Fort Worth Driver's License Office Locations and Hours
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver's license offices in Fort Worth. There are two locations where you can renew, replace, or obtain a driver's license: the main office on East Lancaster Avenue and a satellite office on North Freeway. Both issue Real IDs, standard licenses, and handle replacements for lost or damaged cards.
The main Fort Worth DPS office is located at 1414 East Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76102. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the office closed on state holidays. The North Freeway location at 2501 North Freeway, Fort Worth, TX 76106 keeps similar hours. Call ahead to confirm current hours, as DPS occasionally adjusts schedules for staffing or maintenance.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning visits, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tend to have shorter lines than afternoons or Fridays. You can check current wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go.
Key Takeaways
- Fort Worth has two DPS driver's license offices: one on East Lancaster Avenue and one on North Freeway, both open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to obtain or renew a license.
- Real ID licenses require additional documents such as a birth certificate or passport, and processing takes longer than standard licenses.
- You can renew your license online through the Texas DPS website if you meet certain conditions, which avoids a trip to the office entirely.
- Bring original documents, not copies, because DPS staff must verify them in person before issuing your license.
Documents You Need to Bring
What you bring depends on whether you are renewing an existing license, replacing a lost one, or obtaining your first Texas license. For any transaction, bring your Social Security number or ITIN, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and a valid form of identification such as a passport, military ID, or current out-of-state driver's license.
If you are renewing a license that is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you may only need your current license and proof of residency. If your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you are obtaining a license for the first time, you will need to provide a birth certificate or passport as proof of citizenship or lawful presence.
For a Real ID, which is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025, bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Real ID processing takes longer than standard licenses because DPS verifies your citizenship status with federal databases.
Online Renewal and When You Cannot Use It
Texas DPS allows online renewal for many drivers, which saves you a trip to the office. You can renew online if your license is valid or expired less than two years, you have no address changes, and your license was not suspended or revoked. The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.
You cannot renew online if you need to change your address, if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you are obtaining a Real ID, or if you have any restrictions or endorsements on your current license. In those cases, you must visit an office in person.
To renew online, go to the Texas DPS website, select the online services option, and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What Happens During Your Office Visit
When you arrive at the Fort Worth DPS office, check in at the front desk and take a number. A staff member will call your number and direct you to a window. Bring all your documents in original form — DPS staff must see and verify them before they can issue your license.
The staff member will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. Standard license renewal costs around $33, while a Real ID costs more. You will be asked to sign your process and confirm your address and other information. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you reach the window, though wait times in the lobby can be longer.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, ask the staff member whether a temporary paper license is available — some offices issue them on the spot for an additional fee.
Real ID Requirements and Timeline
A Real ID is a federally compliant driver's license required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Texas has been issuing Real IDs since 2009, and they are now the standard for most new licenses. If your current license does not have a gold star in the upper right corner, it is not a Real ID.
To obtain a Real ID in Fort Worth, bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of citizenship or lawful presence, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Processing takes longer than a standard license because DPS verifies your information with federal agencies. Plan for an office visit of 30 to 45 minutes, plus a wait in the lobby.
Your Real ID will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you travel frequently or plan to fly domestically, getting a Real ID now avoids delays later. Non-Real ID licenses are still valid for driving but cannot be used for federal building access or domestic air travel.
Replacing a Lost or Stolen License
If your license is lost or stolen, visit either Fort Worth DPS office to report it and request a replacement. Bring your proof of residency, Social Security number, and a valid form of identification. You do not need your original license to replace it.
The replacement process is the same as renewal: staff will verify your documents, take a new photograph, and collect your fee. A replacement license costs the same as a renewal. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask the staff member about a temporary paper license. Some offices issue them for an additional fee, though policies vary. Keep the temporary license with you while driving, as it is valid until your permanent license arrives.
Address Changes and License Updates
If you move to a new address in Texas, you must update your driver's license within 30 days. You can change your address online through the Texas DPS website if your license is still valid and you have no other changes to make. The online process is free and takes about 5 minutes.
If you need to make other changes — such as correcting your name, changing your gender marker, or updating your medical information — you must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and any documents that support the change you are requesting, such as a marriage certificate for a name change.
Address changes do not require a new photograph or a new license number. DPS will mail you an updated license with your new address within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make an appointment at the Fort Worth DPS office?
Texas DPS does not offer appointments for driver's license services. You must arrive during business hours and take a number at the front desk. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
If you cannot locate your birth certificate, you can request one from the Texas Vital Statistics Unit or the state where you were born. DPS staff can tell you how to order one. In the meantime, a U.S. passport or passport card can serve as proof of citizenship for a Real ID.
How long does a Real ID take to arrive?
Real ID licenses are mailed within 7 to 10 business days after your office visit. If you need your license sooner, ask about a temporary paper license when you visit the office. Some locations issue them for an additional fee.
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than two years?
No, you cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years. You must visit a DPS office in person and provide proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, along with your other documents.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring your current license and a document that proves your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Visit a DPS office in person — name changes cannot be made online. Staff will issue a new license with your updated name within 7 to 10 business days.