The Waco Driver License Office location and hours
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver license office in Waco. It is located at 1100 Franklin Avenue, Waco, TX 76701. This is the main office where you can renew your license, get a new one, update your address, or handle most other license-related tasks.
Hours vary by day. The office is typically open Monday through Friday during business hours, but you should call ahead at (254) 750-3600 to confirm current hours before you go, since hours can change seasonally or for holidays. The DPS website also lists the current schedule for this location.
Key Takeaways
- The Waco DPS driver license office is at 1100 Franklin Avenue and handles renewals, new licenses, address changes, and most other license matters.
- You will need to bring specific documents depending on what you are doing — a renewal requires different paperwork than a new license.
- The office does not take appointments, so you should arrive early or check wait times online before going.
- If you cannot visit in person, Texas offers online renewal for some license types through the DPS website.
What documents to bring
The documents you need depend on whether you are renewing, getting a new license, or making a change. For a renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address). If your address has changed, bring the same proof of residency plus your current license.
For a new license, you will need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card or a tax document), and proof of residency. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present. The DPS website lists the full set of acceptable documents for each situation, so check there before you go to avoid a wasted trip.
Renewing online instead of in person
Texas allows online renewal for some driver licenses without visiting an office. You can renew online if your license is not expired or more than two years past expiration, you have no medical conditions listed on your license, and your address has not changed. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes a few minutes. The new license will be mailed to you. If you do not meet the requirements for online renewal — for example, if your license is very old or your address changed — you will need to visit the Waco office in person.
Wait times and how to check them
The Waco DPS office does not take appointments. You walk in and take a number, then wait your turn. Wait times can be 30 minutes to several hours depending on the day and time. Fridays and early afternoon tend to be busier than Tuesday or Wednesday mornings.
The DPS website shows real-time wait times for many Texas offices, including Waco. Check the wait time before you leave home. If the wait is very long, you can come back another day. Arriving right when the office opens often means a shorter wait.
What to do if you have lost or damaged your license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to get a replacement. Bring your proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency to the Waco office. You will pay a replacement fee, which is less than the cost of a new license but more than a renewal.
If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to local police, though this is not required to get a replacement. The DPS will issue you a new number if you request it, which can help protect you from identity theft.
Commercial driver license services at the Waco office
The Waco DPS office also handles commercial driver licenses (CDLs) for truck drivers and other commercial vehicle operators. CDL services include new licenses, renewals, and endorsements. The process is more involved than a regular license — you will need to pass a written test and a driving test, and you must bring medical certification.
Wait times for CDL services are often longer than for regular licenses because the testing takes more time. Call ahead to ask about CDL wait times and to confirm what documents you need to bring for your specific situation.
Other DPS services available at this location
Beyond driver licenses, the Waco DPS office handles vehicle registration renewals, title transfers, and some identification card services. If you need multiple services, you can often handle them in one visit. However, some services — like vehicle inspections — are done at separate inspection stations, not at the DPS office itself.
The staff at the office can tell you which services they provide on-site and which you will need to go elsewhere for. If you are unsure whether the Waco office handles what you need, call (254) 750-3600 before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license by mail?
Texas does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online if you meet the requirements, or you must visit the Waco office in person. Online renewal is faster and cheaper than going to the office.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or another form of proof of identity that the DPS accepts. Call the Waco office at (254) 750-3600 to ask which documents they will take in place of a Social Security number.
Do I need an appointment?
No. The Waco office operates on a walk-in basis. You take a number when you arrive and wait your turn. Check the online wait time before you go to avoid a long wait.
How long does it take to get a new license after I explore?
If you explore in person at the Waco office, your license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the permanent one.
Can I get my license renewed if it expired more than two years ago?
No. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must explore for a new license, not a renewal. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency to the Waco office.