Where to go for a Texas driver's license in Carrollton

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver's license program in Texas. In Carrollton, you can get a license at the DPS Driver License office located at 1717 Old Denton Road, Carrollton, TX 75007. This is the only DPS office in Carrollton itself.

If that location is inconvenient, the nearest alternative offices are in Dallas and Plano, both within 15 minutes of Carrollton. You can check current wait times and hours at the DPS website before you go. Many people find it faster to visit during mid-week mornings rather than Friday afternoons or the first week of the month.

You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, though some locations now offer optional appointment slots through the DPS website. Walk-ins are accepted during regular business hours, typically 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and Saturday mornings.

Key Takeaways

  • The Carrollton DPS office is at 1717 Old Denton Road and handles all driver's license services without requiring an appointment.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of Texas residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it.
  • A standard five-year license costs $16, and a six-year license for drivers 85 and older costs $13.
  • Processing takes about 20 to 45 minutes on average, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.
  • You can renew by mail or online if you are renewing a standard license and have not had certain violations or medical suspensions.

Documents you need to bring

Texas requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot get a license without all three.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a previous Texas driver's license or ID card. A passport is fastest because it covers both identity and citizenship in one document.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days showing your name and Carrollton address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. You need the actual document, not a copy.

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 number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for one.

What a standard Texas driver's license costs

A standard five-year driver's license costs $16. If you are 85 or older, a six-year license costs $13. These are the only two options for regular licenses; Texas does not offer a one-year or three-year option.

The DPS office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is safer. There are no additional fees for first-time licenses, renewals, or replacements unless you are paying for a duplicate or correcting an error you made on the form.

If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting May 2025), the cost is the same. The only difference is that Real ID requires one additional document proving citizenship — usually a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers.

How long the process takes at the Carrollton office

From the moment you walk in to the moment you leave, the process usually takes 20 to 45 minutes. This includes waiting in line, speaking with a clerk, taking your photo, and paying the fee. The actual paperwork takes about 10 minutes.

Wait times are shortest on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Avoid the first week of the month, when people renew licenses after birthdays. Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings are also busy.

You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving until the permanent one arrives, so you can drive home that day.

Renewing your license by mail or online instead

If you already have a valid Texas driver's license and have not had a suspension, revocation, or medical restriction in the past five years, you can renew by mail or online without visiting the Carrollton office.

To renew online, go to the DPS website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the steps. You will need your license number, date of birth, and a credit or debit card. The fee is $16 for a five-year renewal. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the DPS website or call 1-888-589-6900. Fill it out, include a check or money order for $16, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes 15 to 20 business days from the date DPS receives it.

You cannot renew online or by mail if you have had a DWI conviction, a medical suspension, a vision restriction, or certain traffic violations in the past five years. In those cases, you must visit the Carrollton office in person.

What to do if you have moved or changed your name

If you have moved to Carrollton from another state or another Texas city, you need to get a new Texas license rather than renew your old one. Bring the same three document categories as a first-time applicant: proof of identity, proof of Carrollton residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring your current license plus a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DPS office will issue a new license with your current name at no extra charge.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6900 to find out what steps are required to restore it. This usually involves paying a reinstatement fee and providing proof that the reason for suspension (unpaid tickets, unpaid child support, or medical issues) has been resolved.

Getting a duplicate license or correcting an error

If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a duplicate at the Carrollton office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency. The cost is $11 for a duplicate five-year license. You will receive a temporary paper license and the permanent one by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If the DPS made an error on your license — wrong address, misspelled name, or wrong date of birth — visit the Carrollton office with your current license and the document that proves the correct information. Corrections are free. If you made the error on your original form, the DPS may charge a small fee to reissue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I live in Carrollton?

Yes, if your current license is valid and you have not had a suspension, revocation, or medical restriction in the past five years. Go to the DPS website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and pay $16 with a credit or debit card. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you have had any suspension or violation, you must visit the Carrollton office in person.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still get a Texas driver's license. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access for a number, along with your proof of identity and proof of residency. The DPS will issue a license without a Social Security number on it.

How long does a Texas driver's license last?

A standard license is valid for five years from the date of issue. If you are 85 or older, your license is valid for six years. You can renew it up to one year before it expires.

Can I get a Real ID license at the Carrollton office?

Yes. A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license ($16 for five years) but requires one additional document proving U.S. citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers. Real ID is required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting May 2025.

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

If you fail the vision screening, the DPS will restrict your license to corrective lenses only. You can still drive, but you must wear glasses or contacts whenever you are behind the wheel. The restriction appears on your license and is noted in the DPS system.