it as a record.