Where to go for your Waxahachie driver's license

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) runs the driver's license office in Waxahachie. You'll visit the DPS Driver License Division office located at 1015 W. Jefferson Street, Waxahachie, TX 75165. This is the only location in Ellis County where you can take your written test, vision test, and photo for a Texas driver's license or state ID card.

The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours are typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though the office closes for lunch between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. You can verify current hours by calling 972-937-7526 or checking the DPS website before you go, since hours occasionally change for holidays or staffing.

Walk-ins are accepted, but the office can get busy during mid-morning and early afternoon. If you want to reduce wait time, you can request an appointment through the DPS website. Appointments are not required, but they can move you through the process faster.

Key Takeaways

  • The Waxahachie DPS office is at 1015 W. Jefferson Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — originals or certified copies, not photocopies.
  • First-time applicants must pass a written test, vision screening, and road test; you can take the written and vision tests at the Waxahachie office, but the road test may require a separate appointment.
  • The road test is conducted by a DPS examiner and tests your ability to operate a vehicle safely; you must provide your own vehicle, and it must be registered and insured.
  • Renewal and replacement licenses can often be handled by mail or online if you meet certain conditions, so you may not need to visit the office in person.

Documents you need to bring

Texas requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot use photocopies or digital images — bring originals or certified copies issued by the government agency that created them.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization or U.S. Citizenship, a valid foreign passport with an approved visa, a military ID card, or a military discharge document (DD Form 214). If you are under 18, a school photo ID issued by a Texas school may also work, but call ahead to confirm.

For proof of residency, bring a recent document showing your current address in Waxahachie. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank statement, or a government-issued document with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a document issued by the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a Texas ID card, but you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number.

What happens during your first visit

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and provide your documents. A DPS staff member will verify that your documents meet the requirements and enter your information into the system. This step usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.

Next, you will take a vision screening test. The examiner will check your eyesight using a machine or chart. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be referred to an eye doctor before you can proceed.

Then you will take the written knowledge test. The test covers Texas traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, which is free on the DPS website. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 21 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day.

After you pass the written test, you will have your photo taken for your license. The photo will be taken by DPS staff using their camera — you cannot bring your own photo.

The road test and what to expect

After you pass the written and vision tests, you must pass a road test before your license is issued. The road test is a practical driving test conducted by a DPS examiner. The examiner will sit in your vehicle while you drive and will score you on your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions.

You must provide your own vehicle for the road test. The vehicle must be registered in Texas, have a valid inspection sticker, and have current liability insurance. The vehicle must also be in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before the test begins. If the vehicle fails this safety check, you cannot take the test that day.

The road test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will direct you through residential streets, busier roads, and possibly a highway, depending on what is available near the Waxahachie office. You will be scored on starting and stopping smoothly, turning correctly, parking, merging, and following traffic signs and signals.

If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you may need to wait a few days or schedule another appointment. There is a fee for each road test attempt. Check the DPS website for the current fee, as it changes periodically.

Fees and payment methods

Texas charges separate fees for the written test, the road test, and the license itself. The total cost for a first-time driver's license is typically between $25 and $35, but fees vary depending on the type of license and your age. A Class C license (for regular passenger vehicles) costs less than a commercial license.

The Waxahachie DPS office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. Ask at the front desk which payment methods they accept on the day you visit, as policies can change. If you are paying by check, make it out to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must be present and may need to sign documents. Some fees are lower for minors, and some documents may be different. Call the office ahead of time if you are under 18 to confirm what you need to bring.

Renewal and replacement without visiting the office

If you already have a Texas driver's license and need to renew it, you may not need to visit the Waxahachie office in person. Texas allows online renewal for drivers whose licenses are not suspended or revoked and who meet other conditions. You can renew online through the DPS website if your license is still valid or expired for fewer than two years.

If you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license, you can also do this by mail or online in some cases. The process is faster than getting a new license for the first time, and the fee is lower. Visit the DPS website to see if you are may be able to access for mail or online replacement.

If you cannot renew or replace by mail or online, you will need to visit the Waxahachie office. Bring your current license (if you have it) and proof of residency. You will not need to retake the written or road test for a renewal.

What to do if you fail or need to reschedule

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts in Texas. You will pay the test fee again for each attempt.

If you fail the road test, you must wait before retaking it. The waiting period and the process for scheduling a new road test depend on DPS policy at the time. Call the Waxahachie office to ask how long you must wait and how to schedule your next attempt.

If you need to reschedule your appointment or your road test, call the office at 972-937-7526. If you scheduled an appointment online, you may also be able to cancel or reschedule through the DPS website. Canceling ahead of time helps other drivers get appointments sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test in a different city if I live in Waxahachie?

You can take your road test at any DPS office in Texas, not just Waxahachie. However, you must pass your written and vision tests first, and those are usually done at the office closest to you. If you want to take your road test elsewhere, ask the Waxahachie office staff about transferring your test results to another location.

What if I fail the vision test?

If you fail the vision screening at the DPS office, you will be told what the problem is. You may need to see an eye doctor and get a corrective lens prescription or a medical statement before you can retake the vision test. Some people can pass with glasses or contacts; others need medical clearance. The DPS staff will explain what you need to do next.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are accepted at the Waxahachie office, but you may wait longer during busy times. Appointments are free and can be scheduled online through the DPS website. Scheduling an appointment usually reduces your wait time, especially if you go during mid-morning or early afternoon.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass all the tests?

Your temporary license is usually printed on the spot after you pass the road test. Your permanent plastic license card is mailed to your address within one to two weeks. You can use the temporary license to drive legally while you wait for the permanent card to arrive.

What if I moved to Waxahachie from another state?

If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a Texas license without retaking the written test. You will still need to pass the vision screening and road test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Texas, and proof of your Social Security number to the Waxahachie office.