The Garland Driver License Office Location and Hours

The Texas Department of Public Safety operates a driver license office in Garland at 2502 W. Walnut Street, Garland, TX 75040. This is the main location where Garland residents can handle most driver license transactions in person.

Hours vary by day and change seasonally. The office is typically open Monday through Friday, with reduced or no Saturday hours depending on the time of year. Before you go, check the current hours on the Texas DPS website or call the office directly at the number listed there, because hours shift and closures happen without always being announced widely.

The office handles renewals, new licenses, replacements for lost or damaged licenses, address changes, and commercial driver license (CDL) transactions. Not all services are available at all times, so knowing what you need before you arrive saves a trip back.

Key Takeaways

  • The Garland driver license office is at 2502 W. Walnut Street and serves most driver license needs for Garland residents.
  • Hours change by season and day of the week, so verify current hours on the Texas DPS website or by phone before visiting.
  • You will need specific documents depending on whether you are renewing, replacing, or getting a new license — bring your current ID and proof of residency.
  • The office can be busy during mid-morning and lunch hours; arriving early or late in the day often means shorter waits.
  • If you cannot visit in person, Texas offers online renewal for some license types and mail-in options for certain transactions.

What Documents to Bring

The documents you need depend on what you are doing. For a renewal, bring your current driver license and proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement with your name and address). If your address has changed, bring the same proof of residency plus your current license.

For a new license or replacement, the requirements are stricter. You will need proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of residency. Texas also requires proof of lawful presence in the United States — a passport, birth certificate, visa, or permanent resident card all work.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The office staff can tell you on the phone whether a specific document will work for your situation, which is worth a quick call before you make the trip.

Online and Mail Renewal Options

Not every transaction requires a visit to the Garland office. Texas allows online renewal for standard driver licenses that are not expired or more than two years past expiration. You can renew online through the Texas DPS website if your license is still valid or only slightly expired, you have not had any address changes, and you do not need to update your photo.

Mail renewal is also available for certain situations. If you are renewing a license that is not expired or is less than two years expired, you can mail in your current license with the renewal form and fee. The Texas DPS website has the form and mailing address. Mail processing takes longer than in-person service — typically two to three weeks — so plan ahead if you need your new license by a specific date.

If you need a new photo, have had a name change, or your license is more than two years expired, you must visit the office in person. The online and mail options do not cover those situations.

Wait Times and When to Visit

The Garland office experiences predictable busy periods. Mid-morning (9 a.m. to 11 a.m.) and around lunch (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) are typically the heaviest. If you can visit early (right when the office opens) or late in the afternoon, you will usually encounter shorter lines.

Mondays and Fridays tend to be busier than mid-week days. If your schedule allows, visiting on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday afternoon often means less waiting. The office does not take reservations, so arrival time determines your place in line.

Bring something to do while you wait. Even with a short line, processing a single transaction can take 15 to 30 minutes depending on what you need and whether your documents are in order.

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 less than an eight-year license. Renewals, replacements, and new licenses have different fees. The Texas DPS website lists current fees, which change occasionally.

The Garland office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you are paying by check, make it out to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Bring exact change or be prepared to wait while staff process a card payment, which adds a few minutes to your transaction.

What to Do If You Cannot Visit in Person

If you live outside Garland or cannot reach the Walnut Street office, Texas has other driver license locations. The nearest offices to Garland are in Arlington, Plano, and Dallas. You can visit any Texas DPS driver license office for most transactions — your location does not have to match where you live.

If you are out of state or unable to visit any office, the online and mail renewal options may work for your situation. Check the Texas DPS website to see whether your specific transaction qualifies for remote processing. If it does not, you will need to visit an office in person at some point.

Some transactions, like getting a commercial driver license or a Real ID-compliant license, cannot be done online or by mail and require an in-person visit to any Texas DPS office.

Real ID and Enhanced License Information

Texas offers two types of licenses beyond the standard driver license: a Real ID-compliant license and an Enhanced Driver License. A Real ID license meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. An Enhanced license also works for land and sea border crossings with Canada and Mexico.

Both require additional documents beyond a standard renewal. Real ID requires proof of citizenship or lawful presence, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency — the same as a new license. Enhanced licenses require the same documents plus proof of citizenship specifically (passport or birth certificate, not a visa).

If you want either of these, tell the staff when you arrive or mention it when you call ahead. The office will let you know what additional documents to bring. The fees are higher than a standard license, and processing may take longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail if it is already expired?

Mail renewal is only available if your license expired less than two years ago. If it has been expired longer than that, you must visit the office in person. The office staff can tell you the exact cutoff date based on your expiration date.

What if I lost my Social Security card and cannot bring proof of my number?

You will need some form of proof of your Social Security number. A W-2, 1099, tax return, or bank statement with your number on it will work. If you have none of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a letter confirming your number before you visit the office.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Garland office?

The Garland driver license office does not take reservations or appointments. You arrive and take a number. Some Texas offices in larger cities offer online appointment scheduling, but the Garland location operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

How long does it take to get a new license after I visit the office?

If you visit in person and your documents are complete and correct, you receive your license on the spot or within a few days. The office prints most licenses when ready. If there is an issue with your documents, staff will tell you what is missing and you may need to return.

Can I get a duplicate license sent to a different address than my current one?

Your license is mailed to the address on file with the Texas DPS. If you want it sent somewhere else, you must update your address with the office first. Bring proof of your new residency and update your address during the same visit.