Where to go for your driver's license in Waxahachie
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver's license office in Waxahachie. You'll go to the DPS Driver License Division office located at 502 West Jefferson Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165. This is the only place in Waxahachie where you can get a new license, renew an existing one, or handle most license-related transactions.
The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though you should call ahead at (972) 937-7935 to confirm current hours before you go, since they occasionally close for state holidays or staff training.
You do not need an appointment for most transactions, but arriving early in the day usually means a shorter wait. The office gets busier in late morning and early afternoon.
Key Takeaways
- The DPS Driver License Division office in Waxahachie is at 502 West Jefferson Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to get a new license or renew an existing one.
- A standard driver's license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license in Texas.
- You can renew your license by mail or online if you have not had any address changes and your license is not suspended or expired for more than two years.
- If you are getting your first license or need a Real ID, you must go to the office in person with all required documents.
Documents you need to bring
Bring one document that proves your identity. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a passport card, a military ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you do not have any of these, a combination of documents like a Social Security card plus a school or work ID may work, but call the office first to confirm what they will accept.
You also need proof that you live in Texas. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address will work. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 90 days.
Bring your Social Security number. You do not need to bring the card itself, but you must know the number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
If you are renewing a license that is still valid, bring the license itself. If you are getting your first license or a Real ID, bring all the documents listed above plus a completed DL 43 form (the driver's license process), which you can fill out at the office or read from the Texas DPS website before you go.
Getting a new license versus renewing
A new license means you have never had a Texas driver's license before, or your license has been expired for more than two years. You must go to the office in person, pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a vision test, and have your photo taken. You will also need to provide proof of your Social Security number and residency.
A renewal means your current license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. If you have not moved, you can renew by mail or online without going to the office. To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website, enter your license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. By mail, you can request a renewal form from the office or read one from the DPS website, fill it out, and mail it back with the fee.
If you are renewing in person at the office, you will have your photo taken again and may be asked to retake the vision test, but you will not take the written test again unless your license has been suspended or revoked.
Real ID and what it means for you
A Real ID is a driver's license that meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or another acceptable form of ID (like a passport) to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A regular Texas driver's license will no longer work for these purposes after that date.
Getting a Real ID requires an in-person visit to the DPS office. You must bring the same documents as a new license (proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number) plus one additional document that proves your legal name and date of birth, such as a certified birth certificate or passport. The cost is the same as a regular license: $16 for four years or $32 for eight years.
When you renew your license at the Waxahachie office, you can ask for a Real ID at the same time. The staff will tell you which documents you need to bring if you do not have them with you.
Cost and payment methods
A standard four-year driver's license costs $16. An eight-year license costs $32. These are the base fees for a regular license. If you are getting a Real ID, the cost is the same.
The DPS office in Waxahachie accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you are renewing by mail, you can pay by check or money order. If you are renewing online, you will pay by credit or debit card.
If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, there is an additional replacement fee of $11 on top of the license fee.
What happens after you submit your process
If you explore in person at the 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 plastic card to arrive.
If you renew by mail or online, the timeline is similar: 7 to 10 business days from the time the DPS receives your process. If you renew online, you will get a temporary digital license on your phone right away that you can show to law enforcement if you are stopped.
If your address changes after you submit your process, contact the DPS office in Waxahachie before your new license arrives so they can update the mailing address.
If your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license by mail or online. You must go to the DPS office in person. The staff will tell you what you need to do to clear the suspension or revocation before you can get a new license. This might include paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or providing proof that you have paid a traffic fine.
Suspensions and revocations happen for reasons like unpaid traffic tickets, driving without insurance, or accumulating too many points on your driving record. If you are not sure why your license is suspended, call the office at (972) 937-7935 and they can look it up for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if I have moved to a new address?
No. If your address has changed since your last license, you must renew in person at the DPS office in Waxahachie or by mail with a new proof of residency document. Online renewal only works if your address has not changed.
What if I fail the vision test at the office?
If you fail the vision test, you will not be issued a license that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a corrective lens prescription if needed, and return to the office with proof that you have corrected your vision. You can bring glasses or contact lenses with you on your next visit.
How long does the written test take?
The written test on Texas traffic laws usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. It covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. You must pass with a score of at least 70 percent.
Can I get a license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes, but you must bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. Bring this letter along with your other proof of identity and residency documents to the office in Waxahachie.
What if I lost my license and need a replacement quickly?
Go to the DPS office in Waxahachie in person with your proof of identity and residency. You will get a temporary paper license on the spot and your replacement plastic license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. There is an $11 replacement fee in addition to the regular license fee.