Where to Get Your Texas Driver's License in Killeen

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues all Texas driver's licenses. In Killeen, you can get a license at the DPS Driver License office located at 1010 West Avenue D, Killeen, TX 76541. This is the only location in Killeen where you can explore for or renew a license in person.

You can also renew your license online through the Texas DPS website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than two years, you must have a valid email address on file, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or name changes since your last license. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about two weeks by mail.

If you cannot visit Killeen, other DPS offices operate in nearby cities like Waco and Temple, though wait times and hours vary by location. The Killeen office typically has shorter lines on weekday mornings before 11 a.m.

Key Takeaways

  • The Killeen DPS office at 1010 West Avenue D is the only place in the city to get a Texas driver's license in person.
  • You will need a Social Security number, proof of Texas residency, and proof of identity — the specific documents depend on whether you are getting your first license or renewing.
  • First-time applicants must pass a written test, vision test, and driving test; renewals do not require tests unless your license has been expired for more than two years.
  • Bring your current out-of-state license or ID if you have one, as it speeds up the process and may reduce the documents you need to bring.
  • The office accepts walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website to avoid waiting.

Documents You Need to Bring

Texas requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency. The exact documents depend on whether you are getting your first Texas license or renewing an existing one.

For proof of identity, bring a current or expired U.S. passport, a current out-of-state driver's license, a military ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you bring an out-of-state license, the DPS office will often accept fewer additional documents because they can verify your identity electronically.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov. A birth certificate with your Social Security number printed on it also works.

For proof of Texas residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, or a property tax statement. The document must show your name and current Texas address and be dated within the last 30 days. A utility bill in your name is the fastest option.

What Happens During Your First License Appointment

When you arrive at the Killeen DPS office, you will check in at the front desk and wait for your number to be called. A DPS employee will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. The fee for a five-year license is $45; a ten-year license costs $65. You can pay by cash, check, or card.

After the paperwork is complete, you will take a written test covering Texas traffic laws and road signs. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost.

Next, you will take a vision test. The examiner will check your eyesight and ask whether you need corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

Finally, you will take a driving test with a DPS examiner. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. The test lasts about 10 to 15 minutes and takes place on public roads near the office. If you fail the driving test, you can schedule another appointment to retake it, usually within a few days.

Renewing Your License at the Killeen Office

If your Texas license is still valid or expired by less than two years, you can renew it in person at the Killeen office without taking any tests. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your fee. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to retake the written test and vision test, but not the driving test. Bring the same documents as a first-time applicant.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to retake all three tests — written, vision, and driving — as if you were getting your first license. This is treated as a new process, not a renewal.

Scheduling an Appointment vs. Walk-In

The Killeen DPS office accepts both walk-ins and scheduled appointments. You can schedule an appointment online through the Texas DPS website at least one day in advance. Appointments typically have shorter wait times, sometimes 15 to 30 minutes, compared to walk-ins which can wait an hour or more during busy times.

If you walk in without an appointment, arrive early in the morning on a weekday. Mondays and Fridays tend to be busier. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturday hours are often the most crowded.

If you schedule an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early with all your documents ready. If you miss your appointment, you can walk in, but you will be placed at the end of the queue.

What to Do If You Fail the Driving Test

If you do not pass the driving test on your first attempt, you can retake it without reapplying or paying the full fee again. The DPS office will charge a retest fee of $7 for the driving test only. You can usually schedule your retest within a few days of your first attempt.

Before your retest, review the areas where the examiner said you struggled. Common reasons for failing include improper lane changes, failure to use turn signals, rolling stops, or unsafe speeds. The Texas DPS website has a study guide that lists all the maneuvers and safety rules the examiner will check.

You do not need to bring all your documents again for a retest — just your ID and the retest fee. If you fail a second time, you can retake it again, but after three failures within a 12-month period, you must wait 30 days before scheduling another attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get your license after you pass the test?

The DPS office will issue a temporary paper license on the day you pass all tests. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving when ready and is accepted by police and other authorities.

Can you renew your license by mail from Killeen?

Yes, if your license is not expired by more than two years and you have no medical restrictions or name changes. Mail your current license, a completed DL-44 form, and your fee to the Texas DPS. Processing takes about four weeks. You can read the form from the Texas DPS website.

What if you lost your Social Security card?

You can bring a W-2, 1099, or a Social Security statement from ssa.gov instead. You do not need the physical card. If you do not have any of these documents, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement or statement.

Do you need an appointment to renew your license in Killeen?

No, renewals do not require an appointment and are usually faster than first-time applications. You can walk in and be finished in 15 to 20 minutes. However, scheduling an appointment still reduces wait time if you prefer not to wait in line.