Where to go for your driver's license in Tyler

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs all driver's license services in Tyler. You cannot get a license from the city or county — only from DPS. The main office that serves Tyler is the DPS Driver License Division office located at 5402 S. Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX 75703.

This office handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and corrections to your record. You can walk in during business hours without an appointment, though wait times vary. DPS also offers online services for some transactions, which we cover below.

Before you go, check the current hours on the DPS website or call ahead. Hours change seasonally and for holidays, and the office sometimes closes for staff training.

Key Takeaways

  • The DPS Driver License Division office at 5402 S. Broadway Ave in Tyler handles all license services — you cannot renew or obtain a license anywhere else in the city.
  • You need a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) plus proof of residency and your Social Security number to get a new license.
  • Texas allows online renewal for some drivers, but only if your license is not expired more than two years and you have no medical restrictions.
  • A standard driver's license costs around $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license; Real ID licenses cost more and require additional documents.
  • Bring originals or certified copies of all documents — photocopies are not accepted for most items.

What documents you need for a new license

Texas requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. For identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card, or a military ID. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth.

For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Tyler address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or be prepared to state the number during your visit. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

Real ID versus standard driver's license

A Real ID is a driver's license that meets federal security standards. Starting in May 2025, you will need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you do not have a Real ID and want to fly domestically, you will need a passport instead.

A Real ID requires more documents than a standard license. In addition to identity and residency proof, you must bring a document showing your Social Security number (your actual Social Security card, a W-2, or a tax return). You also need a certified copy of your birth certificate if your identity document does not show your full legal name.

A Real ID costs more than a standard license — the exact price depends on how long you want the license to be valid. At the Tyler DPS office, staff can tell you the current cost when you arrive or call ahead.

Renewing your license online or by mail

Texas allows online renewal through the DPS website if your license meets certain conditions. Your license must not be expired more than two years, you must have no medical restrictions, and you must not have changed your name or address since your last license. You also cannot renew online if you are under 18 or over 85.

Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about one week. You pay by credit or debit card, and DPS mails your new license to the address on file. If you do not meet the online requirements, you must renew in person at the Tyler office.

Mail renewal is no longer available in Texas. If you cannot visit the office in person, online renewal is your only option if you meet the requirements. Otherwise, you must go to the DPS office.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at the Tyler DPS office. Bring your identity document and proof of residency, just as you would for a new license. You do not need to bring your Social Security card for a replacement, but you must state your Social Security number.

A replacement license costs less than a new license. The office will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving until your permanent one arrives.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to the police. Some insurance companies and employers ask for a police report number when a license is stolen.

Correcting your name or address on your license

If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your current license and proof of residency. DPS will issue a corrected license.

If you moved within Texas, bring proof of your new address and your current license. You can update your address at the Tyler DPS office or online through the DPS website if you have a valid Texas license. Updating your address online is faster and costs nothing.

If you moved to Texas from another state and want to change your out-of-state address to your Tyler address, you must do this in person at the DPS office. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your new Tyler address, and your identity document.

What to expect during your visit

Arrive with all your documents in hand. The office will check your documents, take your photograph and fingerprints, and have you sign your new license. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for driving. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. Do not throw away the temporary license until your permanent one arrives.

If any of your documents are missing or incorrect, the office will tell you what you need to bring back. You cannot complete your transaction without all required documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years. You must visit the Tyler DPS office in person and go through the new license process, which requires all the same documents as a first-time applicant.

Do I need an appointment to visit the DPS office in Tyler?

No, the Tyler DPS office accepts walk-ins. However, you can call ahead to ask about current wait times. Some DPS offices in Texas offer online appointment scheduling, so check the DPS website to see if the Tyler location does.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport, military ID, or state ID card instead of a birth certificate for identity proof. If you do not have any of these, you can order a certified birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the state where you were born.

How long does it take to get my new license by mail?

DPS typically mails new licenses within one to two weeks of your visit. During busy periods or holidays, it may take longer. Your temporary paper license is valid for driving the entire time you are waiting.

What if my name does not match on all my documents?

Bring all your documents and explain the discrepancy to the DPS staff. If you have a legal name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), bring that too. The staff will help you determine what you need to resolve the mismatch.