Where the Garland Driver's License Office Is Located

The Texas Department of Public Safety operates a driver's license office in Garland at 2502 West Avenue J, Garland, TX 75040. This is a full-service location where you can renew your license, get an ID card, take the written test, or have your photo taken for a new license.

The office is in a commercial area on the west side of Garland. If you are using GPS or a map app, enter the street address directly rather than searching for "DMV Garland" — Texas does not use the DMV name. The building is marked with a Texas Department of Public Safety sign.

Parking is available in a lot adjacent to the building. There is no reserved parking for people with disabilities, but you can ask staff inside if accessible parking is available nearby.

Key Takeaways

  • The Garland driver's license office is at 2502 West Avenue J and handles renewals, new licenses, ID cards, and written tests.
  • Hours vary by day and change seasonally, so check the Texas DPS website or call ahead before you go.
  • You will need to bring specific documents depending on whether you are renewing, replacing a lost license, or getting a new one for the first time.
  • The office does not take appointments, so you arrive and wait your turn — arriving early in the morning typically means a shorter wait.
  • You can renew your license online or by mail if you meet certain conditions, which may be faster than visiting in person.

Hours and When to Go

The Garland office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but the office closes for lunch between noon and 1 p.m. on some days. Hours can shift during holidays and may change seasonally, so call 1-888-357-3627 before you go, or check the Texas Department of Public Safety website at dps.texas.gov and search for the Garland location.

Wait times are longest mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays. If you can go early — between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. — you will usually wait less than 30 minutes. Afternoons after 3 p.m. are also typically quieter. Avoid Mondays and Fridays if possible, as those days draw more people.

The office does not take appointments. You walk in, take a number, and wait for your turn. Bring something to read or work on, as waits can run 45 minutes to over an hour during busy times.

What Documents to Bring

The documents you need depend on what you are doing. For a license renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

For a new license (if you have never had one), bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, proof of identity like a passport or birth certificate, and proof of residency. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present.

For a replacement license (if yours was lost or stolen), bring proof of identity and proof of residency. You will pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee.

Bring your current address. If you have moved recently and your license still shows an old address, the office will update it during your visit. You do not need to bring a separate form — staff will handle the paperwork.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard five-year driver's license renewal costs $33. An eight-year license costs $48. An ID card (if you do not drive) costs $16 for five years or $24 for eight years. Replacement licenses cost the same as renewals. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

If you are renewing online or by mail instead of visiting in person, fees are the same, but you avoid the wait. Online renewal is available if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change or address change in the last two years.

Renewing Online or by Mail Instead

You may not need to visit the office at all. If your license is not yet expired and your name and address have not changed in the last two years, you can renew online at dps.texas.gov. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You pay the same fee as in person.

If you do not meet the online requirements, you can renew by mail. read the DL-44 form from the Texas DPS website, fill it out, and mail it with your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order. Processing takes two to three weeks. This route is slower than visiting in person but avoids the wait.

Visit the office in person only if you need a new photo, have had a name change, are getting your first license, or are replacing a lost or stolen license. For everything else, online or mail renewal saves you time.

What Happens During Your Visit

When you arrive, take a number from the dispenser near the entrance. A digital display shows which number is being served. You will wait until your number appears, then go to the window.

Staff will check your documents, ask you to confirm your address and other information, and take your photo if you are getting a new license or your photo is being updated. If you are taking the written test for the first time, you will sit at a computer terminal in the office and take it there. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices.

Once everything is complete, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Keep the temporary license with you until the permanent one arrives.

If You Need Help or Have Questions

Call the Texas Department of Public Safety at 1-888-357-3627 with questions about documents, fees, or hours. This line is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Wait times on the phone can be long during mid-morning hours.

You can also visit the Texas DPS website at dps.texas.gov and use the chat feature to ask questions in real time. The website also has a list of all driver's license offices in Texas, their hours, and directions.

If you have a disability and need accommodations during your visit — such as a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a seat while you wait, or extra time to complete forms — tell staff when you arrive. The office will work with you to make your visit as smooth as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

Yes, but you must visit the office in person or renew by mail. You cannot renew online if your license is expired. Bring the same documents you would for a regular renewal. There is no penalty for renewing late — you straightforward cannot drive legally until your new license arrives.

Do I need an appointment?

No. The Garland office does not take appointments. You arrive during business hours, take a number, and wait. Arriving early in the morning typically means a shorter wait than mid-day.

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

You receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent license is mailed to the address on file and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Do not throw away the temporary license — you need it to drive legally until the permanent one arrives.

What if I moved recently and my license still shows my old address?

Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Staff will update your address during your visit at no extra charge. You do not need to fill out a separate form.

Can I take the written test at this office?

Yes. If you are getting your first license or your license was suspended, you can take the written test at the Garland office. Bring your documents, and staff will direct you to a computer terminal. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers road signs, right-of-way, and safe driving.