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

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver's license program in Texas. In Garland, you'll go to a local DPS office to get a new license, renew an existing one, or make changes to your current license. Garland has a DPS office located at 1102 West Avenue D, which handles driver's licenses for residents in that area.

You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Mornings on weekdays tend to be less crowded than afternoons or weekends. You can also check the DPS website to see current wait times at the Garland location before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • The DPS office in Garland at 1102 West Avenue D is where you go to get a new license, renew, or update your current one.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it.
  • A new license costs money that varies depending on whether you are getting a standard license, a Real ID, or a commercial license.
  • Renewal by mail is an option if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes, though not all license types may have access to.
  • Processing takes a few minutes in the office, but your physical license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Documents you need to bring

Texas requires specific documents before you can get or renew a driver's license. You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The DPS website lists which documents count for each category, and having the right ones saves you a trip back home.

For proof of identity, you can use a passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a previous Texas driver's license. For proof of residency, you need a document showing your current address — a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement all work. For your Social Security number, you can bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

The difference between a standard license and a Real ID

Texas offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The main difference is that a Real ID license meets federal standards and can be used to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building. A standard license cannot be used for these purposes as of May 2025, though you can still use it to drive.

A Real ID license costs more than a standard license and requires one additional document — proof that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This can be a passport, a birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, or a permanent resident card. If you fly domestically or visit federal buildings, a Real ID is worth the extra cost. If you only drive locally, a standard license works fine.

Costs and how long it takes

The cost of a Texas driver's license depends on the type you are getting and how long it is valid. A standard license valid for five years costs less than a Real ID license valid for the same period. A Real ID license valid for eight years costs more than a five-year Real ID. The exact amounts change periodically, so check the DPS website or ask at the office for current prices.

The DPS office processes your process while you wait — you will be done in the office in 15 to 30 minutes. However, your physical license is printed at a central location and mailed to you. You should receive it within one to two weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the DPS office for a temporary paper license that is valid while you wait.

Renewing by mail instead of in person

If your current Texas driver's license is not expired and you have not moved, you may be able to renew by mail instead of going to the DPS office. You fill out an process form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the address on the form. The DPS processes it and mails your new license back to you.

Not all license types can be renewed by mail. If you have a commercial license, a motorcycle endorsement, or a Real ID license, you must renew in person at a DPS office. If you have changed your address, you also must go in person. The DPS website explains which licenses may have access to for mail renewal and provides the process form.

What to do if you have lost or damaged your license

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you go to the DPS office and request a replacement. Bring the same documents you would bring for a renewal — proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The DPS will issue you a new license with the same number as your old one.

A replacement license costs less than a new license but more than a renewal. You will receive your replacement license by mail within one to two weeks, just as with a renewal. If you need to drive when ready, ask for a temporary paper license at the office.

Changing your address or name on your license

If you have moved to a new address in Texas, you can update your license at the DPS office without getting a new license number. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and your Social Security number or a document showing it. The DPS will update your record and issue a new license with your new address but the same number.

If you have changed your name — through marriage, divorce, or legal petition — you must bring your current license, a document proving the name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your Social Security number. The DPS will issue a new license with your new name and the same number. Both address changes and name changes take the same time as a renewal: a few minutes in the office and one to two weeks by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Texas license if I live out of state now?

No. Texas requires you to renew in person at a DPS office, and you must show proof of a Texas address. If you have moved out of state, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead. If you still own property in Texas or have other reasons to keep a Texas license, you would need to use a Texas address where you can receive mail.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. Bring this letter along with your other documents to the DPS office. The DPS will process your license without a Social Security number on file.

Do I need an appointment at the Garland DPS office?

Most DPS offices in Texas, including Garland, do not require appointments. You can walk in during business hours. However, you can check the DPS website for current wait times before you go, and going early in the morning on a weekday usually means a shorter wait.

What happens if I fail the vision test at the DPS office?

If you fail the vision test, the DPS will not issue you a license. You will need to see an eye doctor, get corrective lenses if needed, and return to the DPS office to retake the test. Bring your glasses or contacts with you when you return.

Can I get a license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or warrant?

The DPS may suspend or deny your license if you have unpaid traffic fines or an active warrant. Before you go to the DPS office, check with the Garland Municipal Court or the county court to see if there are any holds on your record. If there are, you will need to resolve them before the DPS can issue or renew your license.