The McKinney Driver License Office location and hours
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver license office in McKinney at 2100 Eldorado Parkway, McKinney, TX 75069. This is the main location where you can renew your license, get a replacement, take the written test, or complete the driving test.
Hours vary by day. The office is typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but you should call ahead or check the DPS website to confirm current hours, since they can change seasonally or due to staffing. The phone number for the McKinney office is (972) 548-4050.
Arriving early in the day usually means shorter wait times. Many people find that going on a weekday morning, especially Tuesday through Thursday, results in faster service than Friday or Monday.
Key Takeaways
- The McKinney DPS office is located at 2100 Eldorado Parkway and handles renewals, replacements, and driving tests.
- You must bring specific documents — a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and your Social Security number — before you go.
- Calling ahead at (972) 548-4050 tells you the current wait time and confirms the office is open that day.
- Texas allows you to renew your license online or by mail if you meet certain conditions, which can save you a trip to the office.
What documents you need to bring
Texas requires specific paperwork no matter what service you need. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, or a valid U.S. passport. You will also need proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address on it, dated within the last 30 days.
Have your Social Security number ready and bring any existing driver license or ID card you hold. If you are renewing and your address has changed, bring the proof of residency document. If you are getting a replacement because yours was lost or stolen, bring a police report if you have one, though it is not always required.
Bring payment in cash or card — the fee for a standard five-year license renewal is $25, and a replacement is $11. Fees can vary slightly, so confirm the current amount when you call.
Renewing online or by mail instead of visiting in person
You do not have to go to the McKinney office if your situation meets Texas's requirements for remote renewal. You can renew online through the DPS website if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, your vision has not changed, and you do not need a new photo. The online renewal costs $25 and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.
Mail renewal is also an option under the same conditions. You fill out the form, mail it with your payment and a copy of your current license, and receive your new license by mail. This route takes longer — typically three to four weeks — but requires no office visit.
If you do not meet these conditions — for example, if your license is expired, you moved, or you need a new photo — you must visit the office in person.
Taking the written test or driving test
If you are getting your first license or your license has been expired for more than two years, you must take both the written knowledge test and the driving test at the McKinney office. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website.
The driving test happens after you pass the written test. Bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that your mirrors, lights, and wipers work, then take you on a short route around McKinney to assess your driving skills.
You must pass both tests to receive your license. If you fail either one, you can retake it, though you may have to wait a day or pay a retest fee.
Wait times and what to expect on the day you visit
The McKinney office handles a high volume of customers, so wait times can range from 30 minutes to two hours depending on the day and time. Calling ahead gives you a real-time estimate. Some people use the DPS website to check wait times before leaving home, though not all locations update this information constantly.
When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. Sit in the waiting area until your number is called. Bring something to read or do — the wait can be longer than expected. If you have a complex situation, such as a name change or an out-of-state license transfer, mention it when you check in so the staff can route you to the right window.
The office is closed on state holidays and some federal holidays. Check the DPS website or call before visiting on a holiday week.
Transferring a license from another state
If you recently moved to Texas from another state, you must get a Texas license within 60 days. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of residency in Texas, and your Social Security number. You will take a new photo and pass a vision test, but you do not have to retake the written or driving test if your out-of-state license is valid.
The fee for a new Texas license is $25 for a five-year license. The process is faster than a first-time license because you skip the knowledge and driving tests. You can usually complete it in one visit to the McKinney office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make an appointment at the McKinney DPS office?
Texas DPS does not offer appointment scheduling at most locations, including McKinney. You arrive during business hours and wait your turn. Calling ahead to check the wait time helps you choose the best time to go, but you cannot reserve a specific time slot.
What if I lost my license and need a replacement right away?
You can get a replacement the same day you visit the McKinney office. Bring your proof of residency, Social Security number, and payment ($11). The office will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent replacement arrives by mail within two weeks.
Do I need to take a new photo if I am renewing my license?
Not if you renew online or by mail and your license is not expired. If you visit the office in person, you will get a new photo as part of the renewal process, even if your current photo is recent.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test, usually the next business day or later. There is a retest fee, which varies. Call the McKinney office to ask about the current fee and to schedule your retest, or straightforward return during business hours and request to retake the test.
Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must retake both the written test and the driving test, even if you held a valid license before. You cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit the McKinney office in person.