Where to go for your Midland driver's license

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs all driver's license services in Midland. You cannot get a license from the city or county — only from DPS. The Midland DPS office is located at 3600 W. Illinois Avenue, and it handles both new licenses and renewals for people who live in or near Midland.

You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary. On weekday mornings, the line is usually shorter than afternoons or Fridays. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., and closed on state holidays. If you want to check current wait times before you go, call the office at (432) 563-4500.

Key Takeaways

  • The Texas DPS office at 3600 W. Illinois Avenue in Midland is the only place to get or renew a driver's license in the area.
  • You will need a Social Security number, proof of residency, and an identity document — the exact documents depend on whether you are getting your first license or renewing.
  • A standard five-year license costs $25, and a Real ID-compliant license costs $27 and requires additional documents.
  • Processing takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your temporary license is valid when ready while you wait for the permanent one by mail.
  • You can renew by mail or online if you are renewing a standard license and have not had a vision or medical change since your last license.

What documents you need for a new license

If you are getting your first Texas driver's license or replacing one that expired more than two years ago, bring three things: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency in Texas. Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form.

Proof of residency must show your current Midland address and be dated within 90 days of your visit. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If you do not have a document with your name and address, you can bring two documents that show your address but not your name — like a utility bill and a vehicle registration — plus one document with your name on it.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, even if you have a passport. DPS requires it separately from your identity document. 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.

Real ID versus standard license: what you need to know

Texas offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for federal building entry or air travel after May 7, 2025, though you can still use a passport instead.

A Real ID license requires the same three document categories as a standard license, but DPS will verify your Social Security number with the Social Security Administration and your identity with the state vital records office. This verification takes longer — expect your appointment to last 45 minutes to an hour instead of 30 minutes. A Real ID license costs $27 and is valid for five years, the same as a standard license.

If you only need a license for driving and do not plan to fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient and costs $25. You can always upgrade to Real ID later by returning to the DPS office with the same documents.

How to renew your license by mail or online

If your license expired within the last two years and you have not had any vision changes or medical conditions that would affect your driving, you can renew by mail or online without visiting the office. Online renewal is faster — you can do it from home in about 10 minutes at the Texas DPS website. You will need your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the $25 renewal fee.

Mail renewal takes longer because your process has to travel to Austin and back. You can request a mail renewal form by calling the Midland DPS office or by visiting the Texas DPS website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $25, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing by mail usually takes two to three weeks after DPS receives your process.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must visit the Midland office in person and bring the same documents as someone getting a first license.

What happens at your appointment and what comes next

When you arrive at the Midland DPS office, check in at the front desk and give them your documents. A staff member will review them to make sure everything is there. They will ask you to read an eye chart to check your vision, and they will take a photo and fingerprints for your license. The whole process takes about 30 minutes.

Before you leave, DPS will give you a temporary paper license that is valid when ready for driving. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided, usually within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for 45 days, which gives you time to receive the permanent one. If you do not receive your permanent license within three weeks, call the Midland office to check the status.

Your new license will be valid for five years from the date it is issued. You can check the expiration date on the front of the card. When it is close to expiring, you can renew by mail or online if nothing has changed with your vision or medical history.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Midland DPS office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency — the same documents you would bring for a renewal. You do not need to bring proof of your Social Security number again because DPS already has it on file. A replacement license costs $25 and takes the same 30 minutes as a renewal.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the Midland Police Department as well, though it is not required to get a replacement. A police report can help if someone tries to use your stolen license fraudulently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license to drive while I wait for my permanent one?

Yes. DPS gives you a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 45 days. You can drive when ready with it while your permanent plastic license is mailed to you, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days.

What if I moved to Midland from another state?

You will need to get a Texas license. Bring your out-of-state license as your proof of identity, plus proof of your Social Security number and proof of residency in Midland. Your out-of-state license counts as your identity document, so you do not need a passport or birth certificate.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Midland DPS office?

No. The office accepts walk-ins during business hours. However, you can call (432) 563-4500 to check current wait times before you go, especially if you are visiting on a Friday afternoon.

What if I fail the vision test at the DPS office?

If you fail the vision screening, DPS will not issue your license that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a vision correction certificate, and return to the office with it. The certificate shows that your vision meets the standard for driving with or without corrective lenses.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for five years from the date it is issued, not from the expiration date of your old license, so you do not get extra time.