Where the Garland Driver License Office Is Located and What It Handles

The Texas Department of Public Safety operates a driver license office in Garland at 520 West Avenue D, Garland, TX 75040. This office issues new driver licenses, renews existing ones, handles name or address changes, and processes commercial driver license transactions. It does not handle vehicle registration or title work — those are handled by the county tax assessor's office.

The Garland location serves Dallas County residents and people in surrounding areas. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; mornings on weekdays typically have shorter lines than afternoons or Saturdays. The office does not take appointments, so you arrive and take a number.

Key Takeaways

  • The Garland driver license office is at 520 West Avenue D and handles new licenses, renewals, and name or address changes, but not vehicle registration.
  • You must bring a primary ID document (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) plus proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
  • The office does not take appointments; you arrive during business hours, take a number, and wait your turn.
  • Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, because Texas requires it to issue a driver license.
  • If you are renewing by mail or online, you do not need to visit the office unless your license is expired by more than two years or you need to change your photo.

Documents You Must Bring to the Garland Office

Texas requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. For identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, or a valid foreign passport with an I-94 arrival/departure record. A Social Security card or a document showing your number is also required — bring the card itself if you have it, or a W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days showing your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check. A driver license or ID card from another state does not count as residency proof.

If you are renewing and your address has not changed, you may not need residency proof — bring your current license and the office will confirm. If you are explore for the first time or your address has changed, residency proof is required.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Arrive with all documents in hand. You will take a number at the entrance and wait for your turn. When called, you will go to a window where a clerk verifies your documents, takes your photograph, and collects your fee. The photograph is taken at the office — you do not bring one.

You will also take a vision test at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You will answer questions about medical conditions and driving history. If this is your first Texas license, you may be asked to pass a written knowledge test; the office will tell you whether you need to study the Texas Driver Handbook beforehand.

The entire process usually takes 30 minutes to two hours depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard five-year driver license costs $33 for adults. A commercial driver license costs more and requires additional testing. Renewal fees are lower than new license fees. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards — ask at the window which cards they take.

If you are renewing by mail or online instead of visiting the office, the fee is the same, but you avoid the wait. Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired by more than two years and you do not need to change your photograph.

Hours and Busiest Times

The Garland office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. The office is typically busiest between 10 a.m. and noon and between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays. Early morning (8 to 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (after 4 p.m.) usually have shorter waits. Saturdays are busy but often move faster because fewer people come in.

If you cannot visit during regular hours, you may be able to renew online or by mail instead. Check the Texas DPS website to see which transactions you can handle without visiting the office.

Renewing Your License Without Visiting the Office

If your license is not expired by more than two years and you do not need to change your photograph or address, you can renew online at the Texas DPS website or by mail. Online renewal is faster — you pay the fee, upload a new photograph, and your license is mailed within two weeks. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no internet access.

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your photograph, if you have medical conditions to report, or if you are changing your name. In those cases, you must visit the office in person.

What to Do If You Have Questions Before You Go

The Texas Department of Public Safety operates a phone line at 1-888-589-6789 where you can ask questions about what documents you need or whether you can renew by mail. You can also visit the Texas DPS website and search for "driver license requirements" to see the full list of acceptable documents and current office hours.

If you are not sure whether your documents will be accepted, bring them all and let the clerk decide. It is better to have extra documents than to make a second trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Online and mail renewal are only available if your license expired within the last two years. If it has been expired longer, you must visit the office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test.

Do I need an appointment at the Garland office?

No. The office does not take appointments. You arrive during business hours, take a number, and wait. Arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon usually means a shorter wait.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use a naturalization certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or valid foreign passport with an I-94 record. If you do not have any of these, contact the Texas DPS phone line at 1-888-589-6789 to ask what other documents may work in your situation.

Can I use a utility bill from someone else's house as proof of residency?

No. The document must show your name and current address. If you live with someone else and your name is not on the utility bill, use a lease, bank statement, or other document in your name instead.

How long does it take to get my license after I visit the office?

You receive a temporary paper license when ready, valid for 30 days. Your permanent license is mailed to the address you provide and usually arrives within two to three weeks.