Where to go for a Laredo driver's license

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles all driver's licenses in Laredo. You cannot get one from city hall, the police department, or any other local office — you must visit a DPS Driver License office. Laredo has one main location that serves the area, and it is the only place that can issue or renew your license.

The Laredo DPS Driver License office is located at 3002 Santa Ursula Avenue, Laredo, TX 78040. This is a state facility, not a private vendor, so the fees and requirements are the same as anywhere else in Texas. You can call ahead at the office to confirm hours or ask about wait times, though hours do vary by season and staffing.

If you cannot reach the Laredo office or need to know current wait times before you go, you can also check the DPS website for the office locator tool, which sometimes shows real-time information. However, the most reliable way to know if the office is open on a specific day is to call directly.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas DPS Driver License office at 3002 Santa Ursula Avenue is the only place in Laredo that issues driver's licenses.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a completed DL 43 form before you arrive.
  • First-time licenses require a vision test and written exam at the office; renewals by mail are available if you meet certain conditions.
  • Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not be accepted for identity or residency proof.
  • Fees vary depending on whether you are getting a standard license, a Real ID, or a commercial license, and Texas charges different amounts for different license lengths.

What documents you need to bring

Texas requires four categories of documents for a new driver's license: proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number, and a completed process form. You cannot substitute one type for another, so you need at least one document from each category.

For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, military ID, or state ID. A photocopy of your birth certificate will not work — it must be an official certified copy from the vital records office. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name. The document must show your current Laredo address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also works. You cannot use a PO box address — it must be a physical street address.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

You also need to complete form DL 43 (process for Texas Driver License) before you arrive. You can print it from the DPS website or fill it out at the office, but filling it out ahead of time will speed up your visit.

The written test and vision screening

If you are getting a driver's license for the first time or if your license has been expired for more than two years, you must pass a written test at the DPS office. The test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It is 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass.

You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website and covers everything on the test. Many people study it for a few hours the night before and pass on their first try. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.

You will also have your vision tested at the office. The test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will be told what to do next — usually getting an eye exam from an optometrist and bringing the results back to DPS.

Fees and license types in Texas

Texas driver's licenses come in different types, and the fee depends on which one you choose. A standard driver's license costs less than a Real ID, which is a federally compliant ID that works for domestic air travel and federal building access. If you plan to fly within the United States or enter a federal building, you will need a Real ID.

The license length also affects the price. Texas offers 4-year, 6-year, and 8-year licenses. A longer license costs more upfront but spreads the cost over more years. First-time drivers often choose a 4-year or 6-year license.

If you are under 18, the license is different — it has restrictions and a different appearance. If you are 18 or older, you can get a standard adult license. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) for truck driving have their own higher fee and separate testing process.

Exact fees change periodically, so call the Laredo DPS office or check the DPS website for current pricing before you go. Bring cash or a debit card — not all offices accept credit cards, and some accept only cash.

Renewing your license by mail or in person

If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you may be able to renew by mail instead of visiting the office in person. You are may be able to access for mail renewal if you have not had any major changes to your license (like a name change or address change) and if you do not need to update your photo.

To renew by mail, you submit your current license, a completed renewal form, and the renewal fee to the DPS. The process takes several weeks, so do not wait until your license expires to start. You can mail your renewal materials to the address shown on the DPS website.

If you need to change your address, name, or photo, or if your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person at the Laredo DPS office. You will follow the same process as a first-time applicant — bring your documents, take the vision test, and pay the renewal fee.

What to expect on the day of your visit

Arrive at the DPS office with all your documents and your completed DL 43 form. The office typically opens in the morning and closes in the afternoon, with a lunch break. Wait times vary — some days you might be seen in 30 minutes, and other days it could be two hours or more. Arriving early in the morning usually means a shorter wait.

When you are called, a DPS employee will review your documents, verify that they are acceptable, and take your photo. If you are getting your first license or renewing after a long absence, you will take the vision test and written exam at this time. If you pass both, you will pay the fee and receive your temporary license on the spot.

Your permanent license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one. Keep the temporary license with you until the permanent one arrives.

If you need a replacement or have a suspended license

If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Laredo DPS office. Bring your documents as if you were renewing, plus a police report if your license was stolen. The replacement fee is usually lower than a renewal fee.

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it — you must first resolve the suspension with DPS or the court. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic tickets, failure to pay child support, or driving without insurance. Contact the Laredo DPS office or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps you need to take before you can get your license back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

Texas does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You can renew by mail if you meet the requirements, or you must visit the DPS office in person. The mail renewal process is the closest option to doing it remotely.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport, military ID, or state ID instead. If you do not have any of these, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born to order a certified copy of your birth certificate. This usually takes one to two weeks.

Do I need to take the written test if I already have a license from another state?

If you are moving to Texas and have a valid license from another state, you can transfer it without taking the written test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Laredo, and your other required documents. You will still have a vision test.

How long does it take to get a license after I pass the test?

You receive a temporary license the same day you pass the test and pay the fee. Your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving during this time.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or return another day — there is no waiting period. Study the Texas Driver Handbook between attempts. Most people pass on the second try after reviewing the material they missed.