Where to go for a Garland driver's license

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs all driver's license services in Garland. You cannot get a Texas license from city hall, the police department, or any other local office — DPS is the only issuer. Garland residents can visit the DPS Driver License office located at 1102 West Avenue D, Garland, TX 75040, or travel to any other DPS office in the Dallas-Fort Worth area if that location is inconvenient.

The DPS office in Garland is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; mornings and early in the week are typically shorter. You can check current wait times on the DPS website before you go, though the times are estimates and not may provide.

If you prefer not to visit in person, you can renew a standard driver's license online through the Texas DPS website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must have a valid email address on file, and you cannot have certain medical conditions or restrictions that require an in-person visit. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about a week.

Key Takeaways

  • The DPS Driver License office at 1102 West Avenue D in Garland is the only place to get a Texas driver's license in the city.
  • You will need to bring specific documents: a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, and a completed DL 43 form.
  • Standard driver's licenses cost $33 for a six-year license, and the office accepts cash, check, and card payments.
  • If your license is not expired by more than two years, you may renew online without visiting the office, which is faster and cheaper.
  • Bring your current license or ID to speed up the process, and arrive early in the day or mid-week to avoid longer waits.

Documents you need to bring

Texas law requires you to bring specific documents to prove your identity, Social Security number, and residency. Without all of them, the DPS office will not process your request. The required documents are: one document proving your identity and date of birth (a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or military ID), one document proving your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form), and one document proving you live in Texas (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 30 days).

If you are renewing an expired license, bring the expired license itself — it counts as proof of identity and speeds up the process. If you are a new resident of Texas or explore for your first license, bring your out-of-state license if you have one. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.

You will also need to complete form DL 43, the process for a Driver's License or Identification Card. You can fill this out before you arrive or at the office. Bring the completed form with you to save time.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive at the DPS office, check in at the front desk and take a number. A staff member will call your number and review your documents to make sure everything is there and correct. If anything is missing or unclear, they will tell you what you need to bring back. If everything is in order, you will move to the next step.

You will take a vision test — the office has a machine that checks your eyesight, and you must be able to read the standard line or you will not pass. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. You will also have your photograph taken for the license. Dress neatly and avoid sunglasses, hats, or anything that obscures your face.

Next, you will take the written knowledge test. The test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 70 out of 100 questions correctly to pass. The office provides study materials, and you can study online through the DPS website before your visit. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return another day.

If you pass the vision and knowledge tests, you will pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to your address. The permanent license usually arrives within two weeks.

Costs and payment methods

A standard six-year driver's license costs $33 in Texas. If you are 85 years old or older, a five-year license costs $16. Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) cost more and require additional testing. The DPS office in Garland accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards — they do not accept personal checks.

If you renew online, the cost is $25 for a six-year license, which is $8 less than in-person renewal. Online renewal is available only if your license expired no more than two years ago and you do not have medical conditions that require an in-person visit.

Renewing an expired license

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew online without visiting the office. Go to the Texas DPS website, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer health and safety questions, review your information, and pay the $25 fee. Your new license will be mailed to you within about a week.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must visit the DPS office in person and go through the full process: bring your documents, take the vision test, take the knowledge test, and pay the $33 fee. You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must contact the DPS to find out why it was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. The reason and the steps vary depending on the cause — unpaid traffic fines, DUI conviction, or failure to pay child support are common reasons.

Getting a Real ID-compliant license

A standard Texas driver's license is not Real ID-compliant, which means it cannot be used as identification for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If you need to fly domestically or enter a federal facility, you must have either a Real ID-compliant driver's license or a passport.

A Real ID license looks the same as a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. It costs the same ($33 for six years) and requires the same documents, plus one additional document proving your current address if your residency document is more than 30 days old. You can request a Real ID license when you visit the DPS office — just tell the staff member you want the Real ID version.

Real ID became required for domestic air travel in May 2025. If you fly domestically and do not have a Real ID license or passport, you will not be allowed to board. If you are not sure whether your current license is Real ID-compliant, check for the gold star in the upper right corner.

Special situations and exceptions

If you are a non-citizen with a valid visa or work permit, you can get a Texas driver's license. Bring your passport, visa, or work permit along with the other required documents. The license will be valid only as long as your immigration status is valid.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, the DPS office can provide an interpreter or written communication during your visit. Call ahead to arrange this. If you have a disability that affects your ability to drive safely, you may be required to take a driving test or provide a medical evaluation before the office issues your license.

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) — required to drive a truck, bus, or other commercial vehicle — you must visit the DPS office in person. CDL testing is more complex and cannot be done online. The Garland office handles CDL testing, but you may face longer wait times because the process takes more time than a standard license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment at the Garland DPS office?

The Garland DPS office does not take appointments. You arrive during business hours, check in, and wait your turn. The DPS website shows estimated wait times, which can help you choose when to go. Early morning and mid-week typically have shorter waits than afternoon and Friday.

What if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake the test the same day at no extra cost, or you can leave and return another day. Most people pass on the second attempt if they study the material between tries. The DPS provides free study guides online and at the office.

How long does it take to get my permanent license in the mail?

Your permanent license is usually mailed within two weeks of your visit. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait. If your permanent license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DPS to check the status.

Can I get a license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

If you have unpaid traffic fines, your license may be suspended. You must pay the fine or set up a payment plan before the DPS will issue or renew your license. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the balance and payment options.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2 form, 1099 form, or other tax document that shows your Social Security number instead of the card itself. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you visit the DPS office.