Where the Garland DPS Office Is Located and What It Handles

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office in Garland is located at 1500 West Avenue D, Garland, TX 75040. This office issues and renews driver licenses, issues identification cards, handles license suspensions and reinstatements, and processes name changes on driving records. It does not handle vehicle registration or title work — those services are handled by the county tax assessor-collector's office.

The Garland DPS office serves Garland residents and people from surrounding areas in Dallas County. If you live closer to another DPS office, you can visit that location instead; Texas DPS offices accept transactions from anyone in the state regardless of where they live.

The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day and change seasonally, so you should check the Texas DPS website or call ahead before you go. Wait times are typically shorter on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and longer on Fridays and near the end of the month.

Key Takeaways

  • The Garland DPS office is at 1500 West Avenue D and handles driver licenses, ID cards, and license reinstatements, but not vehicle registration.
  • You can visit any Texas DPS office regardless of where you live, so you may find shorter wait times at a different location.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and any documents related to your specific transaction before you go.
  • You can check current wait times and hours on the Texas DPS website before you visit, and calling ahead can help you confirm what documents you need.

What Documents to Bring to the Garland Office

The documents you need depend on what you are doing. For a new driver license, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days), proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or previous license), and proof of your name if it has changed since your last license.

For a renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed. If you are renewing online or by mail instead, you do not need to visit the office — Texas allows renewals by mail and online for people whose licenses are not suspended and who have no medical restrictions.

For a license reinstatement after suspension, bring your Social Security card, proof of residency, proof of identity, and any documents showing you have paid outstanding fines or completed required courses. The specific documents depend on why your license was suspended, so call the Garland office before you go to confirm what you need.

How to Prepare Before You Visit

Check the Texas DPS website for the Garland office's current hours and any temporary closures. The office sometimes closes for staff training or due to weather, and hours may change without notice on the DPS website.

Call the Garland office at the number listed on the DPS website to confirm that you have the right documents for your specific transaction. Staff can tell you whether you need additional paperwork and can sometimes answer questions about fees. This call takes five to ten minutes and can save you a wasted trip.

Bring all documents in originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or residency. If you are unsure whether a document counts as proof of residency, ask when you call. Some documents like insurance policies or medical records do not count, even though they have your name and address.

What to Expect When You Arrive

When you arrive, take a number from the dispenser near the entrance. The office uses a ticket system, and you will wait until your number is called. During busy times, the wait can be 30 minutes to over an hour, so bring something to read or do on your phone.

When you are called, go to the window and present your documents. The staff member will review them, ask you questions about your address and driving history, and may take your photo and fingerprints. The entire transaction usually takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the window.

You will pay the fee for your license or ID card at the window. Fees vary depending on the type of document and how long it is valid for. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

How Long It Takes to Get Your License After Your Visit

If you are issued a license at the office, you receive a temporary paper license that day. Your permanent plastic license is mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you move before your license arrives, you can update your address on the DPS website or at another DPS office.

If there is a problem with your process — for example, if your documents do not match or if there is a flag on your driving record — the office may not issue your license that day. Staff will tell you what the problem is and what you need to do to fix it. This can add days or weeks to the process depending on the issue.

Other DPS Offices Near Garland If You Want to Avoid the Wait

If the Garland office has a long wait, you can visit another DPS office in the Dallas area. The Arlington office, the Dallas downtown office, and the Plano office all handle the same transactions. Wait times vary by location and time of day, and you can check wait times on the Texas DPS website before you decide where to go.

Some people find that visiting an office in a smaller nearby city — like Terrell or Forney — results in shorter waits. However, you should confirm hours before you drive, since smaller offices sometimes have limited hours or close without notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license without going to the office?

Yes. If your license is not suspended and you have no medical restrictions, you can renew online or by mail through the Texas DPS website. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person. Mail renewal takes longer but is also available.

What if I lost my Social Security card and don't have my number memorized?

You can bring other documents that show your Social Security number, such as a tax return, W-2, or bank statement. If you do not have any of those, call the Garland office before you visit to ask what alternatives they accept. You may need to contact Social Security to get a replacement card first.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Garland DPS office?

No. The Garland office operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a ticket system. You do not need to schedule ahead. However, you can call to ask about current wait times before you go.

What if my address on my license is wrong?

You can update your address on the Texas DPS website without visiting the office, or you can do it in person at the Garland office. If you update online, your new address appears on your temporary license when ready, and your permanent license is mailed to your new address.

Can I get a Real ID at the Garland office?

Yes. Real ID driver licenses and ID cards are issued at the Garland office. You need additional documents beyond a standard license — specifically, proof of citizenship or legal presence in the United States. Call the office to confirm what documents count as proof before you visit.