Fort Worth driver's license locations and what to bring
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver's license offices in Fort Worth. You have two locations to choose from, and both handle renewals, replacements, and new licenses. Each office keeps different hours, so checking ahead saves a trip.
The main Fort Worth DPS office is at 1515 East Rosedale Street, Fort Worth, TX 76104. A second location operates at 3228 Altamesa Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX 76133. Both offices are open Monday through Friday, though hours vary by location and may change seasonally. Call ahead or check the Texas DPS website to confirm current hours before you go.
Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and your current ID or birth certificate. If you are renewing, bring your expiring license. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a police report number if you have one. Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies usually do not work.
Key Takeaways
- Fort Worth has two DPS driver's license offices: one on East Rosedale Street and one on Altamesa Boulevard, each with different hours.
- You will need proof of residency dated within the last 90 days, your Social Security number, and a current ID or birth certificate.
- Call the office or check the Texas DPS website before you go, because hours change and wait times vary by location and time of day.
- Bring original documents or certified copies, not photocopies, and bring a police report if you are replacing a lost or stolen license.
What documents count as proof of residency
Proof of residency must show your name and current Fort Worth address and be dated within 90 days of your visit. A utility bill (electric, water, gas, or internet) works. So does a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document like a tax return or voter registration card.
If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a document in someone else's name who lives with you, plus a signed statement from that person saying you live there, plus your own ID. This is slower and the office may ask for additional proof, so bring a document in your own name if you can.
Renewing your license before it expires
You can renew your Texas driver's license up to one year before it expires. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address. The office will take a new photo and issue a new license on the spot or mail it to you within one to two weeks, depending on the office's current workload.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you have to explore for a new license instead. This takes longer because you have to pass a written test and a driving test. If your license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew without retesting.
Getting a replacement for a lost or stolen license
If your license is lost or stolen, bring proof of residency, your Social Security number, and your current ID or birth certificate. You do not need a police report, but if you filed one, bring the report number. The office will issue a replacement license with the same number as your old one.
A replacement costs less than a new license and takes the same amount of time. The office will give you a temporary paper license you can use right away while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Wait times and the best times to visit
Wait times at Fort Worth DPS offices vary widely depending on the day and time. Mornings on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are usually shorter than afternoons or Mondays and Fridays. The first week of the month and the week before a holiday tend to be busier. If you can go mid-week in the middle of the month, you will likely wait less.
Some offices use a ticket system where you take a number when you arrive. Others use an online check-in system you can access from home. Check the Texas DPS website or call the specific office you plan to visit to see which system they use and whether you can check in early.
What happens if you need a name change on your license
If you got married, divorced, or legally changed your name, bring your current license, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will issue a new license with your updated name.
A name change counts as a renewal, not a replacement, so it costs less and takes the same amount of time. You do not have to retake the written or driving test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online or by mail?
Texas allows online renewal only if your license is not expired, you have not had a name change, and you do not need a new photo. You can renew online through the Texas DPS website. If you do not meet those conditions, you have to go to an office in person.
What if I do not have proof of residency in my name?
Bring a document in someone else's name who lives with you, plus a signed letter from that person saying you live there, plus your own ID. The office may ask for additional proof, so bring as many documents as you can that show your Fort Worth address.
How long does it take to get a new license in the mail?
Most licenses arrive within one to two weeks, but during busy periods it can take longer. The office will give you a temporary paper license you can use when ready while you wait for the permanent one.
Do I need an appointment?
Fort Worth DPS offices do not require appointments. You can walk in during business hours, though calling ahead to check wait times helps you plan. Some offices have an online check-in system that lets you reserve a time slot from home.
What if my license has a medical restriction I need to update?
If your doctor cleared you to drive without a restriction, or if you need a new restriction added, you have to go to an office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and a letter from your doctor if a restriction is being added or changed.