Where to go for your driver's license in Waco

In Waco, you get your driver's license at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License Division office. The main office is located at 1100 Franklin Avenue, Waco, TX 76701. This is where you'll go to get a new license, renew an existing one, or handle most other license-related transactions.

The DPS office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day, so call ahead at (254) 750-3600 or check the Texas DPS website to confirm current hours before you go. Arriving early in the day typically means shorter wait times, especially on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

You cannot handle driver's license matters online or by mail in Texas. You must appear in person at a DPS office, bring the required documents, and complete the process there.

Key Takeaways

  • The Waco DPS Driver License office is at 1100 Franklin Avenue and is open weekdays only; call (254) 750-3600 to confirm hours.
  • You need a proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate), proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to get a new license.
  • A new driver's license costs money that varies depending on whether you're getting a standard license, a Real ID, or a commercial license.
  • You must pass a vision test and written knowledge test at the DPS office; if you're under 18, you also need a completed driver education certificate.
  • Renewal by mail is not available, but if your license is not expired by more than two years, the process is faster than a new license.

Documents you need to bring

Texas requires specific documents before the DPS office will issue you a driver's license. You need proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip.

For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, a consulate ID card, or a military ID. A photocopy of your birth certificate will not work — it must be an official certified copy from the vital records office in the county where you were born.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Waco address on it. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. You cannot use a PO box as your address.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you don't have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.

Cost and license types

A standard Texas driver's license costs different amounts depending on how long you want it to be valid. A four-year license costs less than a six-year or eight-year license. The DPS office will tell you the exact price when you arrive, as fees can change.

A Real ID-compliant license costs more than a standard license but allows you to use it for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If you already have a passport, you may not need a Real ID license. Ask the DPS staff which type makes sense for your situation.

If you're renewing a license that is not expired by more than two years, the fee is lower than getting a new license. Bring your current or recently expired license to show the DPS office.

The written test and vision screening

When you arrive at the DPS office, you will take a vision test first. The test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get a license that day and will need to see an eye doctor.

Next, you take the written knowledge test on a computer at the DPS office. The test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to pass with a score of at least 70 percent. The test is offered in English and Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day.

You do not take a driving test (the behind-the-wheel test) at the DPS office in Waco for a regular driver's license. Texas allows you to take the driving test at a separate location or through a driving school. Ask the DPS staff for a list of approved testing locations near you.

Special requirements if you're under 18

If you're under 18, you need a completed driver education certificate from an approved Texas driving school or high school driver's education program. Bring the original certificate with you to the DPS office. Without it, you cannot get a license.

Drivers under 18 also face restrictions on when and how they can drive. For the first six months after getting your license, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a parent or guardian is in the car. After six months, the restriction loosens but still applies until you turn 18. The DPS office will explain these restrictions when you get your license.

Renewing your current license

If your Texas driver's license is expired by two years or less, you can renew it at the DPS office in Waco. Bring your current or recently expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring proof of identity again if you're renewing.

You will still take a vision test and a written knowledge test when you renew. If you fail either test, you will need to start over with a new license process instead of a straightforward renewal.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing. This means bringing all the documents required for a new license and taking both the written and driving tests.

What to expect on the day you go

Arrive at the DPS office with all your documents in order. You will check in at the front desk and receive a number. Wait times vary widely depending on the day and time. On busy days, you may wait 30 minutes to two hours.

When your number is called, a DPS staff member will review your documents and ask you questions about your address and driving history. They will take your photo for the license. Then you will move to a computer station to take the vision test and written knowledge test.

If you pass both tests, you will pay the fee and receive your temporary license on paper. Your permanent plastic license will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license if I don't have a birth certificate?

You need an original or certified birth certificate, but if you don't have one, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the county where you were born. This takes time, so plan ahead. A passport or consulate ID card can work as proof of identity instead if you have one.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day at the DPS office, or you can come back another day to try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Each attempt may have a small fee. Study the Texas Driver Handbook before you return.

How long does it take to get my permanent license after I leave the DPS office?

Your permanent plastic license arrives in the mail within one to two weeks. The temporary paper license you receive that day is valid for driving during this time. If your permanent license does not arrive after three weeks, call the DPS office to check the status.

Do I need to take the driving test at the DPS office in Waco?

No. The DPS office administers the written test and vision test, but you take the driving test (behind-the-wheel test) at a separate approved location or through a driving school. The DPS staff will give you a list of testing locations when you pass your written test.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new Waco address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days). The DPS office will update your address on your new license. You do not need to change your address separately.