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

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver's license program in Texas. In Denton, you visit a DPS Driver License office to get a new license, renew an existing one, or make changes to your current license. The main Denton office is located at 1535 Scripture Street, Denton, TX 76201. You can also visit other DPS offices in nearby counties if the Denton location is inconvenient.

DPS offices operate on a walk-in basis, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Mornings on weekdays typically have shorter lines than afternoons or Saturdays. You do not need an appointment, but you should bring all required documents with you on your first visit — going back a second time because you forgot something adds hours to the process.

Key Takeaways

  • The DPS Driver License office in Denton is at 1535 Scripture Street, and you can walk in without an appointment during business hours.
  • A new Texas driver's license requires proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence in the United States.
  • Renewals by mail are available if your license is not expired more than two years and you have no address changes or corrections needed.
  • The fee for a new license is different from the fee for a renewal, and both vary depending on whether you choose a standard or Real ID-compliant license.
  • Processing times at the office are usually same-day for standard licenses, but Real ID licenses may take longer or require a return visit.

Documents you need for a new Texas driver's license

Texas requires four categories of documents to issue a new driver's license. You must bring proof of identity (such as a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or military ID), proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days), proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form), and proof of lawful presence in the United States (such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card).

Some documents count toward more than one category. For example, a U.S. passport serves as both proof of identity and proof of lawful presence. A certified birth certificate does the same. If you are unsure whether a document you have will work, call the Denton DPS office at (940) 349-2600 before you go. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip.

If you were born outside the United States and do not have a passport or permanent resident card, you will need to bring additional documents. These might include a consular report of birth abroad, a certificate of naturalization, or a valid visa. The DPS website lists the full set of acceptable documents for each category.

Renewing your license by mail or in person

If your current Texas driver's license is not expired more than two years, you have not changed your address, and you do not need to correct any information on the license, you can renew by mail. You mail your current license, a completed DL-44 form (the process), and the renewal fee to the DPS address listed on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks.

Renewing in person at the Denton office takes the same amount of time on the spot — usually under an hour during off-peak hours. You bring your current license, proof of residency if your address has changed, and the renewal fee. If your license has been expired more than two years, you must renew in person and bring the same documents as a new applicant.

If you need to change your name, correct your date of birth, or update your address, you must renew in person. The mail renewal process does not allow for corrections or changes.

Real ID versus standard Texas driver's license

Texas offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not have the star and does not meet these federal requirements.

If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025, you will need either a Real ID license, a U.S. passport, a military ID, or another federally accepted form of identification. If you do not fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license works for driving and most other purposes.

Getting a Real ID license costs more than a standard license and may take longer to process at the DPS office. Some people are asked to return for a second appointment if additional verification is needed. Ask the DPS staff whether you should get a Real ID license when you arrive, and they can tell you the current processing time.

Fees and payment methods

The fee for a new Texas driver's license varies based on the type and length of validity. A standard five-year license costs one amount, a standard eight-year license costs more, and a Real ID license costs more still. Renewal fees are lower than new license fees. The DPS office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card.

Exact fees change periodically, so call the Denton office or check the DPS website before you go to know the amount you need to bring. If you pay by check, write it to the Texas Department of Public Safety. If you do not have the exact amount in cash, bring a card or checkbook.

What to expect during your visit

When you arrive at the Denton DPS office, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You wait until your number is called, then you go to a window where a staff member reviews your documents, takes your photograph, and collects your fee. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

For a standard license, you receive your new license before you leave. For a Real ID license, you may receive it the same day or you may be told to return in a few days or weeks. Ask the staff member when you should expect it and whether you need to return to pick it up or if it will be mailed to you.

Bring your current license or ID with you even if it is expired. You will also need to sign your new license in front of the staff member before you leave. Do not sign it beforehand.

Hours and contact information for the Denton office

The DPS Driver License office in Denton is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. Hours may change seasonally or due to staffing, so call ahead if you are planning a weekend visit.

The office address is 1535 Scripture Street, Denton, TX 76201. The phone number is (940) 349-2600. You can also visit the Texas DPS website to check current hours, read forms, or find other DPS offices in nearby counties if you prefer a different location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license online?

No. Texas does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if you meet the requirements, or you can renew in person at a DPS office. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal is usually same-day.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You can bring other documents that prove your Social Security number, such as a W-2, tax return, or Social Security statement. You do not need the card itself. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you visit DPS.

Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Texas?

No. A standard Texas driver's license is valid for driving anywhere in Texas and the rest of the United States. You only need a Real ID license if you plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings after May 7, 2025.

How long does a Texas driver's license last?

A standard Texas driver's license is valid for five or eight years, depending on which you choose. A Real ID license is valid for five or eight years as well. You can choose the length when you explore or renew.

What if my address changed but I do not want to renew yet?

You can update your address at a DPS office without renewing your license. Bring your current license and proof of your new address. There is a small fee for an address change. You do not have to wait until your license expires.