Where to go for a Texas driver license in Laredo

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver license program in Texas. In Laredo, you get your license at the DPS Driver License office located at 3002 Bob Bullock Loop, Laredo, TX 78043. This is the only office in Laredo that issues driver licenses, so you cannot go to a different location in the city.

The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours change seasonally and can shift without notice, so call ahead at (956) 723-5000 before you go. The office closes for state holidays and sometimes for staff training. You can also check current hours on the Texas DPS website under "Office Locator" by entering your zip code.

Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary. During lunch hours and late afternoon, lines are typically longer. Early morning, especially Tuesday through Thursday, usually has shorter waits. If you want to avoid the office entirely, you can renew a license online if you meet certain conditions — but new licenses and most other transactions require an in-person visit.

Key Takeaways

  • The DPS Driver License office in Laredo is at 3002 Bob Bullock Loop and is the only location in the city that issues licenses.
  • You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, and a completed DL-44 form.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday only; call (956) 723-5000 to confirm hours before you visit.
  • A new Texas driver license costs between $16 and $32 depending on how long you want it to be valid, and you pay cash, check, or card at the office.
  • If you are under 18, you need a parent or guardian to sign your process, and you must pass a written test and driving test.

Documents you need to bring

Texas requires specific documents before the DPS will issue a license. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate — a photocopy is not enough. You also need proof of your Social Security number, which can be a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. A tax return or bank statement with your SSN on it also works.

You must show proof of Texas residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days and showing your current Laredo address. A cell phone bill does not count. If you do not have a document in your name, you can use one in a spouse's or parent's name along with a marriage certificate or birth certificate proving the relationship.

Bring a completed DL-44 form, which is the process for a Texas driver license. You can fill it out at home and bring it completed, or fill it out at the office. You also need to bring a form of ID — a passport, military ID, or previous driver license all work. If you do not have any of these, bring two documents that show your name and date of birth.

Bring payment. A new Texas driver license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. The office takes cash, check, or debit and credit cards. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, because the office will not issue a license without it on file.

The written test and what it covers

If you are getting your first Texas driver license or your license has been expired for more than two years, you must pass a written test. The test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You get one chance to pass; if you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day.

The test is given on a computer at the DPS office. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the Texas DPS website. The handbook covers everything on the test. Many people study it for a few hours the night before and pass. The test is in English, but Spanish-language tests are also available.

If you already hold a valid driver license from another state and you are moving to Texas, you may not have to take the written test — you can transfer your license. Bring your out-of-state license and the same documents listed above. The office will tell you whether you need to test.

The driving test and scheduling

After you pass the written test, you must pass a driving test before you get your license. The driving test is given by a DPS examiner and takes about 20 minutes. You drive your own vehicle (or someone else's, as long as it is insured and registered), and the examiner watches you perform basic maneuvers: parking, turning, stopping, and following traffic laws.

You cannot schedule the driving test online in Laredo. You must schedule it in person at the DPS office after you pass the written test. The office will give you a date and time, which is usually within one to three weeks. You get one attempt to pass; if you fail, you can retake it after waiting a set period, usually a few days.

Bring the same vehicle you plan to use for the test every time you come to the office, because the examiner needs to inspect it. The vehicle must have valid registration, insurance, and a working odometer. Bring proof of insurance and registration with you. The vehicle must be safe to drive — brakes, lights, and wipers must all work.

Special rules if you are under 18

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your DL-44 process. They do not have to be present at the office, but they must sign the form before you submit it. You still need all the documents listed above, plus a birth certificate showing your parents' names.

Minors in Texas get a Graduated Driver License (GDL), which has restrictions. For the first six months after you get your license, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you can have only one passenger under 21 in the car (unless they are a family member). After six months, the midnight-to-5-a.m. restriction lifts, but the passenger limit stays until you turn 18.

You must pass both the written and driving tests. The written test is the same as for adults. The driving test is also the same, but examiners may watch more carefully for safe habits because you are new to driving.

Fees and payment options

A new Texas driver license costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. The office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. There are no additional fees for the written or driving test — those are included in the license fee.

If you are renewing an expired license or replacing a lost one, the cost is the same. If you need a duplicate (an extra copy of your current license), that costs $11. If you change your name or address, you can update it for free if your license is not expired; if it is expired, you pay the renewal fee.

The DPS does not offer payment plans. You must pay the full amount at the time you get your license. If you cannot pay at the office, you cannot get the license that day.

How long it takes to get your license after passing the test

After you pass both the written and driving tests, the DPS prints your license at the office. You usually get it the same day or within a few days. The office will tell you when to pick it up. You can also have it mailed to your address, which takes about one to two weeks.

If you choose to pick it up in person, bring the receipt the office gave you when you passed the test. If you choose to have it mailed, the office will mail it to the address on your process. Make sure the address is correct before you leave the office.

Your license is valid for four or eight years from the date it is issued, depending on which one you paid for. The expiration date is printed on the front of the card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas driver license online instead of going to the office?

You can renew online only if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions: your license must have been issued in Texas, you must not have any medical conditions that affect your driving, and you must not need to update your photo. If you meet these conditions, you can renew on the Texas DPS website. Most people who need a new license or have an expired license must go to the office.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have another document with my number?

You can get a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration office in Laredo before you go to the DPS. Bring your birth certificate and a photo ID. The SSA office is at 5610 San Dario Avenue, Laredo, TX 78040. You can also call (956) 723-6369 to ask about getting a replacement card. The DPS will not issue a license without proof of your Social Security number on file.

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

Not always. If you are moving to Texas and your out-of-state license is still valid, you may be able to transfer it without taking the driving test. Bring your out-of-state license and all required documents to the Laredo DPS office. The staff will tell you whether you need to test. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Texas that waive the test; others do not.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after a waiting period, usually a few days. You do not have to retake the written test. You pay the same fee each time you take the driving test. You can schedule the next attempt in person at the office or by calling ahead.

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

Texas does not issue temporary paper licenses. After you pass both tests, you get your permanent license printed at the office the same day or within a few days. If you need to drive before your license arrives by mail, you can pick it up in person at the office instead.