Where to go for your driver's license in Plano

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs all driver's license services in Plano. You cannot get a license from City Hall or any other local office — DPS is the only place that issues them. In Plano, the DPS Driver License office is located at 2610 W. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, TX 75023. This is a full-service location that handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes.

You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary by day and time of year. DPS publishes current wait times on their website before you go. If you want to reduce your wait, you can reserve a time slot online through the DPS website — this does not may provide you will be seen at that exact time, but it typically moves you ahead of walk-ins.

Key Takeaways

  • The DPS Driver License office at 2610 W. Spring Creek Parkway is the only place in Plano that issues driver's licenses.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — the specific documents depend on whether you are getting a new license or renewing.
  • A new license costs $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license; renewals cost the same amount.
  • Processing takes a few minutes at the counter, but you leave with a temporary paper license that day and receive your plastic card by mail within two weeks.
  • You can renew online if you have a valid license, no address change, and no medical restrictions — this costs $16 and takes about a week.

Documents you need for a new license

A new license requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need all of them to be separate — some documents count toward more than one category.

For proof of identity, bring a passport, certified birth certificate, or military ID. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Plano address. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for one.

You will also need to fill out Form DL-43 (process for Texas Driver License) before you go to the office. You can read this form from the DPS website and bring it completed, or you can fill it out at the office. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

Documents you need to renew your license

Renewing an existing license requires fewer documents than getting a new one. If you are renewing in person, bring your current driver's license and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement). You do not need to bring proof of identity or Social Security number again unless your address has changed or your license has been expired for more than two years.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing — this means you will need the full set of documents listed above. If you have a medical condition or take medications that affect your driving, DPS may require a medical evaluation form signed by your doctor before they will renew your license.

Renewing online instead of in person

You can renew your Texas driver's license online through the DPS website if all of these are true: your current license is not expired, you have not changed your address, you do not have medical restrictions, and you are not changing your name. Online renewal costs $16 and takes about a week — you will receive your new card by mail.

To renew online, go to the DPS website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the steps. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will pay the fee with a credit or debit card. If you do not meet all the conditions for online renewal, you must go to the DPS office in person.

What to expect on the day you go

Arrive with all your documents and your completed Form DL-43 if you filled it out at home. Check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called, then go to a window where a DPS employee will review your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. The whole process at the window takes about five minutes.

Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. This paper license has the same legal weight as a plastic license — you can drive with it when ready. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two weeks. If it does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DPS office to report it.

Cost and payment methods

A new four-year driver's license costs $33. A new eight-year license costs $66. Renewals cost the same amount as new licenses. The DPS office in Plano accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you pay by check, write it to the "State of Texas."

If you are renewing online, the cost is $16 and you must pay with a credit or debit card. There are no additional fees for address changes, name changes, or duplicate licenses — you pay the standard renewal or new license fee.

If you have a name change or address change

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will need to go to the DPS office in person; you cannot handle a name change online or by mail.

If you have changed your address, you can update it online through the DPS website without renewing your license — this is free and takes a few days. If you want to renew your license at the same time you change your address, you must go to the DPS office in person. You cannot renew online if your address has changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a license the same day I explore?

You will receive a temporary paper license the same day you explore at the DPS office. This is valid for 45 days and has the same legal weight as a plastic license. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two weeks.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

Go to the DPS office and ask for a duplicate license. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency. The cost is the same as a renewal ($33 for four years or $66 for eight years). You will receive a temporary paper license that day and your replacement plastic license by mail within two weeks.

Do I need an appointment?

No appointment is required — you can walk in anytime the office is open. However, you can reserve a time slot online to reduce your wait. The DPS website shows current wait times so you can choose when to go.

What if my documents are from another country?

If your birth certificate or other identity document is from another country, it must be certified and translated into English by an official translator. Bring both the original and the English translation to the DPS office.

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 explore for a new license instead of renewing. This means you need the full set of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.