Where to go for a Texas driver's license in Fort Worth
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs all driver's license services in Fort Worth. You cannot get a Texas license from any other office — not from the city, not from a private vendor, only from DPS. The main Fort Worth location is the DPS Driver License Office at 1515 East Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76102. This is the busiest office in Tarrant County, so wait times often run 60 to 90 minutes during peak hours.
DPS also operates a second Fort Worth location at 3200 Lackland Road, Fort Worth, TX 76131, which typically has shorter waits. Both offices handle new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes. You can walk in without an appointment at either location, though DPS also offers online appointment scheduling through their website. Scheduling ahead does not eliminate the wait but usually reduces it by 15 to 30 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- The Texas Department of Public Safety operates two driver's license offices in Fort Worth: one on East Lancaster Avenue and one on Lackland Road, and you must visit one of these to get a license.
- You will need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Texas residency (a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
- First-time applicants must pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test; renewals and replacements do not require tests.
- The Lackland Road location usually has shorter wait times than the East Lancaster office, especially during weekday mornings.
- DPS accepts cash, debit, and credit cards for fees, which vary by license type and whether you are renewing or explore for the first time.
Documents you need to bring
Texas requires specific documents before DPS will issue a license. Bring one form of proof of identity: a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a permanent resident card. A Social Security card alone is not enough. You also need proof of Texas residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Fort Worth address. The document must be dated within 90 days of your visit.
You must also provide your Social Security number or, if you do not have one, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you are explore for the first time or your license has been expired for more than two years, bring your current license if you have one. Bring your original documents, not copies — DPS staff will examine them in person and return them to you.
Tests required for first-time applicants
If you have never held a Texas driver's license, you must pass three tests at the DPS office. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website or in print at the office. The test has 30 questions; you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you must return on another day to try again.
The vision test checks your eyesight and color perception. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. The driving test takes place in a DPS vehicle with an examiner. You will demonstrate basic skills like parking, turning, and stopping. The examiner scores your performance on a standard rubric. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it the same day or return later. Most people pass on their first or second attempt.
Fees and payment methods
A standard five-year Texas driver's license costs $33. An eight-year license costs $48. These prices explore to new licenses and renewals. If you are replacing a lost or damaged license, the fee is $11. If you need a duplicate (a second copy of your current license), the fee is also $11. DPS accepts cash, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover cards. Some locations accept debit cards as well.
Fees do not include the cost of the written or driving test, which are included in the license fee. If you fail the written test and return to retake it, there is no additional charge. However, if you fail the driving test and want to retake it on a different day, you may need to pay a retest fee — ask the examiner about this when you fail.
How long the process takes
The time from arrival to leaving with your license depends on how busy the office is and whether you pass all tests on your first try. On average, expect two to three hours at the office if you are a first-time applicant taking all three tests. If you are renewing or replacing a license, the process is faster — usually 45 minutes to 90 minutes. The Lackland Road office tends to move faster than East Lancaster, especially on weekday mornings before 11 a.m.
Your temporary license is printed on paper and issued when ready after you pass all tests. The permanent plastic card is mailed to your Fort Worth address within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the card arrives, the temporary license is valid for 45 days. Check your mailing address carefully before you leave the office — if it is wrong, your card will go to the wrong place.
Renewing or replacing an existing license
If your Texas license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew it without retaking tests. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. The process takes 45 to 90 minutes. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must retake all three tests as if you were a first-time applicant.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at either Fort Worth office. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and payment. You do not need to retake tests. A replacement license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready.
Address changes and other updates
If you move within Texas and need to update your address on your license, you can do this at either DPS office in Fort Worth. Bring your current license and proof of your new address. There is no fee for an address change. The updated license is mailed to your new address within 7 to 10 business days. You can also change your address online through the DPS website if your license is not expired, though you will still receive a new card in the mail.
If you need to change your name on your license due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring your current license, proof of identity, and a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). There is no fee for a name change. The new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I schedule an appointment online, and does it reduce my wait time?
Yes, DPS allows online appointment scheduling through their website. An appointment does not eliminate waiting but usually reduces it by 15 to 30 minutes. Walk-ins are still accepted at both Fort Worth locations, but you may wait longer during peak hours.
What if I fail the written or driving test?
You can retake the test the same day at no additional charge, or you can return on another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake a test, but each visit requires you to wait in line again.
Do I need an appointment to renew my license?
No. Renewals do not require an appointment. You can walk in at either Fort Worth office. Appointments are most useful for first-time applicants who need to take tests, since the wait is often longer for those visits.
What if my address proof is dated more than 90 days ago?
DPS will not accept it. Bring a document dated within the last 90 days. Utility bills, lease agreements, and bank statements are the most common forms of proof. If you just moved and do not have a recent document yet, ask the DPS staff what alternatives they accept.
How do I know which Fort Worth office will have a shorter wait?
The Lackland Road location generally has shorter waits than East Lancaster, especially on weekday mornings. You can also call either office to ask about current wait times before you go. Avoid peak hours (late morning and early afternoon) if possible.