Where to go for your Waxahachie driver's license

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver's license program in Waxahachie. You will visit a DPS Driver License office to take your written test, vision test, and photo. Waxahachie does not have its own DPS office, so you have two nearby options: the Arlington DPS office at 701 W. Division Street, or the Fort Worth DPS office at 1414 East Pioneer Drive.

Both offices handle the same services and follow the same rules. The main difference is location and wait times, which vary by day and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Texas DPS website before you go, which helps you pick the office and time that works best for you.

You do not need an appointment at either office. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours, though arriving early in the morning typically means shorter waits than afternoon visits.

Key Takeaways

  • Waxahachie residents must visit either the Arlington or Fort Worth DPS office to get a driver's license; there is no office in Waxahachie itself.
  • You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a document proving your identity and date of birth.
  • The Texas DPS website shows current wait times at both offices so you can choose when and where to go.
  • You must pass a vision test and written knowledge test on the same visit; you can take the written test in English or Spanish.
  • If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may have to wait and pay the retest fee again.

Documents you need to bring

Bring three types of documents: proof of identity and date of birth, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Texas residency. A passport or certified birth certificate works for identity. A Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return works for your Social Security number. A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days works for residency.

If you are under 18, you also need written consent from a parent or guardian. The DPS office has a form you can fill out there, but bringing it signed ahead of time moves the process faster. You can read the form from the Texas DPS website.

Bring the originals, not copies. The DPS staff will examine them and return them to you. If any document is in a language other than English, bring an official English translation as well.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 30 multiple-choice questions about Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 21 questions correctly to pass. The test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies on the road.

You can take the test in English or Spanish. The test is on a computer at the DPS office, and you take it right there during your visit. If you fail, you can usually retake it the same day, but you will pay the test fee again.

The Texas DPS website has a free study guide and sample test questions. Many people study this guide for a few days before going to the office. You do not have to study, but most people who do pass on their first try.

The vision test and photo

The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You read letters on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, you wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get your license that day, and you will need to see an eye doctor and come back with proof that your vision meets the standard.

After you pass the written and vision tests, the DPS staff will take your photo for the license. Wear something you are comfortable with — the photo will be on your license for several years. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that covers your face.

Fees and how long the license lasts

A Texas driver's license costs $33 for a four-year license or $66 for an eight-year license. You choose which one when you pay. The DPS office takes cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you fail the written test and retake it, you pay the test fee again, which is included in the license fee.

A four-year license is good until your birthday four years from the date you get it. An eight-year license lasts eight years. You can renew your license before it expires by visiting a DPS office or, in some cases, by mail or online if you meet certain conditions.

If you already have a license from another state

If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the written test again. You still take the vision test and get a new photo. Bring your out-of-state license along with your other documents. The DPS staff will note that you transferred your license rather than earning a new one.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you will have to take the written test. The same study materials explore — the Texas DPS study guide covers the test content.

What to expect on the day you go

Arrive with all your documents and be ready to wait. Even with a short wait time shown online, the actual wait can vary. Bring something to read or do while you wait. The office will call your number when it is your turn.

The staff member will check your documents, ask you questions to confirm your identity, and take your information. Then you will go to a computer station to take the written test. After you pass, you will do the vision test and photo. The whole process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour once you are called, though the wait before that can be longer.

You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks. Use the paper license to drive until the plastic one arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in Spanish?

Yes. The Texas DPS offers the written test in Spanish as well as English. Tell the staff member when you check in which language you want to use. The test covers the same material and has the same passing score regardless of language.

What if I fail the vision test?

You cannot get your license that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a vision correction prescription if needed, and come back to the DPS office with proof that your vision now meets the standard. Bring a letter from your eye doctor or your new glasses or contacts prescription.

Do I have to take the written test if I am transferring from another state?

Not if your out-of-state license is still valid. You will take the vision test and get a new photo, but you skip the written test. If your license has expired, you will have to take the written test like anyone else.

How long does it take to get the plastic license in the mail?

The plastic license usually arrives within two to three weeks. You can drive using the temporary paper license they give you at the office until it arrives. If more than three weeks pass and you have not received it, contact the Texas DPS to check the status.

Can I renew my license by mail instead of going back to the office?

You can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you meet certain conditions, such as having no medical restrictions. Check the Texas DPS website to see if you are may be able to access. If you are not, you will have to visit the office in person to renew.