Texas driver license offices reopen on a location-by-location basis after temporary closures

When a Texas driver license office closes — whether for weather, staffing, or facility issues — the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) posts reopening information on its website and through local announcements. You cannot call a closed office to ask when it will reopen; instead, you check the DPS website directly or contact the main DPS number to confirm the status of your specific location. Most offices reopen within one to three business days, but some closures last longer depending on the reason.

The fastest way to learn about your office is open today is to visit the DPS Driver License Division website before you go. This saves a wasted trip and tells you whether you need to reschedule your appointment or visit a different location.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the Texas DPS website or call 1-844-DL-TEXAS (1-844-358-3927) to confirm whether your specific driver license office is open before you visit.
  • Most temporary closures last one to three business days, but weather events or facility problems can extend that timeline.
  • If your office is closed and you have an appointment, you can reschedule online through the DPS website or by phone without losing your place in the queue.
  • Some driver license services are available at other DPS offices in your region, so you may be able to visit a nearby open location instead of waiting.

Check the DPS website for real-time office status

The Texas DPS Driver License Division maintains a list of office closures on its main website at dps.texas.gov. Look for a banner or alert section on the homepage that lists any closed locations and the expected reopening date. This page updates throughout the day as situations change, so check it before you leave home.

If you do not see your office listed under closures, it is open during its normal hours. Office hours vary by location — some are open Monday through Friday, while others have Saturday hours. You can look up your specific office's hours on the same DPS website by entering your city or zip code.

Call the DPS main line to confirm status and reschedule

If you cannot find clear information online or need to reschedule an existing appointment, call 1-844-DL-TEXAS (1-844-358-3927). This is the statewide customer service line for driver license services. Have your driver license number or appointment confirmation ready when you call.

The wait time on this line varies depending on the time of day and how many offices are closed. Early morning calls (before 9 a.m.) typically have shorter waits. When you reach an agent, they can tell you the exact reopening date for your office, help you reschedule your appointment to a new date, or direct you to an open office nearby that can handle your transaction.

Visit a different DPS office if yours is closed

You do not have to wait for your regular office to reopen. Most driver license services — including renewals, replacements, and address changes — can be handled at any open DPS office in Texas. If an office in your area is closed, search the DPS website for other locations within a reasonable distance and check their hours.

Walk-in service availability varies by location and time of day. Some offices take walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis, while others require you to book an appointment slot in advance through the DPS website. If you have an appointment at a closed office, you can transfer it to an open location by calling 1-844-DL-TEXAS or rescheduling online.

Understand why offices close and how long closures typically last

Texas driver license offices close for several reasons: severe weather (ice, flooding, extreme heat), facility maintenance or repairs, staffing shortages, or public health emergencies. Weather-related closures are the most common and usually last one to three business days. Facility repairs or staffing issues can extend closures to a week or longer.

The DPS typically announces the expected reopening date when it posts a closure notice. If no date is listed, the closure is likely temporary and the office will reopen the next business day. Check the website again the following morning or call the main line to confirm.

Reschedule your appointment without losing your place

If you have an appointment scheduled at a closed office, you can reschedule online through the DPS website or by calling 1-844-DL-TEXAS. You will not lose your place in the queue — rescheduling moves your appointment to a new available slot without penalty.

When you reschedule, you can choose a new date at the same office (once it reopens) or switch to a different open location. Have your appointment confirmation number ready. If you reschedule more than once due to office closures, DPS will not charge you an additional fee.

Plan ahead to avoid closures affecting your important date

If your driver license expires soon or you have a time-sensitive transaction, do not wait until the last week to visit an office. Check the DPS website for any announced closures in your area and book your appointment at least two weeks before your important date. This gives you a buffer if an unexpected closure happens.

You can also renew your driver license by mail or online if you meet certain requirements — your license must not be expired more than two years, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or address changes. Check the DPS website to see whether mail or online renewal is an option for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my driver license office is open right now?

Visit dps.texas.gov and look for office closure alerts on the homepage, or call 1-844-DL-TEXAS (1-844-358-3927). If your office is not listed as closed, it is open during its posted hours. You can also look up your office's specific hours on the DPS website by entering your city or zip code.

Can I go to a different driver license office if mine is closed?

Yes. Most driver license services can be handled at any open DPS office in Texas. Search the DPS website for nearby locations, check their hours, and either walk in or book an appointment. If you have an existing appointment at the closed office, you can transfer it to another location by calling 1-844-DL-TEXAS.

What should I do if my appointment is at a closed office?

Call 1-844-DL-TEXAS or reschedule online through the DPS website. You can move your appointment to a new date at the same office once it reopens, or switch to a different open location. Rescheduling does not cost extra or affect your place in the queue.

How long do driver license office closures usually last?

Most closures last one to three business days. Weather-related closures are typically the shortest. Facility repairs or staffing issues can last a week or longer. The DPS posts an expected reopening date with the closure notice, or you can call the main line to confirm.

Can I renew my driver license online or by mail instead of visiting an office?

You may be able to, depending on your situation. Online and mail renewal are available if your license is not expired more than two years and you have no medical restrictions or address changes. Check the DPS website to see whether these options work for you.