Where the Carrollton Driver License Office Is Located

The Texas Department of Public Safety operates a driver license office in Carrollton at 1200 Old Denton Road, Carrollton, TX 75006. This office issues and renews driver licenses, issues identification cards, and handles related transactions for people in the Dallas area.

Carrollton is in Dallas County, northwest of downtown Dallas. If you live or work in that part of the metroplex, this office may be closer than others in the region. The office shares its building with other DPS services, so you may see signage for multiple departments when you arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • The Carrollton office is located at 1200 Old Denton Road and handles driver licenses, renewals, and ID cards for Dallas County residents.
  • You must bring specific documents — a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — before you go in.
  • The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no online scheduling, so arriving early in the morning typically means shorter waits.
  • You can renew your license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions, which may save you a trip to the office entirely.
  • Wait times vary by day and time of day; Tuesdays through Thursdays mid-morning usually have shorter lines than Mondays or Fridays.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Texas requires specific documents before the office will issue or renew your license. You need proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or military ID), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).

If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license, bring a document showing the legal change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are a Texas resident explore for the first time, you also need to pass a vision test and written exam at the office.

Bring the originals, not copies. The office staff will examine them and may make copies for your file. If your documents are in a language other than English, bring the originals plus an official English translation.

Hours, Wait Times, and How to Prepare

The Carrollton office is open Monday through Friday. Specific hours change seasonally and occasionally shift for staffing, so call ahead at the DPS main line or check the Texas DPS website for current hours before you go.

The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis — there is no online scheduling or reservation system. You take a number when you arrive and wait for your turn. Wait times range from 30 minutes on a quiet Tuesday morning to two or three hours on a Friday afternoon. Arriving when the office opens or mid-morning on a weekday typically means a shorter wait than late afternoon or the end of the week.

Bring all your documents in one folder or envelope so you are not searching through a bag when it is your turn. Have your documents organized in the order the staff member asks for them. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them when you take your vision test.

Renewing Your License Without Going to the Office

You may not need to visit Carrollton at all. Texas allows online renewal if your license is not suspended, you have no medical restrictions, and your license is not expired by more than two years. You can renew online through the Texas DPS website using your driver license number and date of birth.

You can also renew by mail if you meet the same conditions. Request a renewal process from the DPS website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but you avoid the office entirely.

If your license is expired by more than two years, if you have medical restrictions, or if you have had a suspension, you must renew in person at an office. The Carrollton location is one option, but you can also visit any DPS driver license office in Texas.

Getting a New License or Changing Your Address

If you are moving to Texas or getting your first license, you must visit an office in person. The Carrollton office will issue a new license after you pass the vision and written tests. Bring all the documents listed above plus proof that you have lived in Texas for at least 30 days (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement).

If you already have a Texas license and are changing your address, you can update it online or by mail without visiting the office. Go to the DPS website, log in with your license number and date of birth, and update your address. The change takes effect when ready online and your new license arrives by mail within two weeks.

What to Do If You Lose Your License or Need a Duplicate

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a duplicate online through the Texas DPS website. You pay a small fee and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks. You do not need to visit the office for a duplicate unless you want to pick it up in person instead of waiting for mail delivery.

If you want to pick up your duplicate at the Carrollton office instead of having it mailed, you can request that when you order online. The office will hold it for you, and you can pick it up during business hours with a photo ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment at the Carrollton office?

No. The Carrollton office does not offer online scheduling or appointments. You arrive during business hours, take a number, and wait. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means a shorter wait than afternoons or Fridays.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport, military ID, or consular report of birth abroad instead. If you do not have any of those, you can order a birth certificate from the Texas Vital Statistics office or the state where you were born before you visit the driver license office.

How long does it take to get a new license after I explore?

If you renew in person at the office, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic license arrives by mail within two weeks. If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.

Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a Texas license?

No. If you are renewing an existing Texas license, you only take a vision test. You take the written exam only if you are getting your first license or if your license has been suspended or revoked.

What if I fail the vision test?

If you fail the vision test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. If you fail twice, you may need to bring a letter from an eye doctor saying you can drive safely. The office staff will tell you what to do next.